Chinatown Restaurant Guide: The Best Restaurants in Chinatown NYC

The Best Restaurants in Greenwich Village

Chinatown has an abundance of great dim sum spots across the neighborhood. This quintessential food, reigns supreme in Chinatown's bustling dining scene. Prepare to embark on a whirlwind adventure through a realm of delicate dumplings, savory buns, and steaming rice rolls, each bite a testament to the art of Cantonese food.

Jing Fong

Jing Fong, a beloved institution that recently relocated to a new venue on Centre Street, continues to captivate diners with its iconic dim sum experience. Roving carts laden with pillowy barbeque roast pork buns, delicate siu mai adorned with glistening roe, and an array of delectable morsels beckon you to indulge. Amidst the bustling atmosphere, savor the flavors of tradition while creating new memories.

Golden Unicorn

Embrace the opulence of dim sum at Golden Unicorn, a two-story palace adorned with white tablecloths and graced by the presence of celebratory gatherings. Immerse yourself in the festive ambiance as you savor pork buns, delicate rice rolls, and the signature har gow dumplings, each bite a testament to the artistry of Cantonese cuisine.

House of Joy

House of Joy stands as one of the largest dim sum parlors in Chinatown, offering an authentic experience where plates of rice noodles, pineapple buns, and succulent chicken feet are delivered directly to your table via roving carts. Embrace the excitement of anticipation as you await the arrival of your next culinary delight.

Best Noodle Restaurants Chinatown NYC

In Chinatown, there are hundreds of great Chinese restaurants but in this neighborhood noodles reign supreme, their slurpable strands transcending mere sustenance to become an art form. Prepare to embark on a noodle-centric adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Super Taste

At Super Taste, witness the mesmerizing spectacle of noodle masters as they skillfully hand-p ull and shape each strand into a culinary masterpiece. Indulge in the rich flavors of their signature Hand-Pull Noodle with Beef in Hot & Spicy Soup, where tender noodles and succulent beef mingle in a zesty broth. For a more indulgent experience, savor their hot sesame noodles or the decadent pork bao.

Spicy Village

Spicy Village is a neighborhood institution and one of the best restaurants in Chinatown Manhattan. With its legendary Spicy Big Tray Chicken, a colossal vat of bone-in chicken and potatoes swimming in a fiery chili-oil sauce infused with peppercorns, star anise, and a myriad of spices. Embrace the challenge and opt for the hand-pulled, wide wheat noodles, creating a symphony of flavors that will linger on your palate long after the last slurp.

Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles

Peer through the unassuming blue awning of Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles, and witness the artistry of noodle masters as they meticulously hand-pull and shape each strand before your eyes. Savor the pan-fried noodles with roast pork, where tender, springy noodles and succulent pork mingle in a rich, savory sauce, creating a slurpable masterpiece that will leave you craving for more.

Chang Lai Fishballs Noodles

Chang Lai Fishballs Noodles, a recent addition to Chinatown's culinary landscape, offers a unique take on the beloved rice roll. Indulge in their loaded-up plastic containers of rice rolls, smothered in a creamy medley of soy sauce, hoisin, sesame, peanut sauce, and sriracha, and crowned with curry fish balls, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Best Dumpling Restaurants in Chinatown NYC

You can't have a list of the best restaurant in Chinatown NYC without mentioning dumplings. Chinatown's dumpling scene is a fiercely competitive arena, where culinary artisans vie to create the most exquisite pockets of flavor. Prepare to embark on a journey through the best of the best, where every bite unveils a new dimension of deliciousness. Here are a few of my favorite dumpling houses in the neighborhood.

Tasty Dumpling

Tasty Dumpling is one of the best cheap Chinatown restaurants NYC with their pan-fried dumplings selling for as little as $2. But don't be fooled by the low price, their delicious pork and chive dumplings are some of the most flavourful and filling dishes in the neighborhood.

Shu Jiao Fu Zhou

At Shu Jiao Fu Zhou, prepare to be transported to dumpling nirvana. Their pork and chive dumplings, bursting with juicy fillings and encased in delicate, chewy dough, are nothing short of perfection. Complement your dumpling indulgence with their whole wheat peanut noodles, homemade and bathed in a creamy, nutty sauce that will leave you craving for more.

