Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food

I need to talk about Wah Fung. It’s on Chrystie Street, it looks like nothing from the outside, and the roast pork over rice costs $4.

Four dollars. In New York City. For a plate of roast pork that is better than it has any right to be.

The char siu is lacquered and slightly sweet with crispy edges. They pile it over white rice with some greens on the side, and every time I eat it I genuinely cannot believe what I just paid. The line moves fast. Get there before 2pm or they might run out.

Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food opened in 1988 and quickly garnered a cult-like following for flavorful roasted meats. The restaurant offers a mouthwatering selection of Cantonese-style barbecue dishes, including succulent roast pork, tender roast duck, and crispy-skinned chicken.

Despite the unassuming exterior, Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional meals at affordable prices. I love bringing out-of-town guests here (especially those from small towns) so they can experience the unique fast-paced feel of the most popular restaurants in Chinatown.