Top 10 Chinese Restaurants in NYC
By Emily Johnson
Introduction
As a self-proclaimed foodie and a lover of Chinese cuisine, I’ve scoured New York City for the best Chinese restaurants. After trying countless dishes and visiting numerous restaurants, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Chinese restaurants in NYC. From traditional Cantonese dim sum to spicy Sichuan stir-fry, these restaurants offer a diverse range of Chinese dishes that will satisfy any craving.
Interesting Facts
- There are over 10,000 Chinese restaurants in New York City.
- The first Chinese restaurant in the United States opened in San Francisco in 1849.
- New York City’s Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in the Western Hemisphere.
Top 10 Chinese Restaurants in NYC
1. Jing Fong
Jing Fong is a bustling dim sum restaurant located in Chinatown. The restaurant is known for its traditional Cantonese dim sum, which is served on carts that are pushed around the restaurant. Some of the must-try dishes include the har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns).
Personal Experience: I’ve been to Jing Fong multiple times and it’s always a fun and lively experience. The dim sum carts make it easy to try a variety of dishes, and the food is consistently delicious.
2. Xi’an Famous Foods
Xi’an Famous Foods is a small chain of restaurants that specialize in hand-pulled noodles and spicy Sichuan dishes. Their most famous dish is the spicy lamb noodle soup, which is made with tender hand-pulled noodles and a flavorful broth. They also offer a variety of cold dishes, such as the spicy and sour lamb face salad.
Personal Experience: I visited Xi’an Famous Foods for the first time last year and was blown away by the flavors and textures of the dishes. The spicy lamb noodle soup is a must-try, but be warned – it’s very spicy!
3. Joe’s Shanghai
Joe’s Shanghai is a popular restaurant chain that specializes in soup dumplings. The dumplings are filled with hot soup and meat, and are a must-try for any dumpling lover. In addition to the soup dumplings, Joe’s Shanghai also offers a variety of other Chinese dishes, such as sesame noodles and crispy beef.
Personal Experience: I’ve been to Joe’s Shanghai multiple times and it never disappoints. The soup dumplings are always hot and delicious, and the sesame noodles are a great side dish.
4. Mission Chinese Food
Mission Chinese Food is a trendy restaurant that serves innovative Chinese dishes with a twist. Some of their most popular dishes include the kung pao pastrami and the thrice-cooked bacon. They also offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.
Personal Experience: I visited Mission Chinese Food with some friends and was impressed by the creativity of the dishes. The kung pao pastrami was a unique and delicious take on a classic Chinese dish.
5. RedFarm
RedFarm is a modern Chinese restaurant that offers a unique and playful take on traditional Chinese dishes. Their most popular dish is the Pac-Man shrimp dumplings, which are shaped like the iconic video game character. They also offer a variety of other whimsical dishes, such as the Katz’s pastrami egg roll.
Personal Experience: I celebrated my birthday at RedFarm last year and it was a fun and memorable experience. The Pac-Man shrimp dumplings were a hit with everyone at the table.
6. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Nom Wah Tea Parlor is a historic dim sum restaurant that has been serving customers since 1920. The restaurant is known for its classic Cantonese dim sum dishes, such as the siu mai and the egg custard tart. They also offer a variety of other Chinese dishes, such as the roast pork buns and the Singapore noodles.
Personal Experience: I love the old-school charm of Nom Wah Tea Parlor. The dim sum dishes are all delicious, but the egg custard tart is a standout.
7. Han Dynasty
Han Dynasty is a Sichuan restaurant that serves some of the spiciest dishes in the city. Their most popular dish is the dan dan noodles, which are made with spicy ground pork and Sichuan peppercorns. They also offer a variety of other Sichuan dishes, such as the dry pepper chicken.
Personal Experience: I have a love-hate relationship with Han Dynasty – the dishes are incredibly spicy, but also incredibly delicious. The dan dan noodles are a must-try, but make sure you have a glass of milk handy!
8. Shu Jiao Fu Zhou Cuisine
Shu Jiao Fu Zhou Cuisine is a small restaurant that specializes in the cuisine of the Fuzhou region of China. Their most popular dish is the fish ball soup, which is made with tender fish balls and a flavorful broth. They also offer a variety of other dishes, such as the pork and chive dumplings.
Personal Experience: I stumbled upon Shu Jiao Fu Zhou Cuisine while exploring the Lower East Side and was pleasantly surprised by the delicious and affordable dishes.
9. Xi’an Famous Foods
Xi’an Famous Foods makes the list again for their delicious and affordable hand-pulled noodles. Their locations can be found all over the city, making it easy to get your noodle fix no matter where you are.
Personal Experience: I’ve visited multiple Xi’an Famous Foods locations and have never been disappointed. The hand-pulled noodles are always perfectly cooked and the sauces are flavorful and spicy.
10. Spicy Village
Spicy Village is a small restaurant that specializes in spicy dishes from the Henan province of China. Their most popular dish is the Big Tray Chicken, which is a spicy and flavorful chicken stew served with hand-pulled noodles.
Personal Experience: I visited Spicy Village on a whim and was blown away by the flavors of the Big Tray Chicken. It’s a must-try for any spicy food lover.
FAQs
1. What is the most popular Chinese dish in NYC?
While there are many popular Chinese dishes in NYC, some of the most commonly ordered dishes include General Tso’s chicken, lo mein, and dumplings.
2. What is the spiciest Chinese restaurant in NYC?
Han Dynasty is known for serving some of the spiciest dishes in NYC. Their dan dan noodles and dry pepper chicken are particularly fiery.
3. What is the oldest Chinese restaurant in NYC?
Nom Wah Tea Parlor, which opened in 1920, is the oldest Chinese restaurant in NYC.
4. What is the best Chinese restaurant in Chinatown?
This is a tough question, as there are many great Chinese restaurants in Chinatown. However, Jing Fong and Joe’s Shanghai are both popular choices for their delicious dim sum and soup dumplings, respectively.