It's time to finally settle the debate: Where can you find the best Chinese food in New York City?
We've searched the internet for real New Yorker reviews for all the best in dinner dim sum, Beijing street foods, and local Cantonese hidden gems, and this is what we have found...
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Vanessa's Dumpling House (East Village)
For some of the best Beijing street food in the city head to Vanessa's Dumpling House, the counter service eatery located in East Village. Always busy, always fresh, and always cheap, Vanessa's will allow you to try Beijing classics like chive and pork dumplings and crispy sesame pancake sandwiches, all for under $3 each. All the breads, fillings, noodles, and soups you will find here are all handmade by Vanessa herself!
- Mission Chinese (Lower East Side)
Originally a San Franciscan treat, Mission Chinese has moved into the Lower East Side and set up camp along East Broadway, the modern and innovative eatery receiving rave reviews from media outlets and locals alike. The NYTimes, Thrillist, and Eater all rank this is a top contender in the Chinese food world of NYC, and once you taste the cumin lamb ribs or kung pao pastrami, you'll easily see why!
- Hakkasan (Hell's Kitchen)
A more upscale option can be found deep in Hell's Kitchen, Hakkasan serving up some of the finest Cantonese cuisines in America. The flagship Hakkasan eatery is in London, though the fare found here isn't a far cry from Londons. Try the wok-fried lobster, stir fry rib eye with truffles, or silver cod with champagne and Chinese honey. Need we say more? Well, probably not, but we should mention that the NYTimes, Zagat, Thrillist, and Michlin Guide have all ranked this restaurant very high on their lists.
- Wo Hop (Two Bridges)
Open in this neighborhood since 1938, this Cantonese classic will serve up some of the very best pan fried pork chops or chicken with oyster sauce you've ever had, and they will even do it until 7 in the morning! This is the perfect late night Chinese craving fix, and the bright no frills service will delight you at any time of day!
- RedFarm (West Village)
RedFarm in West Village is possibly one of the most locally popular Chinese eateries, the more upscale restaurant providing a fun, social, and really delicious dinner option for Chinese food lovers. A must while here is the Katz's pastrami egg rolls, as well as the steamed lobster and bacon fried rice. You can even head downstairs to Decoy and try some of the most fantastic Peking duck you've ever had.
- Xi'an Famous Foods (Greenpoint)
Greenpoint's Xi'an Famous Foods is only one of 10 throughout the city with some of the tastiest and most convenient Chinese food options around. Try the spicy western Chinese chicken or hand-pulled noodles while here, or for a more convenient option grab any of the themed burgers on the go, you won't regret it!
- Buddakan (Chelsea Market)
If you are in the mood to get dressed up and enjoy a more lavish dining experience then head to Buddakan within the Meat Packing District, this fine eatery offering a rich European flair as a backdrop to its rich heritage based cuisine. You can't go wrong with the lobster fried rice, nor can you with the chili rock shrimp. Zagat and 10Best agree!
- Excellent Dumpling House (23rd Street)
Classic Chinese dishes and delicious dim sum fare await at Excellent Dumpling House, a Chinese eatery with a fresh and modern take on popular dishes. Try the pastrami with scallion pancakes or steamed crab meat xiao long bao, both will truly knock your socks off!
If you don't want to have to choose between any of these seriously fantastic options, opt in for the Museum of Chinese in America's (MOCA) Guided Chinatown Food Tour. This 90-minute tour will take you to various stores within the neighborhood and will provide you with 5-6 different samples, from 'The Original' egg roll to delicious easy to carry lamb burgers.
