The Best of New York · Eat · Chinatown
Where I eat in Chinatown.
In my order, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 10 places.
I have been eating my way through Chinatown for the better part of six years. What started as weekend dumpling runs turned into a full-blown obsession that my wallet somehow survived.
Spoiler alert. This neighborhood has the best cheap food in all of New York City. I will die on that hill.
Where I eat in Chinatown, 2026
- Joe's ShanghaiRestaurant · ChinatownThe xiao long bao here ($8-12 for an order) are the real deal.
- Nom Wah Tea ParlorRestaurant · ChinatownThis place has been serving dim sum for over a hundred years.
- Xi'an Famous FoodsRestaurant · ChinatownThe hand-pulled noodles are thick, chewy, and come buried under a pile of spicy cumin lamb that will make your nose run in the best possible way.
- Wah Fung No. 1Restaurant · ChinatownThe char siu is lacquered and slightly sweet with crispy edges.
- 456 Shanghai CuisineRestaurant · ChinatownTheir soup dumplings are excellent and the crowd is about half the size.
- Ping's SeafoodRestaurant · ChinatownBut the steamed whole fish with ginger and scallion is one of the best dishes I've eaten in this city, period.
- Mei Lai WahBakery · ChinatownThe tops are crackly and sweet and the inside is soft and warm, especially if you get there early.
- Great NY NoodletownRestaurant · ChinatownTheir salt baked anything is worth ordering.
- Bo KyRestaurant · ChinatownThe broth is clear and deeply flavored and the portions are enormous.
- KopitiamCafe · ChinatownThe kaya toast with soft boiled eggs is the breakfast I wish I could eat every morning.
On the map
Where they are.
All in Chinatown.
- 1
Joe's Shanghai
Restaurant · Chinatown · 9 Pell Street
The xiao long bao here ($8-12 for an order) are the real deal.
- 2
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Restaurant · Chinatown · Doyers Street
This place has been serving dim sum for over a hundred years.
- 3
Xi'an Famous Foods
Restaurant · Chinatown
The hand-pulled noodles are thick, chewy, and come buried under a pile of spicy cumin lamb that will make your nose run in the best possible way.
- 4
Wah Fung No. 1
Restaurant · Chinatown · Chrystie Street
The char siu is lacquered and slightly sweet with crispy edges.
- 5
456 Shanghai Cuisine
Restaurant · Chinatown
Their soup dumplings are excellent and the crowd is about half the size.
- 6
Ping's Seafood
Restaurant · Chinatown
But the steamed whole fish with ginger and scallion is one of the best dishes I've eaten in this city, period.
- 7
Mei Lai Wah
Bakery · Chinatown
The tops are crackly and sweet and the inside is soft and warm, especially if you get there early.
- 9
Bo Ky
Restaurant · Chinatown · Bayard Street
The broth is clear and deeply flavored and the portions are enormous.
- 10
Kopitiam
Cafe · Chinatown
The kaya toast with soft boiled eggs is the breakfast I wish I could eat every morning.
Where I eat in Chinatown, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: Where to Eat in Chinatown. My Favorite Spots After Years of Exploring..