They always show up in a favorite list, but the best?

You tell me. Do you agree or disagree that Empire Kitchen in Portland has Maine's best Chinese food?

LoveFood picked the best Chinese restaurants in every state, and for Maine, it was Empire Kitchen. Don't get me wrong, I love Empire. I supported them when they were only takeout and have tried to support them since they reopened the dining room. I say "tried to support them" because I can never get in. Yes, they are very popular. They have been on my favorite list of Chinese places for a long time. Getting a ton of takeout is how I usually roll.

How was Empire Kitchen picked as the best?

LoveFood sought out the most highly-rated Chinese places in each state. And for Maine, that was Empire Kitchen. This is how they described it in part:

This stylish dim sum restaurant serves what many locals describe as the tastiest Chinese food around, with customers raving that the bao and other dishes are simply perfection. The ramen bowls are bone-warming favorites, and there are good vegan and gluten-free options.

This has been my go-to since Oriental Table closed.

I still haven't found scallion pancakes that tasted quite like the ones here. But Oriental Table closed in 2013. That's just about the time that Empire Kitchen popped open on Congress Street. In the 10 years that they have been open, they have become hugely popular. You know that if you've ever tried ordering takeout there, it will be hours before you see your food.

But is it the best in Maine? There are a lot of amazing Chinese food restaurants. What's your favorite?