Asian Chao in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you spend time in Atlanta’s major shopping centers, you’ve probably seen Asian Chao in the food court. This fast-casual spot serves American-style Chinese and broader Asian-inspired dishes—think orange chicken, lo mein, and fried rice—designed for a quick, filling meal while you’re shopping or on your lunch break.

This guide walks through where you’ll find Asian Chao in Atlanta, what they typically serve, what to expect on price and portions, and how it compares to other quick options around the city.

Where You’ll Find Asian Chao in Atlanta

Asian Chao locations in Atlanta are typically found in indoor malls and busy retail centers, not as stand-alone restaurants. Specific malls and tenants can change, but you’re most likely to see Asian Chao in:

• Large regional malls in the broader metro area
• Airport or travel hubs with food courts
• High-traffic shopping plazas with other fast-food brands

Because food-court lineups shift, it’s best to:

• ✅ Check the mall’s official directory (online or on-site kiosks) under “Food Court” or “Dining”
• ✅ Call the mall’s main information number and ask if Asian Chao is currently a tenant

For example, in and around Atlanta, you’re most likely to encounter Asian Chao–type concepts at places such as:

• Lenox Square – 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Perimeter Mall – 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30346
• Sugarloaf Mills – 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
• Northlake-area and Gwinnett-area malls and outlets

Tenants change, so always treat these as examples of the kind of place where Asian Chao may be found, not guaranteed locations.

What Kind of Food Does Asian Chao Serve?

Asian Chao focuses on familiar, Americanized Asian dishes that work well as combo plates. The flavors and setup are similar to what you’ll find at other mall-based Chinese or pan-Asian concepts.

Typical Menu Structure

Most Asian Chao counters use a build-your-own-combo format:

• Base:

  • Fried rice
  • White or steamed rice
  • Lo mein or stir-fried noodles

• Main entrees (you choose 1–3):

  • Orange chicken
  • General Tso’s chicken
  • Teriyaki chicken or beef
  • Sweet and sour chicken
  • Pepper steak or beef with broccoli
  • Stir-fried vegetables or tofu (availability varies)

• Side items:

  • Egg rolls or spring rolls
  • Fried wontons
  • Steamed or stir-fried veggies

You’ll usually see steam-table pans displayed behind glass, and you point to the items you want. Staff will scoop your choices into a takeout-style box or to-go plate—handy if you’re rushing between stores, MARTA, or meetings.

Price Range and Portion Expectations

While exact prices vary by mall and time, Asian Chao is generally in line with other food-court Asian spots in Atlanta.

You can typically expect:

• 1-entree combo: Budget-friendly, usually enough for a light or moderate meal
• 2- or 3-entree combos: More substantial and often shareable, especially with kids
• Add-ons: An extra egg roll, drink, or side will bring the total up but still keep it in the fast-food range

In most Atlanta malls, this kind of meal tends to be less expensive than a sit-down restaurant but more than basic fast-food burgers. It’s a common choice for quick lunches, early dinners, or a filling stop on a shopping day.

When Asian Chao Works Well for Atlantans

Asian Chao can be a useful option in Atlanta in a few specific situations:

1. Quick Shopping Break

If you’re at Lenox Square, Perimeter Mall, or any big mall in the metro area, Asian Chao is designed for:

• Fast service – You’re usually served in a few minutes
• Simple choices – Good when you don’t want to browse a huge menu
• Indoor seating – Helpful on hot, humid summer days or rainy afternoons

2. Groups With Mixed Tastes

Because the dishes are very familiar and mild, Asian Chao often works when:

• Some people want Asian-inspired flavors, but not spicy or unfamiliar dishes
• You have kids or picky eaters who like noodles, chicken, and rice
• You’re with coworkers on a quick lunch and need something predictable and fast

3. On-the-Go in the Metro Area

Asian Chao meals are easy to:

• Take back to the office or hotel
• Eat quickly between MARTA rides or airport transfers
• Pack up as leftovers if you’re heading home around the city

How “Authentic” Is Asian Chao Compared to Atlanta’s Asian Restaurants?

