Looking for the best Chinatown restaurants in NYC? Well, you’re in the right place!
New York City’s Chinatown is a bustling hub of culture, history, and most importantly, food! From noodle houses to dumpling spots, this vibrant neighborhood offers a culinary journey like no other.
We’re about to explore the best restaurants in Chinatown NYC that you got to make a stop at!
1. Xi’an Famous Foods 西安名吃
Xi’an Famous Food is pure heaven for authentic Chinese dishes. Do not let this counter-serve restaurant fool you! What it lacks in high-end atmosphere, it makes up for with bold flavor.
Their Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger and Liang Pi “Cold-Skin Noodles” are must-tries, offering a blend of spices and textures that are a feast for the senses.
For dumplings, the Spicy & Sour Spinach option is the way to go. Don’t forget to add in some vinegar-spiked chili oil that brings just the right amount of heat!
What to order: Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger, Liang Pi “Cold-Skin Noodles”, Spicy & Sour Lamb Dumplings, Spicy & Sour Spinach Dumplings.
Address: 45 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
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2. Uncle Lou
Uncle Lou in NYC’s Chinatown is a hidden gem offering a blend of traditional and modern Chinese cuisine. With large wooden tables and lazy susans, it’s perfect for family-style dining.
Their Peking Duck is a standout dish paired with the rich hoisin sauce. Other showstoppers include the Eggplant in Yuxiang Garlic Sauce, Braised Pork Belly with Mui-Choy, and Steamed Buffalo Fish with Ginger & Scallion, each bursting with refreshing flavors you can’t find anywhere else!
What to order: Peking Duck, Dim Sum selection, Eggplant in Yuxiang Garlic Sauce, Braised Pork Belly with Mui-Choy, Steamed Buffalo Fish with Ginger & Scallion
Address: 73 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013
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3. Shanghai 21
Shanghai 21 in Chinatown offers authentic Shanghainese meals with cozy, homey decor complete with Chinese lanterns and intricate woodwork.
Popular orders include the Soup Dumpling with Crab Meat and Pork with a seafood flavor that’s rich but mellow; or Black Truffle Soup Dumpling with Pork that is super aromatic!
For an out-of-your-safety-zone dish, try their Diced Chicken in Hot Pepper Sauce! The chicken is served with crunchy vegetables and dressed in a hot pepper sauce.
What to order: Soup Dumpling with Crab Meat and Pork, Black Truffle Soup Dumpling with Pork, Diced Chicken in Hot Pepper Sauce
Address: 21 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
4. Wo Hop
Serving New Yorkers since 1938, Wo Hop presents a nostalgic Cantonese meal with its retro decor and old-school booths.
This cash-only spot is famous for dishes like Roast Pork Lo Mein with tender pork and noodles in a ginger-sesame-soy sauce, and Jumbo Shrimp with Lobster Sauce that’s perfect with rice.
Their crispy Fried Dumplings are a must-try, and the Chinese Omelet, filled with pork and shrimp and topped with oyster sauce, is a standout specialty.
What to order: Roast Pork Lo Mein, Jumbo Shrimp w/ Lobster Sauce, Fried Dumplings, Shredded Beef Szechuan Style, Chow Gai Kew, Chinese Omelets
Address: 17 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
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5. Joe’s Shanghai
One of Chinatown’s most popular spots, Joe’s Shanghai is a must-visit for authentic Shanghainese cuisine. Known for its delicious soup dumplings, meticulously handcrafted by skilled chefs, Joe’s is always packed with people who know good food!
The Crab Meat with Pork Meat Soup Dumplings arrive hot in bamboo steamers—don’t forget the vinegar and ginger! Bite a little piece, slurp the broth, then finish the rest. That’s how you do it at Joe’s Shanghai!
The House Special Glazed Crispy Chicken is also one of the highlights at Joe’s Shanghai. Glazed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, it’s the perfect complement to their famous soup dumplings.
What to order: Crab Meat with Pork Meat Soup Dumplings, House Special Glazed Crispy Chicken, Peking Style Minced Pork Noodles
Address: 46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
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6. Supreme Restaurant
Supreme Restaurant is a top spot for affordable dumplings. Here, you’ll immediately feel at home with all of its simple decoration and friendly service!
Their Peking Duck is an absolute must-have, prepared using a special roasting technique that results in crispy skin and tender meat.
You can also try their Crispy Whole Fish with Pine Nuts, in which the flesh of the fish is shaped like pine nuts, hence the name “Pine Nut-shaped Fish”.
What to order: Peking Duck, Crispy Whole Fish with Pine Nuts, Fish Fillet with Sweet and Sour Sauce, Steamed Pork Dumplings
Address: 100 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
7. Fried Dumpling
Tucked away in a Chinatown alley near the back of NYC’s Civic Center is a little hole-in-the-wall dumpling spot that’s simply called “Fried Dumpling.” This place offers a no-frills experience, focusing solely on the quality of the food.
Their Fried Dumplings are crispy on the outside yet soft and tender on the inside. A squirt of sriracha and a shake of vinegar dumpling sauce and you’re all set.
