Top 10 Chinese Restaurants in New York
Chinese Restaurants in USA

Top 10 Chinese Restaurants in New York

Joe's Shanghai

If you're talking about soup dumplings in NYC, Joe's Shanghai is practically a pilgrimage site. Tucked away in Midtown, this place isn't fancy, but it's where you'll find some of the most consistently perfect xiaolongbao in the city. The atmosphere is bustling, loud, and wonderfully authentic – expect to share a table and witness the magic of steaming baskets arriving at every turn. It's the kind of spot where you know the food is the star, and the quick, efficient service ensures you get your fix without too much fuss.

Beyond those glorious soup dumplings (seriously, get both pork and crab & pork!), their scallion pancakes are crispy perfection, and the pan-fried noodles are a comforting classic. This is a fantastic spot for a casual lunch or dinner with friends, especially if you're looking for that quintessential, no-frills Chinese dining experience. Pricing is incredibly reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, typically around $20-35 per person, making it a fantastic value for a satisfying meal in the heart of Manhattan. Locals and tourists alike flock here, so be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours, but trust me, it's worth every minute for those juicy, flavorful parcels of joy.

What Food Critics Say

Diners consistently rave about Joe's Shanghai's iconic soup dumplings, often citing them as the best in the city for their delicate wrappers and rich, flavorful broth. With a strong 4-star reputation, many reviews highlight the bustling, authentic atmosphere, though some mention the service can be brisk due to the high volume of customers. It's universally praised as a must-visit for any soup dumpling enthusiast.

📍 Address: 24 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019

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Nom Wah Tea Parlor

Step back in time at Nom Wah Tea Parlor, a true Chinatown institution that's been serving up dim sum since 1920. Walking into this place feels like entering a movie set – the vintage decor, the red booths, and the classic menu cards all contribute to an incredibly charming, old-school vibe. It's not about carts rolling by here; you order directly from the menu, ensuring everything arrives fresh and hot from the kitchen. This is the perfect spot for a leisurely brunch with friends, soaking in the history while enjoying some truly delicious bites.

You absolutely cannot leave without trying their original egg rolls – they're unlike any other, thick-skinned and packed with savory goodness. Their shrimp and snow pea leaf dumplings are delicate and flavorful, and the roast pork bun is a fluffy, sweet, and savory dream. The pricing here is incredibly approachable, making it a fantastic option for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank, usually around $15-25 per person. It's a beloved local haunt and a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic taste of old New York Chinatown.

What Food Critics Say

Critics and diners alike adore Nom Wah Tea Parlor for its historic charm and classic dim sum offerings, often praising its authentic, old-school atmosphere. With a solid 4.3-star rating, many reviews highlight the unique, thick-skinned egg rolls and the fresh, made-to-order dim sum, though some note it can get quite busy, especially on weekends.

📍 Address: 13 Doyers Street, New York, NY 10013

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Xi'an Famous Foods

If you're craving bold, spicy, and incredibly flavorful noodles, then Xi'an Famous Foods is your go-to. This isn't your typical sit-down Chinese restaurant; it's a fast-casual sensation that brings the unique flavors of Xi'an, China, to the streets of New York. The atmosphere is no-frills, bustling, and efficient, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. You'll find yourself surrounded by locals and foodies alike, all slurping down their signature hand-ripped noodles.

The star of the show here is undoubtedly the Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles – the chewy texture of the noodles combined with the aromatic spices and tender lamb is pure magic. Don't shy away from the spice; it's a key part of the experience, but you can adjust the heat level. Their Mount Qi Pork Hand-Ripped Noodles and Spicy & Sour Lamb Dumplings are also absolute must-tries. Pricing is incredibly budget-friendly, typically under $20 per person for a very filling meal, making it a fantastic option for students, quick lunches, or anyone looking for an explosion of flavor without the hefty price tag. It's a true New York success story, and once you try it, you'll understand why.

What Food Critics Say

Xi'an Famous Foods consistently receives high praise for its authentic and intensely flavorful Xi'anese cuisine, particularly its hand-ripped noodles. With an average 4.5-star rating, reviewers frequently commend the Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles and the bold, unique spice profiles. While the atmosphere is casual and often crowded, diners agree the food quality and value are exceptional.

📍 Address: 81 St Marks Place, New York, NY 10003

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Mala Project

For those who love a customizable spice adventure, Mala Project is an absolute revelation. This spot specializes in Szechuan dry pot, a communal and incredibly flavorful dish where you pick your ingredients, and they're stir-fried with a fiery, aromatic mala sauce. The atmosphere is modern and sleek, a bit more upscale than your average Szechuan joint, making it a great choice for a fun dinner with friends where you can experiment with different flavors and spice levels.