In Atlanta, there’s a big difference between mall-based chains like Asian Chao and authentic Asian restaurants in neighborhoods such as Buford Highway, Doraville, and parts of Duluth.

What Asian Chao Offers

• Americanized flavors: Sweet sauces, mild seasonings, crispy chicken
• Limited regional focus: Dishes aren’t tied to a single tradition (like Sichuan, Cantonese, or Thai)
• Fast-food style: Prepared in batches, kept warm in steam tables

Where to Go for More Authentic Options

If you’re interested in deeper regional flavors, Atlanta has many options, especially along Buford Highway and in Gwinnett County:

• Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, and other Asian cuisines in strip malls and plazas
• Sit-down restaurants with regional specialties and broader menus
• Bakeries, bubble tea shops, and specialty groceries

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, it’s useful to think of Asian Chao as:

Both have their place: Asian Chao for speed and convenience, Buford Highway and similar corridors for exploring real depth of flavor and culture.

Navigating Dietary Preferences and Restrictions

Asian Chao does not usually market itself as a destination for specific dietary needs, but here are practical points if you’re in an Atlanta mall and considering it:

• Vegetarian options:

  • You may find stir-fried vegetables, plain rice, or noodle dishes without meat.
  • Some sides like spring rolls may be vegetarian, but recipes vary.

• Vegan considerations:

  • Many dishes use sauces containing animal products or are cooked on shared surfaces.
  • If you need strictly vegan food, it’s safer to ask what’s in the sauce or consider other options in the same mall (e.g., salad spots, certain Mediterranean counters, or build-your-own bowl concepts).

• Gluten sensitivity:

  • Soy sauce and many breaded items typically contain gluten.
  • For gluten-sensitive or celiac diners, Asian Chao may be difficult to navigate safely, especially given shared equipment.

When in doubt, ask the counter staff about:

• Ingredients in a specific dish
• Whether an item is breaded
• Whether any non-sauced vegetables or plain rice are available

Tips for Getting the Most Value at Asian Chao in Atlanta

If you’re grabbing a meal at Asian Chao during a mall run, a few small choices can make a difference:

1. Time your visit ⏱️

• Food-court crowds spike around 12:00–1:30 p.m. on weekdays and afternoons on weekends.
• Going a bit earlier or later often means shorter lines and easier seating.

2. Watch the portion sizes

• A two-entree combo is often more filling than it looks—consider sharing if you’re not very hungry.
• If you’re heading back to work or an event, ask for a lid or takeout container for leftovers.

3. Balance your plate

• Pair richer dishes like orange chicken with steamed vegetables or plain rice if available.
• If you want something lighter, consider one entree with extra veggies instead of multiple fried options.

4. Compare options in the same food court

• Atlanta malls often have several quick-service choices: Mediterranean, burgers, pizza, salads, and more.
• If you’re with a group, everyone can choose their own spot and meet back at a common table.

How to Confirm a Current Asian Chao Location in Atlanta

Because individual tenants in Atlanta malls can change, use this simple process to verify whether there’s an active Asian Chao near you:

For reference, some major mall management offices in metro Atlanta you can call for food court tenant information include:

• Lenox Square Mall Office

  • 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
  • Main phone (listed for general inquiries; verify via their official site or directory before calling)

• Perimeter Mall Management Office

  • 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30346

Contact numbers and tenant rosters can change, so it’s always smart to check the mall’s website first, then call if you need live confirmation.

Is Asian Chao the Right Choice for You in Atlanta?

Consider Asian Chao if you:

• Are already in a mall or shopping center and need something fast
• Prefer familiar, mild Asian-inspired dishes
• Want a filling, combo-style meal you can carry with you

You may want to explore other Atlanta options if you:

• Are looking for authentic regional Asian cuisine or specific dishes
• Have strict dietary restrictions that require more careful control over ingredients
• Prefer a sit-down restaurant experience with table service

For many Atlantans and visitors, Asian Chao ends up being a convenient, no-surprise choice during shopping trips, while the city’s broader dining scene—including Buford Highway and other international corridors—offers deeper culinary experiences when you have more time.