12 Best Chinese Restaurants in New York City

Welcome to the ultimate culinary journey through the streets of New York City, where the flavors of the Far East come alive in a vibrant tapestry of taste. 

New York City’s Chinese cuisine is a captivating blend of tradition and innovation, offering many regional dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. 

From the bustling streets of Chinatown to hidden gems in Flushing, this article will lead you on a mouthwatering exploration of dim sum, Peking duck, Sichuan spice, and so much more. 

Get ready to savor the rich, diverse, and best Chinese food in New York City- a city that never sleeps.

Chinatown: A Culinary Wonderland 

Chinatown, an iconic neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, showcases New York City’s diverse cultural heritage. 

It’s a bustling, sensory-rich district where the aroma of sizzling street food and the chatter of enthusiastic locals fill the air. 

Joe’s Shanghai

Address: 46 Bowery, New York, NYC. Get directions.  

Opening Hours: All days- 11 am to 10 pm

One cannot visit Chinatown without experiencing Joe’s Shanghai, renowned for its delectable soup dumplings. 

These delicate parcels of savory broth and succulent meat are a culinary revelation.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor

Outlets: Chinatown and Upper West Side. Get Directions. 

Opening Hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 11 am to 9 pm

Another must-visit is Nom Wah Tea Parlor, a classic dim sum establishment dating back to 1920. 

Don’t leave without trying their crispy scallion pancakes and succulent shrimp dumplings.

Dim Sum Delights

When it comes to Dim Sum, New York City serves up an array of mouthwatering options that amaze your taste buds. 

Jing Fong and Golden Unicorn are standout restaurants that beckon locals and visitors alike.

Jing Fong

Outlets: Chinatown and Upper West Side. Get Directions. 

Opening Hours: Sun to Sat- 10.30 am to 9 pm

This iconic dim sum destination in Manhattan’s Chinatown is a sprawling, bustling restaurant known for its traditional charm.

Jing Fong is renowned for its shrimp dumplings, or “har gow,” with translucent wrappers that cradle plump, succulent shrimp. 

The barbecue pork buns are also a don’t-miss dish. 

Golden Unicorn

Address: 18 E Broadway, New York, NYC. Get Directions. 

Opening Hours: Sun to Sat- 9 am to 10 pm

Golden Unicorn is an elegant and upscale dim sum restaurant in Chinatown’s heart.

Savor the exquisite har gow and siu mai while taking in the grand chandeliers and traditional décor.

Here, you can enjoy a modern take on dim sum classics.

Szechuan Sensations

New York City’s love affair with Chinese cuisine extends to the fiery and flavorful Szechuan dishes. 

Szechuan cuisine is celebrated for its bold and spicy flavors, making it a paradise for heat seekers.  

Han Dynasty

Outlets: 3rd Ave, Upper West Side and Brooklyn. Get Directions. 

Opening Hours: Sun to Sat- 11.30 am to 10 pm

For an authentic Szechuan experience, head to the Han Dynasty, a local gem known for its mouth-numbing dan dan noodles and vibrant dry pot dishes. 

The dan dan noodles are a must-try, with their irresistible blend of savory and spicy, tingling your taste buds in the best way possible.

Spicy Village

Address: 68B Forsyth St, New York, NYC. Get Directions

Opening Hours: Mon to Sat- 10.30 am to 10.30 pm

Spicy Village is the place to be if you’re craving a taste of Szechuan that’s a bit more unassuming but equally sensational. 

Their legendary Spicy Big Tray Chicken is a showstopper fragrant with spices and herbs. 

It’s a dish that exemplifies the essence of Szechuan cuisine: bold, spicy, and unforgettable. 

Noodles and Dumplings

When it comes to comfort food, Chinese cuisine has the perfect answer – noodles and dumplings. 

Two places famous for delivering these beloved dishes are: 

Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles

Address: 1 Doyers St, New York, NYC. Get Directions. 

Opening Hours: Sun to Sat- 10.30 am to 10.30 pm

Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles is where tradition meets taste, making it a must-visit for noodle aficionados.

The menu offers many options, but the Spicy Lamb Noodle Soup is the real star. 

Try the Liang Pi “Cold-Skin” Noodles, a refreshing and unique dish if you prefer something cooler. 

Vanessa’s Dumpling House

Outlets: Chinatown, Williamsburg, and FIDI. Get Directions

Opening Hours: Vary depending on location

Vanessa’s Dumpling House is a charming spot for dumpling lovers. 

Their specialty, the pork and chive dumplings, is a local favorite. These little pockets of goodness are perfectly pan-fried to crispy perfection. 

The sesame pancake sandwiches are another must-try. 

Fusion Fare

New York City is a hub for traditional Chinese cuisine and a breeding ground for culinary innovation. 

Enter the world of Fusion Fare, where Chinese traditions meet modern creativity. 