The beauty of Mala Project is the personalization. You choose from a vast array of fresh ingredients – meats, seafood, vegetables, noodles – and then select your desired spice level, from mild to "suicide." The signature mala sauce, with its numbing and spicy "ma la" sensation, is truly addictive. Don't forget to add some crispy rice cakes or wide potato noodles to soak up all that incredible flavor. Expect to spend around $30-50 per person, depending on how many ingredients you load up, making it a mid-range option that offers a unique and interactive dining experience. It's a fantastic place to explore the depths of Szechuan cuisine in a vibrant setting.

What Food Critics Say

Mala Project is highly celebrated for its authentic and customizable Szechuan dry pot, often earning 4.5 stars for its unique concept and bold flavors. Reviewers frequently highlight the quality of ingredients and the ability to tailor spice levels, though some mention it can get quite busy, leading to potential wait times.

📍 Address: 122 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10009

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Buddakan

If you're looking for a Chinese dining experience that's as much about the ambiance as it is about the food, then Buddakan is your destination. Located in the Meatpacking District, this place is pure drama and glamour, with its soaring ceilings, grand chandeliers, and a communal dining table that feels straight out of a movie. It's the perfect spot for a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or an impressive night out with friends where you want to feel transported to another world.

The menu at Buddakan is a sophisticated take on Asian fusion, with strong Chinese influences. Their famous Edamame Dumplings are a must-try – creamy, savory, and utterly addictive. The Crispy Peking Duck is a showstopper, carved tableside, and the Wasabi Tuna Tartare is a fresh, flavorful delight. While it's definitely on the pricier side, with entrees often ranging from $40-70 and small plates around $20-30, the experience, service, and quality of ingredients make it worth the splurge for a memorable evening. It's a place where you dress up, sip cocktails, and savor every moment.

What Food Critics Say

Buddakan is consistently lauded for its stunning, opulent ambiance and its upscale Asian fusion cuisine, often receiving 4 stars or higher. Reviewers frequently praise the Edamame Dumplings and the Peking Duck, noting the restaurant's ability to deliver a luxurious dining experience, though some mention the prices are on the higher end.

📍 Address: 75 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011

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RedFarm

RedFarm brings a fresh, modern, and playful approach to Chinese cuisine, particularly dim sum, in a vibrant, farm-to-table setting. With its rustic-chic decor, communal tables, and lively atmosphere, it feels more like a trendy neighborhood bistro than a traditional Chinese restaurant. It's a fantastic spot for a lively dinner with friends, where you can share a variety of creative and delicious small plates.

The menu here is all about innovative takes on classic dishes, using high-quality, often locally sourced ingredients. Their Pac-Man Shrimp Dumplings are not only adorable but incredibly tasty, and the Pastrami Egg Rolls are a brilliant, unexpected fusion. Don't miss the Crispy Duck Salad or the Three Chili Chicken. While the portions can be on the smaller side, the flavors are big and bold. Pricing is mid-to-high range, with dim sum plates typically $10-20 and larger entrees $30-50, so expect to spend around $50-70 per person for a full meal. It's a place that proves Chinese food can be both traditional and incredibly inventive.

What Food Critics Say

RedFarm is highly praised for its innovative, modern Chinese cuisine and playful dim sum, often achieving a 4.2-star rating. Diners frequently rave about the creative dishes like the Pac-Man Shrimp Dumplings and the Pastrami Egg Rolls, noting the fresh ingredients and lively atmosphere, though some mention the portions can be small for the price.

📍 Address: 529 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014

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Hwa Yuan Szechuan

For a taste of classic, authentic Szechuan cuisine that's been perfected over decades, Hwa Yuan Szechuan is a must-visit in Chinatown. This legendary spot, originally famous in the 1980s and recently revived, offers a spacious and elegant dining room, a step up from many of the more casual Chinatown eateries. It’s a great choice for a family dinner or a meal with friends where you want to explore the nuanced flavors of Szechuan cooking beyond just the heat.

Their signature dish, the Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce, is an absolute revelation – perfectly chewy noodles coated in a rich, nutty, and slightly spicy sauce that you'll dream about. The Dan Dan Noodles are also fantastic, and for something fiery, their Ma Po Tofu is wonderfully aromatic and numbing. Don't be afraid to try some of their lesser-known Szechuan specialties; everything is prepared with care and authenticity. Pricing is mid-range, with most dishes falling between $20-40, offering excellent value for the quality and generous portions. It's a true gem for Szechuan food lovers seeking a refined experience.

