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The Ultimate Guide to the 10 Best Restaurants in Chinatown NYC

If you ask anyone in New York City (N.Y.C.) what they would order if they wanted something tasty yet affordable dish for a big group, most would answer Chinese food without hesitation. Chinese or East Asian cuisines (summing up Korean, Japanese, and Cantonese dishes) more or less check all these boxes. 

The best part of East Asian Cuisine is that you don’t have to travel far for a joint that serves Chinese dumplings or Korean Barbecue. They’re located on every corner of N.Y.C.

While you can dine there, if you want a more authentic East Asian experience, come to Chinatown. There’s even a song that confirms that.

The lower Manhattan stretch is a bustling hot spot of East Asian cuisine and culture. It has by far the largest concentration of East Asians in the Western Hemisphere who lived there between the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it remains a cultural force for the Chinese diaspora.

Returning to food, there’s no denying that Chinatown is home to the city’s best dim sum spots, dumpling houses, and noodle stands. With such a high number of eateries, picking one can become frustrating. That’s where Explore New York Now blogs can help you. Our blogs may help you find the best restaurants in chinatown nyc, where you can get authentic East Asian cuisines. From egg-fried rice to pork buns, we cover food, culture, ambiance, and everything.

10 Best Restaurants in Chinatown NYC

1. Kopitiam

Kopitiam

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:

  • Nasi Lemak: This fragrant Malay rice dish is cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves. It is often served with sambal (spicy chili sauce), fried anchovies, peanuts, and hard-boiled eggs.
  • Pan Mee Soup: This is a famous Malaysian noodle soup with thin egg noodles in a flavorful broth. It is often served with toppings like minced meat, mushrooms, and vegetables.
  • Oh Chien: It’s a fried dish prevalent in Chinese culture. It’s commonly made with fish, vegetables, or eggs dipped in batter and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
  • Location: 151 East Broadway, New York, NY, 10002, U.S.A.
  • Known For: Authentic Malaysian Cuisine

2. Wo Hop

Wo Hop

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:

  • Fried Dumpling: Crispy, golden-brown pockets filled with savory pork, a must-try appetizer at Wo Hop.
  • Green Beans with Black Bean Sauce: Fried green beans with a flavorful black bean sauce, a delicious and nutritious side dish.
  • Fried Rice: Perfectly cooked rice with your choice of protein.
  • Location: 17 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, United States
  • Known For: Chinese Snacks and Meals

3. Uncle Lou

Uncle Lou

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:

  • HK-style Char Siu Lo Mein: This Cantonese noodle dish features tender and flavorful barbecued pork (char siu) stir-fried with egg noodles, vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce.
  • Half Chenpi Duck: A traditional Cantonese dish with a duck marinated with orange peel (chenpi) and roasted to perfection.
  • Garlic Chicken: This is a simple yet satisfying dish in which chicken is stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and other aromatics.
  • Location: 73 Mulberry Street, New York City
  • Known For:  Authentic Cantonese Cuisine

4. Peking Duck House

Peking Duck House

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:

  • Peking Duck: This is the obvious go-to. The duck is air-dried and slow-roasted, giving it crispy skin and amazingly juicy meat.  
  • General Tso’s Chicken: This popular Chinese-American dish features crispy, deep-fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. 
  • Twin Lobster with Ginger and Scallions: A Cantonese dish featuring two whole lobsters cooked in a flavorful sauce made with ginger, scallions, and other aromatics.
  • Location: 28 Mott St A, New York, NY 10013, United States
  • Known For: Cantonese Peking Duck and Adventurous Fare

5. Golden Steamer

Golden Steamer

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:

  • Roast Pork Bun: This is a Chinese bakery favorite filled with savory roasted pork called Char Siu Bao.
  • Salted Egg Yolk Bun: It’s filled with a sweet and sour egg yolk filling.
  • Pumpkin Custard Bun: A soft and fluffy bun filled with sweet and creamy pumpkin custard.
  • Location: 143-A Mott St, New York, NY 10013
  • Known For: Chinese Stuffed Buns

6. Spicy Village

Spicy Village

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:

  • Spicy Big Tray Chicken: This signature dish is exactly what it sounds like—spicy chicken with a rich chili-oil sauce. Cilantro helps balance the heat, and the hand-pulled noodles take this dish to the next level.
  • Pancakes: Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside; these fluffy pancakes are filled with pork, beef, or egg. Our top pick is the pork, but any of these options are perfect for soaking up leftover sauces.
  • Spicy Scallion Sauce Dumplings: These dumplings are an ideal appetizer. They come in a soy-scallion-chili oil sauce that complements the pancakes for dipping.
  • Location: 68 Forsyth St B, New York, NY 10002, United States
  • Known For: Authentic Spicy Chinese Cuisines

7. Ping’s Seafood

Ping's Seafood

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:

  • Crispy Shrimp Balls: These are a game-changer. Crunchy on the outside, soft and bouncy on the inside, and bursting with shrimp flavor. You won’t be able to stop at just one.
  • Har Gow: A dim sum classic, Ping’s har gow is all about the shrimp. Wrapped in a delicate, steamed dough, these dumplings are a must-have, whether you’re grabbing them from the cart or ordering à la carte.
  • X.O. Stir-Fried Noodle Rolls: Salty, crunchy, and with a slight kick of chili, these stir-fried noodle rolls are a perfect dish to share. You’ll love the texture and flavor contrast they bring to your meal.
  • Location: 22 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, United States
  • Known For: Seafood Heavy Cantonese Dishes

8. Fong On

Fong On

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:

  • Tofu with Toppings: The combinations of toppings for plain tofu are endless. We recommend trying taro balls, grass jelly, and red beans topped with brown sugar syrup. The mix of soft tofu, chewy taro, and jiggly jelly will make this one of the most flavorful snacks you’ve ever had.
  • Savory Tofu Pudding: If you’re walking through Chinatown with $10 and need something comforting yet delicious, this is your order. The sesame oil-soaked tofu pudding comes with crunchy bits like dried shrimp, fried shallots, and pickled radish, giving you an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite.
  • Location: 81 Division St, New York, NY 10002, United States
  • Known For: Savory Tofu Cuisines

9. Potluck Club

Potluck Club

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:

  • Salt and Pepper Chicken and Biscuits: If you get only one thing, let it be this. The scallion biscuit is buttery and tender, the chili jam adds spice and sweetness, and the fried chicken is perfectly crispy. This dish has become a crowd favorite.
  • Endive Salad: This colorful endive salad is more than just pretty—it’s a delicious mix of sweet and savory, with dragon fruit, bitter lettuce, and grated pecorino. It’s a fresh and unique take on a classic that you’ll want to try.
  • Jellyfish Tiger Salad: The jellyfish and Chinese celery mix create a crunchy salad with a tangy sesame vinaigrette. It’s a delightful starter, perfect if you’re looking for something different.
  • Location: 133 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002, United States
  • Known For: Cantonese-American Cuisine

10. Dim Sum Palace

Dim Sum Palace

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:

  • Har Gow: No dim sum experience is complete without Har Gow, and they make it perfectly here. The shrimp dumplings are fresh, tender, and packed with flavor. It’s one of the reasons this place is one of the best restaurants in Chinatown, N.Y.C.
  • Shredded Duck Spring Rolls: These crispy, savory spring rolls are a great way to kick off your meal. The shredded duck inside is tender and flavorful, giving the dish a satisfying crunch and richness.
  • Crispy Short Rib: This dish is a standout—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. It’s the kind of thing you’ll crave long after the meal.
  • Location: 27 Division St, New York, NY 10002, United States
  • Known For: Cantonese Classics

Final Note

Chinatown, N.Y.C., is a culinary treasure trove, offering a diverse range of East Asian and Chinese cuisines that will tantalize your taste buds. From authentic Malaysian flavors at Kopitiam to the iconic Peking Duck at Peking Duck House, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find it all in this vibrant neighborhood whether you’re craving dim sum, noodles, or spicy Sichuan dishes. With countless food options, exploring the best restaurants in chinatown nyc is an adventure for any food lover.

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