Chef Lee's Element
$$ • Asian Fusion, Szechuan, VeganAbout Chef Lee's Element
Customers' Favorites
Winding Dragon Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
sliced beef and ox tongue 夫妻香肺片
Yu - Shiang Eggplant 鱼香茄子
Steamed Shrimp with Garlic Sauce
Fish Fillet w Chili 剁椒鱼排
Stir-Fried Rice with Soy Sauce
Hot and Sour Soup 酸辣汤
Twice Cooked Pork and Rib
Hot & Sour Soup 酸辣汤
Sauerkraut Fish 酸菜鱼
Chef Lee's Element Reviews
277 ratings
Share your opinion about Chef Lee's Element
My wife and I are from southwest of China. I would say Chef Lee's Element makes the best and the most authentic southwest Chinese dishes in DC area. We've tried almost every dish and it never lets us down.
For the service, I want to thank Micheal for his kind and wonderful service, he is always smiling and talkative and gives his nice recommendations of the dishes.
We go there almost every week.
For the service, I want to thank Micheal for his kind and wonderful service, he is always smiling and talkative and gives his nice recommendations of the dishes.
We go there almost every week.
The Chinese grilled fish is good
This is an amazing restaurant. Service is awesome! Food is fantastic! Strongly recommended!!!
Hours
| Monday | 11AM - 9:30PM |
| Tuesday | 11AM - 9:30PM |
| Wednesday | 11AM - 9:30PM |
| Thursday | 11AM - 9:30PM |
| Friday | 11AM - 10PM |
| Saturday | 11AM - 10PM |
| Sunday | 11AM - 9:30PM |
Chef Lee's Element is a restaurant in Gaithersburg, Maryland, highly regarded for its Szechuan cuisine. Known for its reasonable prices and tasteful, reliable dishes, it is frequently ordered for takeout in the DMV area. The menu offers a variety of options, with standout choices including Dragon Eggplant, Sweet and Sour Duck with onions and pancakes, Yu Xiang Pork, and Minced Pork with Pickled Beans. For those familiar with "mala" flavors, Chef Lee's Element is especially recommended, as it delivers an authentic, spicy, and delicious Szechuan dining experience.
The restaurant has recently undergone a renovation, enhancing its cozy atmosphere with warm wood decor, soft lighting, and lantern-style fixtures, creating a relaxed, modern feel. Guests appreciate the clean and comfortable space where the freshly cut greens in the soup can be smelled, and the meat is tender and rich with flavorful sauces. It remains a popular spot for Chinese comfort food, and the staff, including friendly servers like Angel, Marcia, and Lily, are praised for their helpfulness and attentiveness.
The dishes are reasonably priced with generous portions, making it a great choice for many customers. The menu includes some American-style items like fried pigs feet, and takeout options like combination fried rice with beef, white meat chicken, and shrimp—without pork. They also offer a second fried rice with XO, though what XO is remains a mystery. Overall, guests enjoy the authentic experience, the improved flavors, and look forward to returning.