RedFarm

RedFarm
Image: Twitter.com

Outlets: West Village and Upper West Side. Get Directions. 

Opening hours: Different for each location and vary based on takeaway or dine-in 

RedFarm in the West Village (or Upper West Side) is known for its inventive menu, blending classic Chinese dishes with a playful twist. 

Don’t miss the whimsical Pac-Man shrimp dumplings or Katz’s pastrami egg roll, a delightful collision of Chinese and New York deli flavors.

Mission Chinese Food

Address: 350 E 35th St, New York, NYC. Get Directions. 

Opening hours: Mon to Fri- 9 am to 1 pm; 3 to 6 pm

Mission Chinese Food brings a different fusion, infusing traditional Chinese recipes with the bold, fiery flavors of Szechuan cuisine. 

The restaurant offers standout dishes like the explosive kung pao pastrami and the addictive thrice-cooked bacon. 

Upscale Chinese Dining

For a truly refined dining experience in the heart of New York City, look no further than Uluh and DaDong. 

These restaurants take Chinese cuisine to new heights, offering a combination of exquisite flavors, elegant ambiance, and impeccable service.

Uluh

Address: 152A 2nd Ave, New York, NYC. Get Directions

Opening hours: Sun to Thu- 11.30 to 10 pm; Fri and Sat- 11.30 am to 10.30 pm

Uluh in Manhattan boasts a stylish ambiance that perfectly complements its sophisticated menu. 

This Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its innovative dishes, like the Truffle Scallop Siu Mai, the Snow Pea Leaf and the King Oyster Mushroom stir-fry. 

Hwa Yuan

Hwa Yuan
Image: Wsj.com

Address: 42 E Broadway, New York, NYC. Get Directions. 

Opening hours:  Sun to Thu- 12 to 10 pm; Fri and Sat- 12 am to 10.30 pm

Hwa Yuan, a Chinatown gem with a storied history, offers a luxurious dining experience. 

Renowned for its Peking duck, Hwa Yuan elevates this classic dish to new heights.

The crispy skin and succulent meat, served with traditional sides, make for an unforgettable meal.

Ordering Etiquette for Chinese food

When indulging in the vibrant world of Chinese cuisine in New York City, understanding ordering etiquette can enhance your dining experience.

Family-Style Dining

Embrace the Chinese tradition of sharing. 

Rather than ordering individual dishes, opt for various plates that everyone at the table can enjoy. This way, you can sample a wider array of flavors and textures.

Dim Sum Do’s:

When dining at a dim sum restaurant, observe the carts filled with small dishes. Don’t hesitate to flag down the cart-pushers and choose dishes that pique your interest. 

Ordering multiple rounds of your favorite dim sum items is fine.

Condiments and Sauces

Experiment with the array of condiments and sauces provided on your table. Soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and hoisin sauce can elevate your meal. 

Just be mindful of not overpowering the delicate flavors of your dishes.

Ask for Recommendations

Don’t hesitate to ask your server for recommendations. 

They are often knowledgeable about the menu and can guide you to popular or signature dishes.

Reservations

For popular Chinese restaurants, especially those in Chinatown or Michelin-starred establishments, making a reservation is advisable to secure your spot.

FAQs

1. Does New York have good Chinese food?

Yes, New York City offers exceptional Chinese cuisine with a diverse range of flavors and styles, making it a prime destination for Chinese food enthusiasts.

2. What is the most popular Chinese food to eat in NYC?

In New York City, one of the most popular Chinese dishes is General Tso’s Chicken. 

Other favorites include soup dumplings, dim sum, Peking duck, and Szechuan dishes known for their fiery spices. 

3. What place has the best Chinese food in NYC?

Determining the absolute best Chinese restaurant in NYC is impossible, but some renowned establishments are:
 
• Joe’s Shanghai
• Jing Fong
• Hakkasan
• RedFarm
• Vanessa’s Dumpling House

4. What is the most popular Chinese food in NYC?

The most popular Chinese dish in NYC is General Tso’s Chicken, known for its sweet and savory flavors. 

Other favorites include soup dumplings, Peking duck, and various Szechuan and dim sum offerings.

5. What is New York-style Chinese food?

New York-style Chinese food uniquely blends traditional Chinese cuisine and American influences. 

It often features dishes like General Tso’s Chicken and egg rolls. You can find it in numerous Chinese-American restaurants throughout the city.

6. Are there a lot of Chinese food joints in New York?

Yes, New York City boasts a lot of Chinese food joints, ranging from small, family-run places in neighborhoods like Chinatown to high-end Chinese restaurants in Midtown Manhattan. 

Its Chinese food offerings reflect The city’s diversity, making it a hub for authentic and fusion dishes from various Chinese regions. 

Whether you’re seeking traditional dim sum or modern interpretations of classic Chinese flavors, you’ll find many options to satisfy your cravings.

Featured Image: Nomwah.com

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