NEW YORK - New York State is a global epicenter for Chinese cuisine, boasting countless dining establishments that span the gastronomic map of China. While New York City is home to massive, authentic Chinatowns (particularly in Flushing, Queens, and Sunset Park, Brooklyn), great regional Chinese food can be found throughout the Empire State.
Here are 10 Of The Best And Most Beloved Chinese Restaurants In New York State.
1. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao (Queens & Manhattan)
The definitive destination for classic soup dumplings in New York, this spot draws crowds dedicated to authentic Shanghainese cuisine.
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Regional Specialty: Shanghainese.
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Must-Try: Signature Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao). These delicate steamed buns are filled with savory meat and a rich, piping-hot broth.
2. Xi'an Famous Foods (Multiple NYC Locations)
Xi'an Famous Foods popularized the spicy, savory, and unique cuisine of Xi'an, the ancient capital along the Silk Road in Shaanxi Province, bringing robust Northwestern Chinese flavors to the masses.
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Regional Specialty: Shaanxi.
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Must-Try: Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles. The thick, chewy biang biang noodles are tossed in chili oil and loaded with tender lamb, cumin, and peppers.
3. Joe's Shanghai (Manhattan & Queens)
A classic New York institution famous for its communal tables and its focus on Shanghainese staples, particularly the dough-based specialties.
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Regional Specialty: Shanghainese.
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Must-Try: Crab Meat and Pork Soup Dumplings. The line is worth the wait for these flavorful parcels.
4. CHILI (Manhattan)
An upscale, relatively new Manhattan spot known for its refined approach to authentic Sichuan cuisine, guided by a chef with Michelin-starred experience.
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Regional Specialty: Sichuan.
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Must-Try: Nuanced Sichuan dishes that showcase the famous mala (numbing and spicy) flavor profile, often in a sleek, modern setting.
5. East Harbor Seafood Palace (Brooklyn)
Located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn's vibrant Chinatown, this spacious Cantonese restaurant is a top choice for traditional weekend dim sum service.
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Regional Specialty: Cantonese.
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Must-Try: Dim Sum. They feature traditional cart service on weekends, offering staples like har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai, and baked pork buns.
6. O Mandarin (Hudson Valley / Westchester)
A highly-praised, modern restaurant that stands out in the suburbs north of the city, offering high-quality Sichuan and Mandarin dining in an elegant atmosphere.
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Regional Specialty: Mandarin / Sichuan.
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Must-Try: High-quality traditional dishes like their Peking Duck or Griddle-Cooked Beef.
7. Uncle Lou (Manhattan)
A popular spot in Manhattan's Chinatown dedicated to Cantonese village cuisine, showcasing traditional recipes with refined, quality ingredients.
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Regional Specialty: Cantonese.
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Must-Try: Steamed fish preparations and classic Cantonese specialties like crispy chicken and seafood.
8. Ala Shanghai (Capital Region / Latham)
A beloved local favorite outside of NYC, Ala Shanghai is known in the Capital Region (Albany area) for serving authentic Shanghainese-style food.
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Regional Specialty: Shanghainese.
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Must-Try: Soup dumplings (a regional focus) and other regional classics not often found in American-Chinese menus.
9. Red Chili (Syracuse)
Considered by many locals to be the most authentic regional Chinese cuisine in the Central New York area, Red Chili focuses on the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine.
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Regional Specialty: Sichuan.
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Must-Try: Spicy dishes heavy on chili oil and peppercorns, such as their Dry Pot preparations.
10. Congee Village (Manhattan)
A bustling, old-school institution in Chinatown known for Cantonese comfort food and its large, festive atmosphere.
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Regional Specialty: Cantonese.
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Must-Try:Congee (rice porridge) served with various mix-ins, and their extensive menu of Cantonese classics.
The New York State Chinese food scene is a testament to the nation's diverse culinary immigrant history, guaranteeing an exciting and authentic dish no matter where you travel in the state.
