Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in Chinatown
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in Chinatown
1. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
A century-old tea parlor tucked on atmospheric Doyers Street, serving dim sum a la carte in a retro dining room. Expect classics like shrimp rice rolls, turnip cakes, and almond cookies alongside hot teas.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a living slice of Chinatown history where you can taste timeless dim sum without the cart chaos.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays before noon to avoid peak brunch lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the Original Egg Roll and a pot of chrysanthemum tea; ask for a window seat to watch life on Doyers Street’s “Bloody Angle.”
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the nostalgic vibe and reliable dim sum staples, noting a wait that feels worth it.
2. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Family-run scoop shop famed for inventive flavors like lychee, black sesame, and durian. A sweet finish or refreshing pit stop between savory feasts.
✓ Why Go:
Signature Asian-inspired flavors you won’t find elsewhere, all made in-house and perfect for strolling Bayard Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon or evenings, especially on warm days.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about seasonal or rotating flavors; take your cone to nearby Columbus Park for a classic neighborhood moment.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently praised for creamy texture and bold, true-to-fruit flavors with friendly, fast-moving service.
3. Joe’s Shanghai
Home of NYC’s most famous soup dumplings, this Bowery stalwart delivers steaming baskets of pork or crab-pork xiao long bao plus Shanghainese comfort dishes.
✓ Why Go:
For many, this is the city’s essential soup-dumpling experience—ritualized, loud, and delicious.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon between lunch and dinner to minimize the queue.
✓ Insider Tip:
Nibble a small hole, slurp the broth, then add black vinegar and ginger before eating—your shirt will thank you.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for signature dumplings and brisk service; diners accept the crowds as part of the fun.
4. Great N.Y. Noodletown
Late-night cornerstone known for shimmering roast ducks in the window, wonton noodle soup, and garlicky stir-fried chives.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the move when cravings hit after hours—pure Cantonese comfort with no-frills charm.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late night for the full bustling, neon-lit experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for ginger-scallion sauce on the side for roast meats; pair with a simple bowl of wonton noodle soup.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans rave about consistent flavors and speed, calling it a Chinatown classic for night owls.
5. Dim Sum Go Go
Modern dim sum house with a menu-based system (no carts) and delicate, colorful dumplings made to order.
✓ Why Go:
Ideal for dim sum first-timers and vegetarians, with clear menus and thoughtful dumpling flights.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or early lunch for quicker seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the chef’s sampler to taste a range of dumplings; don’t skip the chicken feet if you’re adventurous.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors applaud the fresh, less-greasy feel and easy ordering, noting clean flavors and good value.
6. Hwa Yuan Szechuan
Revived legend of Chinatown with bold Sichuan flavors, refined plating, and a sprawling menu anchored by sesame noodles and mapo tofu.
✓ Why Go:
A polished sit-down option to balance casual eats—spice lovers and groups find plenty to celebrate.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Dinner, especially for sharing multiple dishes family-style.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start with cold sesame noodles, then level up spice-wise with dry-fried dishes; ask staff for heat guidance.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Celebrated for nostalgia-meets-quality, with many calling it a must for a full Chinatown itinerary.
7. Mei Lai Wah Bakery
Old-school bakery turning out legendary baked roast pork buns, pineapple buns, and strong milk tea from morning till late.
✓ Why Go:
Quick, inexpensive, and deeply satisfying—perfect breakfast or grab-and-go snack between stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings for the freshest buns right out of the oven.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the baked (not steamed) pork bun and a silky milk tea; grab extras for later.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowd favorite for speed and flavor, with constant praise for the char siu filling and pillowy dough.
8. Ten Ren Tea
A cornerstone tea shop with walls of oolong, jasmine, and pu-erh plus a bubble tea counter for immediate sipping.
✓ Why Go:
Stock up on high-quality loose leaf and learn from tea-savvy staff while you fuel up with a customizable milk tea.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-afternoon when the shop is calm enough to sample and chat.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask to smell a few oolongs before buying; order 50% sugar and less ice to taste the tea.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the knowledgeable staff and balanced drinks, calling it a dependable tea stop.
9. Po Wing Hong Food Market
Well-stocked grocer specializing in dried seafood, Chinese sausages, pantry staples, and snacks for culinary souvenirs.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for food nerds looking to bring Chinatown flavors home—lap cheong, sauces, and spices under one roof.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening before dinner rush for easier browsing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff for cooking tips on dried scallops or mushrooms; they’ll steer you toward the right grades.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for variety and fair prices, with many repeat shoppers stocking up on essentials.
10. Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles
Tiny noodle house where dough is slapped, stretched, and cut to order for chewy bowls of beef noodle soup and stir-fries.
✓ Why Go:
Hand-pulled and knife-cut noodles deliver texture and soul—comfort food at Chinatown’s core.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch or late night to avoid the tightest squeeze.
✓ Insider Tip:
Choose knife-cut for extra chew; add house chili oil and black vinegar to customize your broth.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Highly regarded for value and bite of the noodles; expect a line and quick turnover.