Deluxe Green Bo

Deluxe Green Bo, a Shanghainese institution since 1982, has mastered the art of the xiao long bao, steamed dumplings filled with a heavenly combination of pork, crab, and rich, savory broth. Savor these delicate morsels, and indulge in their fried "tiny buns," surprisingly generous in size and bursting with flavor.

King Dumplings

King Dumplings, a newcomer to the Chinatown scene, has quickly established itself as a haven for affordable yet generous portions of dumplings. Savor their pork and chive dumplings, boasting a delightful balance of flavors and textures, or indulge in their wonton soup, a comforting bowl of brothy goodness that will warm your soul.

Fried Dumpling

Hidden on a steep side street in the heart of Chinatown, Fried Dumpling stands as a culinary oasis, offering a revolutionary take on inexpensive eats. Savor their Northern-style potstickers, stuffed with pork and chives and adorned with a delightful crispy bottom, or indulge in their vegetarian dumplings, a delightful alternative for those seeking plant-based indulgence.

Best Banh Mi Restaurants in Chinatown NYC

Chinatown's culinary tapestry extends beyond the borders of Chinese cuisine, embracing the vibrant flavors of Vietnam. Prepare to embark on a journey through the best banh mi sandwiches, where every bite unveils a harmonious fusion of flavors and textures.

Banh Mi Saigon Bakery

At Banh Mi Saigon Bakery, the humble banh mi sandwich is elevated to an art form. Savor the BBQ pork sandwich, a masterful combination of a freshly baked baguette, savory pâté, and caramelized pork, each bite a symphony of flavors and textures. Embrace the heat by adding a touch of sriracha and jalapeños, creating a sandwich experience that will forever be etched in your memory.

Nha Trang One

Nha Trang One beckons with the promise of the ultimate pho bowl, where crystal-clear broths, meticulously simmered and infused with an array of herbs and spices, embrace tender noodles and succulent slices of beef or chicken. Pair your pho with a refreshing Thai iced tea, and bask in the comforting embrace of this Vietnamese culinary masterpiece.

The Best Bakeries in Chinatown NYC

Chinatown's bakeries are havens of indulgence, where the aromas of freshly baked breads and pastries dance through the air, beckoning you to surrender to their irresistible allure. Prepare to embark on a journey through the best bakeries in Chinatown, where every bite is a celebration of flavor.

Golden Steamer

Golden Steamer, a beloved institution since 2009, has captivated locals and visitors alike with its fluffy steamed buns, filled with an array of tantalizing fillings. Savor the barbecued pork bun, a harmonious fusion of tender dough and savory filling, or indulge in the pumpkin custard bun, a delightful marriage of sweetness and warmth.

Mei Lai Wah

Mei Lai Wah, a Chinatown institution since the 1960s, has perfected the art of the baked pork bao buns. Savor the golden, egg-washed exterior that gives way to a light and fluffy interior, cradling a caramel-sweet filling of barbecued pork. At just $1.50 per bun, this culinary gem is a steal, inviting you to indulge in multiple rounds of blissful indulgence.

Harper's Bread House

Harper's Bread House, a decades-old institution, stands as a beacon of affordability and quality in Chinatown's bakery scene. Indulge in their hot dog scallion buns, a savory delight, or surrender to the allure of their warm egg tarts, filled with a rich custard and adorned with a bruleed top, a nod to the Macao-inspired treat.

The Best Regional Restaurants in Chinatown NYC

Chinatown's culinary tapestry is woven from the threads of diverse regional Chinese cuisines, each offering a unique perspective on flavor and tradition. Prepare to embark on a journey through the best regional delights, where every bite is a celebration of cultural heritage and culinary artistry.

Hwa Yuan Szechuan

Hwa Yuan Szechuan, a rebirth of a beloved Chinatown institution, stands as a testament to the fiery flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Savor their Beijing peking duck, a masterpiece of crispy skin and succulent meat, carved tableside to ensure peak freshness. Wrap the sliced duck in delicate crepes, adorned with hoisin sauce, crunchy pear, cucumber, and scallion, and embark on a journey of flavors that will linger on your palate.

