Embark on a culinary adventure through the heart of New York City’s Chinatown with this self-guided food tour, where every stop offers a unique taste of the neighborhood’s rich and diverse flavors. From the crispy, savory dumplings at Fried Dumpling to the aromatic, hand-pulled noodles at Xi’an Famous Foods, you’ll experience a blend of traditional and innovative dishes that define Chinatown’s vibrant food scene. Each bite tells a story of culture, history, and the enduring legacy of Chinese immigrants in New York, making this tour a delightful journey for your taste buds and your soul.
As you wander through the bustling streets, you’ll also discover hidden gems like Mei Lai Wah, a bakery that has been a cornerstone of the community for decades, offering its legendary char siu bao. Treat yourself to the exotic flavors of The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, where Asian-inspired ice cream flavors like Black Sesame and Lychee provide a sweet finale to your tour. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visitor eager to explore one of New York City’s most iconic neighborhoods, this self-guided tour promises an unforgettable experience, combining the best of Chinatown’s culinary offerings with the charm of its storied streets.
The restaurants we visited at are listed below in the order in which we visited. This gave us dumplings as a bit of an appetizer and ending with sweet treats.
Fried Dumpling
As the name suggests, Fried Dumpling is famous for its incredibly affordable and tasty dumplings. The highlight is the pan-fried pork dumplings, which are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They also offer boiled dumplings and pork buns, making it a go-to spot for a quick, budget-friendly snack in Chinatown.
The restaurant is tiny. No place to sit and eat, and definitely a hole-in-the-wall. The prices used to be 5 for $1.25. I don’t understand how they could possibly remain in business at that price, but alas, they’ve raised their price to 13 dumplings for $5.00. At $0.38 each, that’s still a bargain.
Address: 106 Mosco St, New York, NY 10013
Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
456 Shanghai Cuisine
456 Shanghai Cuisine offers a range of traditional Shanghainese dishes. Signature items include the Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) filled with pork and a rich broth, as well as the scallion pancakes, and braised pork belly. The restaurant is a favorite for those seeking authentic flavors reminiscent of Shanghai.
We were quickly seated here and quickly settled on ordering the pork soup dumplings. They were delicious. We quickly ate, paid, and got on our way. The server seemed pretty irritated that we only ordered one dish.
Address: 69 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Xi’an Famous Foods
Xi’an Famous Foods has gained a loyal following for its bold, spicy dishes inspired by the cuisine of Xi’an in China. The most popular items include the Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles, Liang Pi Cold-Skin Noodles, and the Stewed Pork Burgers. Their use of hand-pulled noodles and a proprietary chili oil blend makes their dishes unique and flavorful​.
Address: 45 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Mei Lai Wah
Mei Lai Wah is a beloved Chinese bakery known for its fluffy, sweet, and savory buns. Their most famous item is the char siu bao, a steamed bun filled with BBQ pork. Other popular items include egg tarts and coconut buns. The bakery has been a staple in Chinatown for decades, offering a taste of classic Chinese pastries.
Address: 64 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
This iconic dessert spot has been serving unique, Asian-inspired ice cream flavors for over 40 years. Favorites include Black Sesame, Lychee, and Red Bean, along with traditional options like Vanilla and Chocolate. It’s a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering a perfect way to end a meal in Chinatown.
Address: 65 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Golden Manna Bakery
Golden Manna Bakery is another popular bakery in Chinatown known for its fresh and affordable baked goods. They offer a wide range of traditional Chinese pastries, including buns filled with custard, red bean, and pork, as well as egg tarts and sponge cakes. It’s a great place to grab a quick breakfast or snack while exploring the neighborhood.
Address: 149 Hester St, New York, NY 10002
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
These restaurants and bakeries provide a diverse taste of what Chinatown has to offer, ranging from savory dumplings to sweet ice cream, making them essential stops for anyone visiting the area.