The Ultimate Guide to the 10 Best Restaurants in Chinatown NYC

You might think that if we mention Chinatown, we will list all the quality dim sum, noodles, general sous, or sushi joints. Wrong! East Asian cuisines don’t just equate to Chinese, Japanese, and Korean; Vietnamese and even Malaysian dishes are also included in the group. Kopitiam is a must-visit if you want to taste Malaysian cuisine.

Kopitiam is an all-day Malaysian café serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner at an affordable price. It specializes in Malaysian snacks and low-calorie meals. So, if you want a place that can provide quick, simple, and inexpensive food for groups or solo diners, this is one hangout spot you must visit.

Here’s what we recommend trying at this best restaurants in chinatown nyc:

Wop Hop is probably one of the best restaurants in chinatown nyc While it won’t satisfy your midnight cravings, it is still one restaurant everyone wants to visit once.

You can get an idea of Wo Hop’s popularity with the long queues outside waiting for the same thing: to eat authentic Chinese cuisine. You don’t have to be intimidated by the long queue, though. Their service is quick. The restaurant is spacious, so you won’t have to wait long to get a table for you or your squad.

However, do bring cash, as they don’t accept credit cards. At Wo Hop, you can expect the best Chinese food. Do consider:

Visiting Uncle Lou’s restaurant is one of the best things you can do in Chinatown, N.Y.C. It’s a great place to taste authentic Cantonese seafood. This eatery is heaven for foodies wanting something cheap but plentiful tasting.

One step in, and you’ll be met with the fantastic sizzling smell of wontons, juicy garlic chicken, and other kitchen items. The dining area is well-decorated with neon lanterns and foliage.

The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays. You must reserve your table via phone in advance. The restaurant closes at 10 pm E.S.T.

If you want to visit this place, consider trying out:

Chinatown and Peking Duck go hand in hand. It’s a Chinese classic that practically all the best Chinese eateries serve, either restaurants in Rochester or Chelsea eateries in NYC. But if there’s a restaurant that serves the best Peking Duck, it’s the Peking Duck House.

Peking Duck House does things differently than other restaurants in Chinatown, N.Y.C. If you enter any local dumpling house or dim sum spot, you’ll sense a casual vibe with the dining area where hearty discussions continue among friends. But stepping into Peking Duck House, you’ll feel a more formal yet warm air.

While Peking Duck is the obvious go-to, the restaurant offers other Cantonese cuisines for those who want more than just their prime dish. Another great thing besides the duck is its policy. The restaurant allows “Bring Your Own Beer” (BYOB), so you can bring your drinks and share them with friends.

Here is what you should order if it’s your first time at Peking Duck House:

In contemporary times, you can’t even get a subway ride for a dollar. A journey to find out the best restaurants in Midtown, NY, and exploring the Hudson, NY, eateries could cost you around more than what the food’s worth. But what if you could get something savory to eat in Manhattan for only under two dollars, only 22 minutes away? Let us introduce you to Golden Streamer in Chinatown.

This bakery café serves the best-steamed pumpkin buns under $1.50. They also serve a variety of tasty buns with different fillings, including pork and yolk. Everything is fresh, piping hot, and fresh from the oven. Ensure to bring cash, as they don’t accept credit cards.

Check out some buns must-try you should have on your first visit:

Spicy Village is a heaven for lovers of heat and hearty portions. This Chinatown gem serves tasty Chinese flavors at wallet-friendly prices, making it one of the best restaurants in N.Y.C. While you’ll find dumplings and noodles, what truly sets Spicy Village apart is their Big Tray Chicken—an iconic dish you must try.

The Big Tray Chicken features chicken chunks stewed in a rich, spicy sauce loaded with Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and more. For the perfect taste, add hand-pulled noodles. You can also share this platter with two friends. It’s available for $16.

One of the best things about Spicy Village is its BYOB policy. Take a few friends, get your favorite drinks, and enjoy an unforgettable meal. Just note that the space is small, so they can only accommodate groups of six or fewer. The tiny, cozy atmosphere only adds to the charm.

