NEW JERSEY - New Jersey sits at a culinary crossroads, heavily influenced by the diverse gastronomic scene of New York City and possessing its own long-established ethnic communities, resulting in one of the most dynamic and authentic Chinese food landscapes in the country. From world-class dim sum in Central Jersey to fiery Sichuan heat in the northern suburbs, the Garden State offers an exceptional culinary tour.
NEW JERSEY - New Jersey sits at a culinary crossroads, heavily influenced by the diverse gastronomic scene of New York City and possessing its own long-established ethnic communities, resulting in one of the most dynamic and authentic Chinese food landscapes in the country. From world-class dim sum in Central Jersey to fiery Sichuan heat in the northern suburbs, the Garden State offers an exceptional culinary tour.10 must-visit Chinese restaurants across New Jersey
1. Royal Seafood (Edison)
Considered one of the premier spots in Central Jersey for authentic Cantonese cuisine and Dim Sum, Royal Seafood is known for its bustling dining room and extensive menu.
Regional Specialty: Cantonese Dim Sum
Go during the busy weekend mornings to experience traditional cart service, where servers roll freshly made small plates like shrimp dumplings (har gow) and steam buns to your table.
2. Chengdu 1 (Fort Lee)
Located right across the river from Manhattan, this restaurant is a major destination for high-end, uncompromising Sichuan cuisine, famous for its complex and numbing spice.
Regional Specialty: Sichuan
Must-Try: Spicy Cumin Lamb (Focusing on the complex, aromatic heat) and the classic Mapo Tofu.
3. Joe's Shanghai (Paramus & Various)
While originating in NYC, Joe's Shanghai maintains high standards at its New Jersey locations, standing as the standard-bearer for Shanghainese soup dumplings.
Regional Specialty: Shanghainese
Must-Try: Crab Meat and Pork Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao). These are the signature, delicate, broth-filled parcels that require careful handling.
4. Peking Pavilion (Manalapan)
A sprawling and elegant dining hall famous across Central Jersey for its classic Northern Chinese cuisine, particularly their signature poultry preparation.
Regional Specialty: Northern Chinese
Must-Try: Peking Duck. Prepared traditionally with crisp skin and carved tableside, served with scallions, hoisin sauce, and thin pancakes.
5. Hunan Taste (Denville)
A long-standing favorite in Northern New Jersey, this restaurant is praised for its rich, smoky, and spicy dishes representative of Hunan cuisine.
Regional Specialty: Hunan
Must-Try: Smoked Pork with Dried Bean Curd. A classic Hunan dish featuring deeply savory flavors and a touch of heat.
6. Golden Dynasty (Cherry Hill)
A staple in South Jersey, Golden Dynasty blends high-quality Cantonese dishes with beautifully executed American-Chinese favorites, making it a reliable spot for all palates.
Regional Specialty: Cantonese / General Chinese
Must-Try: Crispy Walnut Shrimp. Sweet, creamy, and crunchy, this dish is perfectly executed here.
7. Sichuan Cottage (Basking Ridge)
Known for its authentic, no-frills presentation of Sichuan food, this restaurant is a local secret for genuine mala (numbing and spicy) flavors in a quiet suburban setting.
Regional Specialty: Sichuan
Must-Try: Dry Pot Dishes. Customizable and served in a mini-wok, the dry pot allows for intense, focused spice without the soup broth.
8. East Hong Kong Restaurant (Toms River)
Serving the Jersey Shore area, this popular spot focuses on robust, classic Cantonese seafood and barbecue, offering fresh options far from the city centers.
Regional Specialty: Cantonese Seafood
Must-Try: Roast Duck and Barbecue Pork Combo. Excellent value and quality on traditional roasted meats.
9. Shanghai Dumpling House (Matawan)
This small, dedicated spot focuses heavily on house-made noodles and dumplings, offering fresh and affordable Shanghainese comfort food.
Regional Specialty: Shanghainese
Must-Try: Pan-Fried Pork Buns (Sheng Jian Bao). Steamed, pan-fried buns with a crispy bottom and a burst of juicy meat filling.
10. Taste of Asia (Princeton)
While offering a pan-Asian menu, the Chinese and Sichuan selections here are standout, offering a sophisticated dining experience often favored by the academic community.
Regional Specialty: Sichuan / Fusion
Must-Try: Dan Dan Noodles. Perfectly balanced savory, spicy, and nutty flavors with house-made noodles.
