Top 8 Must-Visit Restaurants, Bars, and Shops in Manhattan’s Chinatown

Manhattan’s Chinatown

Manhattan’s Chinatown has become one of the most essential stops for travelers visiting New York City, usually in pursuit of delicious cheap eats and deals on clothes and souvenirs. However, with one of the densest Asian immigrant populations in the country, this lower Manhattan neighborhood is much more than a mere tourist destination.

“At the forefront, Chinatown is home,” states Victoria Lee, co-founder of Welcome to Chinatown, a nonprofit focused on amplifying and supporting the neighborhood’s businesses for future generations. “It is the lifeline for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers that live and work in the area. While remnants of its historical disasters, including 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy, are still visible, you will discover how the community has tackled adversity head-on. Consequently, Chinatown has infused character that underscores why it significantly contributes to the cultural fabric of NYC.”

Community Ties and COVID-19 Impact

The community ties have grown even stronger in the face of recent challenges. “The COVID-19 pandemic, the subsequent rise of anti-Asian hate crimes, and the closure of longtime mom-and-pop shops have fueled Asian American youth to return to Manhattan’s Chinatown to start community initiatives, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses,” explains Chloe Chan, co-founder of Mott Street Girls, which runs food and history walking tours with a social perspective.

This community has grown out of resistance, fueling its most meaningful sites. “It’s been truly amazing to see the proliferation of murals, community organizations such as Welcome to Chinatown and Send Chinatown Love, and Asian-owned small businesses like Yu and Me Books, Lanterne Candle Lab, and Pinklady Cheese Tart in the wake of the pandemic,” Chan observes.

Top 8 Must-Visit Spots

Here, we highlight the top 8 must-visit spots when exploring Manhattan’s Chinatown.

01 of 08

May Wah Fast Food

“This is a true hole-in-the-wall serving up comfort food that makes all of my worries melt away when I bite into the juicy chicken with bits of seasoned cabbage and white rice,” Lee shares. Also on the menu are pan-fried noodles, rice cakes, and noodle soup entrees.

Insider Tip: Order the chicken leg over rice with soy sauce egg.

02 of 08

Chang Lai Cheong Fun Cart

This Chinatown staple is easy to spot, as the food cart always has a line of locals standing eagerly awaiting food. Specializing in the Cantonese snack cheong fun (rice noodle rolls), the stand offers over 20 combinations. Insider Tip: “Order A6 with rice noodle rolls, curry balls, beef tripe, spleen, and radish fish balls,” Cheng adds.

03 of 08

Taiwan Bear House

“This place serves authentic and essential Taiwanese cuisine, from crispy chicken to lu rou fan,” notes Cheng. Each meal set, dubbed bian dang or Taiwanese bento box, comes with a featured entree and an assortment of sides. Insider Tip: Get the Taiwanese sausage or braised pork belly bian dang.

04 of 08

Wok Wok

“Wok Wok is a hidden gem with a blend of Thai and Malaysian dishes,” says Huang. Diners can enjoy everything from popcorn basil chicken to rendang curry stews. Insider Tip: The roti and laksa are a must-try.

05 of 08

Sugarcane Daddy

While bubble tea is popular, this shop offers freshly pressed sugarcane juice, making it unique. “Sugarcane Daddy sources fresh fruit from street vendors in Chinatown, supporting the local community,” Chan expresses. Insider Tip: Don’t skip the sugarcane juice with kumquat.

06 of 08

Ting’s Gift Shop

Opened in 1958, this historic gift shop is filled with unique souvenirs, including travel-sized mah-jongg sets and vintage jewelry. Insider Tip: “Chopstick stands in the shape of cats and Chinese veggies are perfect souvenirs,” Chan notes.

07 of 08

Wing on Wo & Co.

Wing on Wo & Co. is the neighborhood’s oldest operating shop and is known for its porcelain since it specializes in Chinese porcelain. Insider Tip: Consider the porcelain bowls, spoons, teacups, and jewelry.

08 of 08

Canal Body Work

Lee regularly treats her partner to massages at this therapy spot after a long day. “For anyone exploring New York City, this is a must-do after spending a lot of time on your feet,” she advises. Insider Tip: Get a full-body massage.