Where to eat Chinese on Christmas

Dig in to a spicy dish at Han Dynasty.

Buddakan
Many Stephen Starr restaurants will be open on Christmas Day, but if Peking duck dumplings and a see-and-be-seen atmosphere are on your wish list, you’re in luck. Buddakan is Starr’s Pan Asian hotspot that has a menu spanning Cantonese, Japanese and Thai cuisines.
325 Chestnut St., 215-574-9440, www.buddakan.com

Sang Kee
With fresh seafood and, of course, that outstanding duck, it’s no wonder both of Sang Kee’s locations — in Chinatown and right outside the city in Wynnewood — are so popular among the locals. There’s even a frequent buyer card that you might want to inquire about, but card or no card, the noodle dishes are enough to make you come back.
238 N. 9th St., 215-925-7532, www.sangkeechinatown.com
339 E.Lancaster Ave., Wynnewood, 610-658-0618, www.sangkeeasianbistro.com

Han Dynasty
All three Han Dynasty locations in Philly — Old City, University and Manayunk — will be open on Christmas. That means you’re probably not too far from a bowl of delicious Dan Dan noodles. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for help deciding what to order: They know what they’re talking about when it comes to understanding the authentic Szechuan spice that Han Dynasty is known for.
123 Chestnut St., 215-922-1888; 3711 Market St. 215-222-3711; 4356 Main St., Manayunk, 215-508-2066; www.handynasty.net

David’s Mai Lai Wah
This Chinatown restaurant is a staple for late-night diners. Fitting, then, that a place open until 3 a.m. on weekdays would be open on Christmas, too. We love the simplicity of David’s: good food, well-priced, in a no-frills setting. Get the Hong Kong wonton soup.
1001 Race St., 215-627-2610

The night before
On Christmas Eve, the Gershman Y will host Kung Pao Klezmer at Joy Tsin Lau restaurant (www.joytsinlauchineserestaurant.com). It’s a family-friendly event for those who want to indulge in Chinese fare a day early. Klingon Klez, a self-proclaimed band of “aliens masquerading as virtuoso musicians” will be there to provide out-of-this-world music.
Tues., Dec. 24
6-9 p.m.
Joy Tsin Lau
1026 Race St.
$48 for adults, $25 for children 12 and under
215-545-4400
www.gershmany.org