Best Restaurants in Chinatown Queens: A Culinary Adventure

Discover the Most Delicious Eateries in New York’s Bustling Chinatown

Are you a foodie on the hunt for some of the best restaurants in Queens’ Chinatown? Look no further than this comprehensive guide, which takes you on a culinary adventure through some of the most delectable eateries in this vibrant neighborhood. From dim sum to hot pot, noodles to seafood, and everything in between, Chinatown Queens is a paradise for food lovers. Read on to discover the top-rated restaurants to satisfy your cravings and whet your appetite.

1. Joe’s Shanghai 🍟

Joe’s Shanghai is one of the most famous restaurants in Chinatown Queens, renowned for its soup dumplings or xiao long bao. This iconic eatery is always packed with customers eager to taste the juicy pork or shrimp-filled dumplings, which burst with flavor when bitten into. With a casual atmosphere and affordable prices, Joe’s Shanghai is a must-visit for anyone craving classic Chinese cuisine.

2. New Flushing Bakery 🍯

If you’re looking for a sweet treat to cap off your meal, New Flushing Bakery is the place to be. This hole-in-the-wall bakery offers a wide range of traditional Chinese desserts, including egg tarts, pineapple buns, and red bean buns—all freshly baked and deliciously decadent. Don’t miss out on these authentic treats—your taste buds will thank you.

3. Fu Run 🍜

For a taste of northern Chinese cuisine, head to Fu Run. This restaurant is known for its signature dish, the Muslim lamb chop, which is a succulent and tender meat that is marinated and grilled to perfection. Fu Run also offers a variety of other dishes that are popular in northern China, such as cumin lamb skewers, fried pork buns, and spicy beef noodle soup. With generous portions and affordable prices, Fu Run is a great spot for group dining and sharing dishes family-style.

4. Spicy & Tasty 🌶

True to its name, Spicy & Tasty offers some of the spiciest and most flavorful Sichuan cuisine in Chinatown Queens. From mapo tofu to spicy fish hot pot, the dishes here are packed with heat and flavor, guaranteed to satisfy any spice lover. Don’t forget to try the dan dan noodles, a classic Sichuan dish that is a perfect balance of spice and savory flavors. With generous portions and reasonable prices, Spicy & Tasty is a great option for a satisfying and spicy meal.

5. Shun Wang 🍲

If you’re in the mood for some seafood, head to Shun Wang. This restaurant specializes in fresh, live seafood, which is displayed in tanks before being cooked to order. The spicy crab and garlic shrimp are particularly popular, and the seafood hot pot is a must-try for anyone who loves a steaming, flavorful broth. With a lively atmosphere and friendly service, Shun Wang is a great option for a fun and lively night out with friends.

6. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao 🍟

Another iconic Chinatown Queens restaurant is Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, which draws crowds for its famous soup dumplings. These delicate pouches of juicy pork or shrimp are a must-try, and the restaurant also offers a range of other classic dishes such as scallion pancakes and wonton soup. With reasonable prices and a casual atmosphere, Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is a great spot for a quick and tasty meal.

7. Flushing Mall Food Court 🍱

For a more casual dining experience, head to the Flushing Mall Food Court. This sprawling food court offers a wide variety of cuisines, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese. You’ll find everything from sushi to bubble tea, grilled skewers to noodle soups—all at affordable prices. It’s a great option for a quick and tasty meal, or a fun food crawl with friends.

8. Hunan House 🌶

Hunan House is another popular restaurant in Chinatown Queens, known for its spicy and flavorful Hunan cuisine. The dishes here are packed with heat and bold flavors, such as the spicy fish head or the fiery hot pot. The prices are a bit higher than some of the other spots on this list, but the generous portions and quality ingredients make it worth the splurge.

9. Jade Asian 🍟

If you’re in the mood for some upscale dining, head to Jade Asian. This elegant restaurant offers a range of classic Chinese dishes, as well as sushi and other Asian-inspired fare. The dim sum brunch is particularly popular, with an extensive selection of steamed dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and other bite-sized delights. With a sleek and modern ambiance, Jade Asian is a great option for a special occasion or date night.

10. MáLà Project 🌶

For a taste of contemporary Chinese cuisine, check out MáLà Project. This trendy eatery offers a range of dishes with a modern twist, such as the spicy cumin lamb burger or the dan dan noodles with peanut sauce. The cocktails are also worth trying, with unique flavors such as the chili cucumber margarita or the Sichuan pepper gin and tonic. With a stylish decor and creative menu, MáLà Project is a great option for a trendy night out.

11. Imperial Palace 🍜

Imperial Palace is a classic Cantonese restaurant that offers a range of dishes, from BBQ pork to crispy duck to stir-fried noodles. The dim sum brunch is particularly popular, with steaming baskets of har gow and shu mai, and the seafood options are also worth trying. With an elegant decor and attentive service, Imperial Palace is a great option for a special occasion or family gathering.

12. Szechuan Mountain House 🌶

For some of the most authentic Sichuan cuisine in Chinatown Queens, check out Szechuan Mountain House. This restaurant offers a range of dishes that showcase the bold and spicy flavors of Sichuan cuisine, such as the mapo tofu, the spicy beef noodle soup, and the fish fillet in hot chili oil. The prices are a bit higher than some of the other spots on this list, but the quality and authenticity make it worth it.

13. Golden Shopping Mall 🍱

Last but not least, don’t miss out on the Golden Shopping Mall food court. This hidden gem is tucked away on the second floor of a mall, but it’s worth seeking out for the delicious and affordable eats. From the famous Xi’an Famous Foods to the spicy cumin lamb skewers at Lanzhou Handmade Noodle, the food court offers a range of dishes that showcase the diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine. It’s a great option for a casual and tasty meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Chinatown Queens famous for?

Chinatown Queens is famous for its vibrant and diverse culinary scene, with a wide range of Chinese cuisines represented. From Cantonese to Sichuan to Hunan, you’ll find a range of flavors and dishes to satisfy your cravings.

2. What are some must-try dishes in Chinatown Queens?

Some must-try dishes in Chinatown Queens include soup dumplings (xiao long bao), hot pot, cumin lamb skewers, and spicy Sichuan cuisine. Don’t forget to try some of the traditional desserts as well, such as egg tarts and pineapple buns.

3. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options in Chinatown Queens?

Yes, there are a number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Chinatown Queens. Some options include Buddha Bodai, a vegetarian dim sum spot, and Spicy Moon, which offers vegan versions of classic Sichuan dishes.

4. What is the best time to visit Chinatown Queens?

Chinatown Queens is bustling year-round, but the best time to visit is during the Lunar New Year celebrations in January or February. This is when the neighborhood comes alive with dragon dances, fireworks, and street food vendors.

5. Is Chinatown Queens safe?

Chinatown Queens is generally safe, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings, and be cautious of any suspicious activity.

6. What is the best way to get to Chinatown Queens?

The best way to get to Chinatown Queens is by subway or bus. The 7 train and the Q20/Q44 buses both stop in the heart of Chinatown, making it easily accessible from other parts of the city.

7. Are there any hidden gems in Chinatown Queens?

Yes, there are plenty of hidden gems in Chinatown Queens. Some