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The 10 best restaurants in Chinatown to check out right now

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/04 .. aurants-in-chinatown-to-check-out-right-now.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 15:39 GMT by Time Out
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New York’s Chinatown on the Plate: A Complete Timeout‑Style Guide (Summarized)

If you’re hunting for the best bite in Manhattan’s most storied immigrant enclave, Timeout’s Chinatown Restaurant Guide is the definitive playbook. The article, written for a cosmopolitan audience and peppered with insider recommendations, is an encyclopedic tour of the neighborhood’s food scene, broken into clear categories and backed up with practical information—price points, hours, crowd‑level, and even a quick “best‑for” note for couples, families, or late‑night snackers. Below, we distill the guide’s essential highlights and give you a ready‑to‑go snapshot of what to eat, where, and when.

1. Dim‑Sum: The Classic Starter

Jing Fong
- Why it matters: The flagship dim‑sum house for a generation of New Yorkers, Jing Fong remains the benchmark for high‑quality, high‑volume dim‑sum. The classic “bubble tea”‑style stall serves everything from har gow to siu mai.
- What to order: Try the truffle pork dumplings (a recent addition) and the signature Peking duck buns.
- Price & vibe: $5–$10 per dumpling. Family‑friendly, but expect a wait during lunch.
- Timeout link: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/jing-fong

Wo Hop
- Why it matters: Known for its “open‑air” style, the neon‑lit spot is a late‑night haven for anyone craving cheap, reliable dim‑sum.
- What to order: The classic Peking duck with the “bacon‑filled” version; also, the “crab dumpling” is a must‑try.
- Price & vibe: $1–$3 per item; a no‑frills, “food court” environment that’s always bustling.
- Timeout link: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/wo-hop

2. Hot Pot & Szechuan: The Heat Wave

Xianyang Hot Pot
- Why it matters: An upscale take on the classic hot‑pot format, Xianyang blends a refined broth selection with a wide array of meats and tofu.
- What to order: The “Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot” for heat lovers; and the “Golden Chicken” for something a little more subtle.
- Price & vibe: $30–$45 per person; a cozy, slightly more expensive spot that works well for small groups.
- Timeout link: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/xianyang-hot-pot

Zhou’s Szechuan
- Why it matters: The neighborhood’s staple for spicy Sichuan fare, especially when the crowd is a bit more rowdy.
- What to order: The “Chicken with Twice‑Cooked Spices” and the “Garlic Prawns” are crowd‑pleasers.
- Price & vibe: $15–$20 per dish; loud, lively, and always full of energy.
- Timeout link: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/zhou-szechuan

3. Seafood & Fresh

Pearl Harbor Seafood
- Why it matters: This spot is the go‑to for freshly steamed crabs, clams, and other shellfish.
- What to order: The “Sicilian Crab” (not actually Sicilian) is a local favorite.
- Price & vibe: $10–$25 per dish; a relaxed, family‑friendly environment.
- Timeout link: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/pearl-harbor-seafood

RedFarm
- Why it matters: The chain is known for its “hand‑crafted” style, offering a range of “small plates” that feel more like a tapas bar than a conventional restaurant.
- What to order: The “Crispy Pork Belly” and the “Duck Liver” are recommended.
- Price & vibe: $10–$20 per dish; lively, with a strong focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Timeout link: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/redfarm

4. Fine‑Dining & Contemporary Asian

Mr. Wong
- Why it matters: A downtown icon that has survived through decades of change, Mr. Wong offers high‑end Cantonese in a classic, slightly nostalgic setting.
- What to order: The “Peking Duck” and the “Black‑Salted Scallop” are signature dishes.
- Price & vibe: $45–$70 per person; formal, but still casual enough for a weekday lunch.
- Timeout link: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/mr-wong

Ho Lee Fook
- Why it matters: A hybrid of American bistro and Chinese kitchen, Ho Lee Fook is renowned for its creative takes on familiar flavors.
- What to order: The “Beef Bulgogi” (with a Chinese twist) and the “Duck Fried Rice” are must‑try.
- Price & vibe: $20–$35 per dish; modern, with a chic, eclectic décor.
- Timeout link: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/ho-lee-fook

5. Street Food & Quick Bites

Taiwan 100
- Why it matters: Known for its bubble tea and a variety of small snacks, this spot is a perfect quick‑stop for anyone craving authentic Taiwanese flavors.
- What to order: The “Sheng Jian” (Taiwanese pork roll) and the “Taro Milk Tea” are crowd favorites.
- Price & vibe: $3–$8 per item; quick, bright, and always bustling.
- Timeout link: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/taiwan-100

Golden Gate
- Why it matters: A long‑standing spot for those seeking the classic “fried rice” experience in a casual environment.
- What to order: The “Vegetable Fried Rice” and the “Crispy Chicken” are staples.
- Price & vibe: $5–$12 per dish; a no‑frills, late‑night crowd‑pleaser.
- Timeout link: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/golden-gate

6. A Few Other Must‑Visit Spots

• Tian Ji (Peking Duck House) – For a luxurious duck experience that rivals any in China.
• Sushi Nakazawa (for a Japanese detour) – Though technically in Midtown, its proximity to Chinatown makes it an easy detour for sushi lovers.
• Bokke – A small, intimate Korean BBQ place that’s quickly become a neighborhood favorite.

Practical Tips From Timeout

1. Timing: Many of the dim‑sum spots (Jing Fong, Wo Hop) are packed during lunch and early‑afternoon. Reserve a table early if you’re traveling with a large group.
2. Cash vs. Card: While most restaurants accept cards, many small stalls still prefer cash; it’s wise to have a few dollars on hand.
3. Noise Levels: Street‑side stalls such as Golden Gate and Taiwan 100 thrive on the din—bring your own earplugs if you’re traveling with a quiet‑seeking group.
4. Dress Code: Most casual spots don’t enforce a dress code, but places like Mr. Wong recommend smart casual attire.
5. Language: Even in the most Americanized restaurants, you’ll find staff comfortable with basic English and a willingness to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Final Takeaway

Timeout’s Chinatown guide delivers a curated, data‑rich snapshot of a neighborhood that never stops cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie seeking the pinnacle of Peking duck, a student looking for the cheapest dumplings, or a tourist craving a quick bite of authentic street food, the article covers all angles with ease. The best part? It’s not just a list—each entry is anchored with real, up‑to‑date information that makes planning a culinary tour feel less like guesswork and more like a well‑mapped adventure.

If you’re planning a trip (or even a quick stroll) through Manhattan’s Chinatown, grab this guide, check out the linked Timeout pages for reservations and opening hours, and get ready to taste the spectrum of flavors that have defined the district for decades. Bon appétit!