Manhattan's Chinatown enjoys the distinction of being home to the highest concentration of Chinese people in the Western Hemisphere. Despite its now smaller size than the Brooklyn and Queens Chinatown enclaves, this neighborhood continues to be a prominent cultural force in the Chinese Diaspora. This Chinatown is also well-regarded for its unique and legitimate array of restaurants. Next time you’re in the area, satisfy your cravings with these NYC Chinatown favorites which offer something for everyone to enjoy!
Xi’an Famous Foods
This Bayard Street storefront is ideal for grabbing a quick bite to eat and enjoying the intimate, casual ambiance. All dishes are prepared by chefs with extensive knowledge on preparing authentic Chinese cuisine so you can be sure you’re getting the real deal on whatever you order! If you’re visiting for the first time, the Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles are a go-to meal that won’t disappoint. You’ll get generous portions for a great value.
King Dumplings
You may have to look twice to find it at first, but King Dumplings is the perfect, wallet-friendly place to find phenomenal eats on short notice. The vibes here are very lowkey and unassuming, and the interior graffiti on the walls adds to the gritty, urban feel of this cozy hole-in-the-wall. An abundance of piping hot, fresh, juicy dumplings awaits your arrival. They also serve great noodles, and even sesame pancakes for breakfast lovers. The restaurant is cash-only so be sure have some money with you.
Joe’s Shanghai
This popular location doesn’t disappoint with its quick efficient service coupled with traditional Shanghainese dining options. The signature dish, Soup Dumplings, are a mouth-watering must-try highly favorited amongst food critics and locals alike. Joe’s Shanghai doesn’t accept reservations and only takes cash, but there is an ATM machine provided inside.
Noodle Village
Established in 2008, Noodle Village has distinguished itself as the fashionable place to be for all your Hong Kong-inspired, noodle-related needs. In its earliest days, the restaurant leaned on culinary experts from Hong Kong who have since passed down their cooking methods to ensure Noodle Village’s long-lasting favorability. This Chinatown treasure only deals in authentic preparation techniques, which shine through in their savory wantons, soup dumplings and beef brisket meals.
Shanghai 21
Another Shanghai specialty in the heart of Chinatown, the food here is masterfully crafted from the highest-quality ingredients and served with all the skill and professionalism of a seasoned establishment. You can never go wrong with Lo Mein topped with your choice of Protein- in the form of chicken, pork, or beef-, Seafood, or a combination of the two. Shanghai 21 is open weekdays and weekends from 11:00 am – 8:30 pm.
Wo Hop
This award-winning, no-frills restaurant is one of the oldest Chinese food establishments on the scene. If you’re in the mood for classic a sit-down experience with old-style, chop-suey Chinese cuisine then be sure to visit Wo Hop! Three generations of business going all the way back to 1938 have perfected the art of Cantonese fare with an American flair. Be sure to bring cash and an empty stomach.
Uncle Lou
Uncle Lou’s is the brainchild of longtime Chinatown resident Louis Wong. Lou’s combines a menu exemplifying intergenerational influences with a contemporary feel that contributes a fresh, reimagined experience to the neighborhood. Uncle Lou’s tends to draw a crowd so booking reservations or aiming to get there during the evening on a weekday or weekend would be best.