If you do visit, ensure to have one of these as your first order:

Ping’s Seafood is the place to be if you’re a shrimp lover. Located in the heart of Chinatown, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving perfectly prepared shrimp dishes like crispy shrimp balls, delicate har gow, and their signature walnut shrimp. But even if shrimp isn’t your thing, don’t worry—Ping’s has an impressive seafood-heavy menu and traditional dim sum and Hong Kong-style favorites that will leave you satiated.

Since 1998, Ping’s has been a favorite in Chinatown, N.Y.C., for good reason. It’s not just about the food but the whole experience. Imagine dim sum carts rattling around the second floor during lunch, tempting you with dumplings and noodles. And if you come for dinner, the entire dim sum menu is still available—so you can enjoy all your favorite dishes anytime.

The menu is packed with fried crab and garlic eggplant, perfect for sharing with friends or family. Whether you’re dining solo, with a partner, or in a big group, Ping’s has plenty of space to accommodate. Families and regulars have been coming here for years, making it feel like a home away from home. You’ll fit right in as you dive into a feast of slippery rice rolls, saucy chicken feet, and sweet, glazed walnut shrimp.

Here is a food rundown so you know what to order:

Fong On isn’t just the oldest family-run tofu shop in New York—it’s one of the best restaurants in chinatown nyc for those who want a truly unique and authentic experience. Since 1933, this spot has been serving the best tofu since its inception. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, their tofu puddings are a must-try. And with prices under $10 for a small portion, it’s a budget-friendly stop perfect for a light lunch or snack as you explore the area.

Step inside Fong On, and you’ll get a taste of their fantastic tofu and a peek at their tofu-making machinery in the back. But if you’re in the mood to stroll, grab your pudding to-go and enjoy it while wandering around Chinatown or even over the Manhattan Bridge.

As one of the best restaurants in chinatown nyc, Fong On is a true gem, offering a taste of history with every bite. And if you’re ever upstate and craving dumplings or puddings, you might want to explore some of the best restaurants Albany, NY, offers for more local treasures.

Here is what you should order if it’s your first visit:

Potluck Club is where you go for a dining experience that blends Cantonese-American flavors with the cool, eclectic vibes of the surrounding neighborhoods—Chinatown, Nolita, and the Lower East Side. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a place that feels like a love letter to this ever-changing part of N.Y.C. Whether you’re seated at the chef’s counter, tucked into a curved booth, or cozying up at a two-top, Potluck Club is a spot that stands out as one of the best restaurants in Chinatown N.Y.C.

Their signature dish, salt and pepper fried chicken with scallion biscuits and chili crisp jam, is a must-order. This plate alone could keep you returning, but the rest of the menu is just as inventive. It pulls from the rich cultural influences of the neighborhood, offering everything from crispy Berkshire pork potstickers to a Dole Whip dessert topped with bolo bao crumble.

If you’re a fan of thoughtfully crafted, exciting dishes, Potluck Club is the kind of place that will leave a lasting impression. And for those who might find themselves in upstate New York, don’t forget to explore some of the best restaurants in Syracuse for an equally memorable food journey.

Consider getting the following dishes as your first order:

If you’re looking for a lively, late-night dim sum experience, this Cantonese restaurant in the Lower East Side is the spot to be. Known for its bustling atmosphere and delicious Cantonese dishes, this place stands out as one of the best restaurants in Chinatown N.Y.C. Unlike traditional dim sum spots; you won’t find carts wheeling around here, but trust us—everything that comes straight from the kitchen is worth the wait.

Open until 3 am, this Chinatown gem is the perfect place for those nights when you’re craving more than your average meal. The crowd is always a mix of locals celebrating, students from New York University hashing out their latest dilemmas, and late-night dates enjoying a spread of dim sum and Cantonese classics. The restaurant’s ambiance makes it a fun spot to unwind.

Here’s what you’ll want to order: