There are some restaurants in Cincinnati that stand out and are difficult to miss… and then there are those that you never knew existed. These unassuming dining spots often reveal themselves to be wonderful hidden gems that have quietly persisted for decades. One such spot in downtown Cincinnati is Yum Yum Chinese Restaurant. Located on Race Street, this hole-in-the-wall Chinese eatery has been a Cincinnati institution for over 40 years, and despite its under-the-radar nature, it manages to carry on its tradition.

Located on Race Street in the heart of downtown, Yum Yum Chinese Restaurant first opened its doors in the 1970s. It made the news as Cincinnati's first Szechuan-style restaurant, and not much has changed since opening day over 40 years ago.
Google/Travis Estell
The restaurant is owned by the same couple that first opened it; one handles the cooking and the other takes care of the diners. The dining room is nostalgic and straight out of the 70s, but remains a friendly and intriguing spot to enjoy a meal.
Google/Steven Reichardt
If you're looking for beautifully printed menus and a fine dining experience, you won’t find them here; however, if you want to order from a well-loved menu and try some authentic Chinese fare, Yum Yum is your spot.
Google/Hideki Scherb

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You can choose from a number of dishes, and you're able to decide how spicy your meal will be. Order an individual item, or take a friend and split a dinner for two, which includes egg rolls, hot & sour soup, jumbo shrimp, and YumYum’s Ding Dong Chicken.
Google/Hideki Scherb
Szechuan-style cuisine is known for its heat, so be sure to specify if you want things more on the mild side. Also, expect your experience here to move at a slower pace than other restaurants, as everything seems to slow down when you walk through the doors (in a good way).
Google/Hideki Scherb
Wrap up your meal with a fortune cookie and be sure to take time looking around the restaurant. There are pictures from diners throughout the decades, as well as other collectibles and relics.
Google/Hideki Scherb
Yum Yum is as unassuming as it gets. The restaurant has limited hours that seem to fluctuate frequently, and they only accept cash, so come prepared. This hole-in-the-wall Chinese eatery is such an institution in Cincinnati, you won’t mind the extra effort it can take to experience it.
Google/Hideki Scherb

Yum Yum Chinese Restaurant is located at 909 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Again, its hours are a little unpredictable, but it is typically open Wednesday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Yum Yum may not be at the height of its popularity, but the authentic charm and delicious food that originally gained the attention of locals still exist, making this classic hole-in-the-wall is worthy of a visit. Did you know about this hidden gem in downtown Cincinnati? Did you visit it in the 70s or 80s? Share your experience with us in the comments!

And for another Chinese restaurant in our area that’s worth visiting, check out our previous article here.

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