What Food Critics Say

Hwa Yuan Szechuan is highly regarded for its authentic and refined Szechuan cuisine, often receiving 4.3 stars. Reviewers consistently highlight the legendary Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce and praise the depth of flavor in their spicy dishes. Many appreciate the spacious and comfortable dining environment, making it a standout in Chinatown.

📍 Address: 42 East Broadway, New York, NY 10002

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Jing Fong

Jing Fong is an iconic dim sum experience in Chinatown, known for its massive, bustling dining hall and traditional cart service. While their original grand space closed, they've reopened in a new, equally vibrant location that still captures the essence of a classic Cantonese dim sum palace. It's a lively, sometimes chaotic, but always exciting atmosphere, perfect for a weekend brunch with a large group where you can sample a huge variety of dishes.

The joy of Jing Fong is the sheer volume and variety of dim sum rolling by on carts. You simply point to what looks good, and it's yours! Must-tries include their perfectly steamed shrimp dumplings (har gow), fluffy char siu bao (BBQ pork buns), and crispy fried taro cakes. Don't be shy to ask the cart servers what they have – it's part of the fun. Pricing is incredibly affordable, with most dim sum plates ranging from $5-10, making it easy to feast for around $20-30 per person. It’s an essential New York experience, especially if you want to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Chinatown.

What Food Critics Say

Jing Fong is celebrated for its classic, bustling dim sum hall experience and wide variety of traditional Cantonese dishes, typically earning a 4-star rating. Diners often praise the authentic cart service and the fresh, hot dim sum, though some note the atmosphere can be loud and crowded, especially on weekends.

📍 Address: 20 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY 10013

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Szechuan Gourmet

When you're craving truly authentic and fiery Szechuan cuisine without any pretense, Szechuan Gourmet is the place to go. With multiple locations, the Midtown West spot is a favorite for its consistent quality and extensive menu. The atmosphere is straightforward and no-frills, focusing entirely on the incredible food. It's a popular choice for locals and those in the know who appreciate genuine Szechuan flavors.

Prepare your taste buds for a symphony of "ma la" (numbing and spicy) flavors. Their Dan Dan Noodles are a perfect starter, and the Mapo Tofu is a classic, rich and spicy with a wonderful texture. For something truly memorable, try the Tea Smoked Duck or the Dry-Fried String Beans. Don't be afraid to explore the menu beyond the usual suspects; there are so many hidden gems. Pricing is very reasonable for the quality and generous portions, typically around $25-40 per person, making it a fantastic spot for a satisfying and authentic Szechuan meal. It’s a reliable choice for a spicy fix.

What Food Critics Say

Szechuan Gourmet is highly acclaimed for its authentic and bold Szechuan dishes, consistently receiving 4.2 stars or higher. Reviewers frequently commend the depth of flavor in their spicy offerings, such as the Mapo Tofu and Dan Dan Noodles, noting it's a go-to for genuine Szechuan cuisine in a no-frills setting.

📍 Address: 242 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019

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Golden Unicorn

Golden Unicorn is another beloved institution in Chinatown, famous for its multi-level dining room and bustling weekend dim sum service. It offers a more traditional, grander setting than some of the smaller spots, making it a popular choice for larger family gatherings or a classic dim sum experience. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, filled with the clatter of dishes and the chatter of happy diners.

Like Jing Fong, Golden Unicorn operates with traditional dim sum carts, allowing you to see and select your dishes as they pass by. You'll find all the classics here, executed beautifully: delicate shrimp dumplings, savory siu mai, crispy spring rolls, and sweet egg tarts. Their baked char siu bao (BBQ pork buns) are particularly good, with a slightly sweet, golden crust. It's a fantastic place to try a wide variety of Cantonese dim sum in a vibrant, authentic setting. Pricing is very affordable, with most dim sum plates ranging from $5-12, so you can easily enjoy a hearty meal for around $20-35 per person. It’s a quintessential Chinatown experience that never disappoints.

What Food Critics Say

Golden Unicorn is a well-regarded dim sum destination, often earning 4 stars for its traditional cart service and wide selection of Cantonese dishes. Diners frequently praise the freshness of the dim sum and the lively, authentic atmosphere, though some note it can get very busy, especially during peak weekend hours.

📍 Address: 18 East Broadway, New York, NY 10002

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