West New Malaysia

West New Malaysia is one of the most popular Malaysian restaurants in Chinatown, offering a vibrant tapestry of flavors that blend Chinese, Vietnamese, and Cambodian influences. Indulge in their crispy fried prawns with salted egg, a delightful marriage of textures and flavors, or surrender to the allure of their jellied ices, a refreshing respite from the city's hustle and bustle. They also sell classic Malaysian dishes like nasi lemak, sambal, and their unique oyster omelette.

Bo Ky

Bo Ky stands as a celebration of Teochew cuisine, a street food version of this traditionally expensive fare. Savor their Cambodian noodle soup, a rich broth brimming with handmade fish balls, shrimp, and slices of pork, complemented by the fiery kick of their Teochew chili paste. For a truly immersive experience, opt for the thick-cut noodles, and let the flavors transport you to the heart of Southeast Asia.

The Best Of The Rest Restaurants in Chinatown NYC

Some of the best Restaurants in China town are off the beaten path and are tucked away in unassuming alleys and unassuming storefronts. Here a few of the best hidden gems in the neighborhood.

Mee Sum Cafe

Step into Mee Sum Cafe, a Chinatown tea parlor that has stood the test of time since the 1960s. Indulge in their inexpensive dim sum, savor servings of chicken, duck, or pork over steaming rice, or surrender to the comforting embrace of their fragrant congee. For a true taste of tradition, opt for the joong, a leaf-wrapped bundle of sticky rice, a portable delight that has withstood the test of time.

Wo Hop

Wo Hop, founded in 1938, is often listed as the best restaurant Chinatown NYC. As the second oldest restaurant in the area, a testament to the enduring allure of Cantonese-American food. Immerse yourself in the subterranean space, adorned with snapshots of patrons past, and savor the flavors of chop suey, a dish that has withstood the test of time. Indulge in their intensely crispy fried dumplings and savor the rich flavors of their wonton soup, a culinary journey through time.

Great N.Y. Noodletown

Great N.Y. Noodletown, a Chinatown institution since 1981, has garnered a well-deserved reputation for its exceptional roast meats. Savor the succulent roast duck, char siu, and chicken, served over a bed of fragrant rice, or indulge in their wonton noodle soup, a comforting embrace of flavors that has earned the admiration of culinary legends like Anthony Bourdain.

Taiwan Pork Chop House

At Taiwan Pork Chop House, the humble pork chop is elevated to an art form. Savor the epic, thin-cut pork chops, glazed with a sweet and savory coating, or surrender to the allure of the bulbous chicken leg, briny and delicious, both served with abundant portions of rice and pickled mustard greens. Prepare to embark on a journey of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

The Best Dessert Spots in Chinatown NYC

The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory stands as a beloved institution, offering a harmonious fusion of classic American ice cream parlor flavors and Asian-inspired delights. Indulge in the zen butter ice cream, a nutty masterpiece of peanut butter and toasted sesame seeds, or surrender to the allure of the lychee sorbet, a refreshing burst of tropical flavors.

Mango Mango Dessert

Nestled in the bustling streets of Chinatown, NYC, Mango Mango Dessert is a delightful haven for dessert enthusiasts. Known for its innovative and refreshing mango-themed treats, this dessert shop offers a vibrant menu that includes everything from mango pancakes and mango sago to exotic mango mille crepe cakes. Each dish is meticulously crafted, using fresh, high-quality ingredients that highlight the natural sweetness and rich flavor of ripe mangoes. The cozy and inviting atmosphere, coupled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly prepared desserts, creates the perfect spot for a sweet escape. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit to Mango Mango Dessert promises a delectable experience that caters to both the eye and the palate.

Buddha Bodai

Buddha Bodai, a kosher and plant-based haven, offers a delightful twist on traditional desserts. Indulge in their fried sticky rice, a delicate puff of dough that dances on your palate, or surrender to the allure of their seitan-based "bbq meat," a confusing yet delightful amalgamation of flavors and textures that will leave you questioning the boundaries of plant-based indulgence.

Conclusion: Your guide to the best places to eat in Chinatown NYC

So there you have it folks, there's my full list of the best places to eat in Chinatown NYC. There are so many to choose from but you really can't go wrong choosing any of the restaurants in Chinatown NYC. If you're a foodie and want to experience the best food Chinatown has to offer, consider booking one of our Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tours. We offer tours multiple times a week and we'll show you the best Chinatown and Little Italy eateries!