The Hot & Sour Soup is a must as a side dish, especially when it’s cold outside. They also serve drinks like coffee and tea as well!
What to order: Fried Dumplings, Hot & Sour Soup, Fried Pork Bun
Address: 106 Mosco St, New York, NY 10013
8. Tasty Dumpling
Tasty Dumpling lives up to its name by serving some of the best dumplings in Chinatown. With a simple menu of dumplings, soups, and starters, this casual spot is perfect for a quick bite.
The dumplings are the highlight, especially the Chive and Pork Dumplings, Cabbage & Pork Boiled Dumplings, and Mushroom & Chicken Boiled Dumplings. Pair these with Scallion Pancakes and Wonton Soup for a filling meal.
The Cabbage & Pork dumplings are refreshing and savory, while the Mushroom & Chicken dumplings have a deep, meaty flavor.
What to order: Cabbage & Pork Boiled Dumplings, Mushroom & Chicken Boiled Dumplings, Pork Wonton Soup, Shrimp & Chives Boiled Dumplings
Address: 42 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013
9. Super Taste
Super Taste is a noodle house that offers a variety of Chinese dishes, but it’s their hand-pulled noodles that steal the spotlight. The modern, clean ambiance makes it a comfortable spot for a hearty meal.
The must-try Noodles with Beef in Hot & Spicy Soup feature perfectly cooked noodles in a flavorful broth. Pair them with the Pork House Bao, a light, fluffy bun filled with pork belly and crushed peanuts.
Don’t go home without trying their Hot Sesame Noodle if you want to give your tastebud a spicy kick!
What to order: Noodles w/ Beef in Hot & Spicy Soup, Steamed Pork & Chive Dumplings, Hot Sesame Noodles, Pork House Bao, Soy Bean Paste Noodles, Sichuan Style Dumplings
Address: 26 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002
10. Mei Lai Wah | Wonton Noodle Garden
Mei Lai Wah in Chinatown, NYC, is a classic destination famed for its wonton noodles and nostalgic ambiance.
A must-visit for noodle enthusiasts, their wonton with Shanghai Noodles is the star of the show with thin and slightly crispy noodles paired with delicate shrimp and pork wontons.
It can taste even better when paired with other dishes like vegetables shimmered in oyster sauce, or crispy fried wings.
For a hearty option, try the Sweet & Sour Pork Chop with Shanghai Noodles, which is way more meaty and richer!
What to order: Wonton with Shanghai Noodles, Sweet & Sour Pork Chop with Shanghai Noodles, Rice with Beef Stew & Curry Sauce
Address: 23 Pell St, New York, NY 10038
11. Spicy Village
Spicy Village in NYC’s Chinatown is famed for its Henan-style cuisine, notably the iconic Big Tray Chicken. With a casual atmosphere and wallet-friendly prices, it’s always bustling, even on weekdays.
The Spicy Big Tray Chicken always delivers! The chicken, simmered with potatoes in a spicy sauce of Sichuan peppercorns and star anise is impeccable. Choose to add some hand-pulled noodles, and there you go—a meal for 2 (or even 3).
Don’t forget to grab some Spice Scallion Sauce Dumplings and dip them in the soy-scallion-chili oil sauce to pair with your chicken!
What to order: Spicy Big Tray Chicken, Spice Scallion Sauce Dumplings, Grilled Pepper Chicken, Spicy Lamb Hu Mei
Address: 68 Forsyth St, New York, NY 10002
12. Chang Lai Fishballs Noodles
Chang Lai Fishballs Noodles, once a beloved street cart, now has a permanent spot on Bayard Street in Chinatown. It’s a go-to for budget-friendly, authentic rice noodles, boiled tea eggs, and specialties like curry fish balls and beef tripe, ideal for breakfast or lunch.
Remember, it’s cash only!
Their aromatic Curry Fish Ball stands out, while the Oyster Sauce Fish Ball Rice Noodles offer hearty flavors. Wash everything down with a refreshing Lychee Tea for a complete meal!
What to order: Curry Fish Ball, Oyster Sauce Fish Ball Rice Noodles, Mushroom & Chives Fried Buns, Pork Skin & Radish Rice Noodles, Lychee Tea
Address: 55 Bayard St Store B, New York, NY 10013
13. Mee Sum Cafe
Right next door to the famous House of Joy, Mee Sum Cafe is a quaint eatery famous for its variety of Chinese dishes served in a casual, laid-back atmosphere.
For a simple lunch, order a little box of rice topped with Salted Chicken and a fried egg. Their Roast Pork Bun is also a must-try snack for a quick bite.
Or you can try their famous dim sum, especially the Pork Dimsum, which has a rich umami taste and can taste even better when dipped into their special house sauce!
What to order: Salted Chicken on Rice, Roast Pork Bun, Pork Dimsum, Shrimp Rice Noodles, Meatballs
Address: 26 Pell St, New York, NY 10013
Chinatown in New York City is a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering an array of flavors, textures, and cooking styles that are as diverse as the community itself.
Looking for more recommendations? Well, check out our picks for the best Brooklyn restaurants!