A Guide to the Best Chinese Restaurants in Chinatown, NYC: Feast Your Eyes (and Taste Buds)

New York City’s Chinatown is a culinary haven, offering a vibrant and diverse range of Chinese cuisine that will delight and intrigue even the most discerning palates. With over 100 restaurants to choose from, navigating the culinary landscape can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Fear not, dear foodies, for we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of the best Chinese restaurants in Chinatown, NYC, ensuring that your taste buds are in for a treat.

Din Tai Fung (93 Baxter Street)

One of the most iconic Chinese restaurants in the world, Din Tai Fung, has a outpost in Chinatown, NYC. This Michelin-starred institution is renowned for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other Cantonese delicacies. Try the signature pork and chicken soup dumplings, and don’t forget to order the harmonious combination of pan-seared scallops and foie gras with truffles.

Jing Fong (20 Elizabeth Street)

Jing Fong is a Chinatown institution, offering a wide variety of regional Chinese cuisines, from Sichuan to Cantonese. The dim sum selection is vast, with an array of steamed, fried, and roasted delicacies. Be sure to try the abalone and foie gras dumplings, as well as the delectable BBQ pork ribs.

Golden Unicorn (136 West 28th Street)

This modern Chinese eatery offers a sleek and stylish atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion. The menu showcases innovative twists on classic dishes, such as beef noodle soup, Kung Pao chicken, and lobster fried rice. Be sure to save room for the decadent chocolate lava cake and green tea ice cream.

Hwa Yuan (362 Canal Street)

This family-owned restaurant has been a Chinatown staple for over 30 years, serving traditional Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. Don’t miss the mapo tofu, a spicy and numbingly delicious staple, as well as the stir-fried kung pao chicken with peanuts and chili peppers.

Flying Fish (116 East Broadway)

Located in the heart of Chinatown, Flying Fish offers a modern take on traditional Chinese cuisine, with a focus on sustainable seafood and seasonal ingredients. Try the pumpkin and squash-filled wontons, as well as the delectable Peking duck.

Xi’an Famous Foods (76 Mott Street)

While not a traditional sit-down restaurant, Xi’an Famous Foods is a must-visit for noodle enthusiasts. This casual, no-frills establishment serves some of the city’s best hand-pulled noodles, as well as creative variations like spiced cumin lamb and crispy chicken.

Jade Noodle (107 Doyers Street)

This cozy noodle shop offers a range of regionally inspired noodle dishes, from spicy Sichuan to Cantonese-style egg noodles. Be sure to try the Tianmianmen noodle soup, a hearty and comforting bowl of wheat flour noodles, slow-cooked in a savory broth.

Lucky Three ( Gladstone Place)

This family-owned restaurant specializes in Shanghainese and Cantonese cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood and noodle dishes. Try the steamed fish with ginger and scallions, as well as the pan-fried spare ribs with black bean sauce.

Wu Krai (154 Mott Street)

This humble eatery is a hidden gem, serving a range of traditional and innovative Sichuan and Hunan dishes. Don’t miss the twice-cooked pork, a slow-cooked delight, as well as the numbingly spicy mapo tofu and Szechuan hot pot.

In conclusion, Chinatown, NYC, offers a plethora of dining options to suit every palate and budget. From Michelin-starred institutions to casual noodle shops, this guide has you covered. Take a culinary journey through the flavors of China and discover the best of Chinatown’s vibrant cuisine. Your taste buds will thank you!