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New York's 8 Most Outstanding Chinese Restaurants

May 13, 2022

New York's 8 Most Outstanding Chinese Restaurants

New York City is home to some epic restaurants serving up world-class food that stretches well beyond pizza and bagels. The Chinese food scene, for one, is not to be missed. From historical spots dating back to the 1920s to the finest of modern eateries, there's a Chinese restaurant in New York to tickle everyone's tastebuds! So many, that it can get a little overwhelming. Not to worry - the team at Liven is here to help with a list of some of the top spots for a feast, Chinese style!

Yeah, ok, but what's Liven? We're the app that connects fantastic foodies and savvy savers to some of the best-rated restaurants in town. 

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Top 8 Chinese restaurants in New York

Buckle up foodies, as we take you on a journey through some of the must-taste restaurants NYC has on offer: 

1. The Handpulled Noodle

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Photo: Courtesy of The Handpulled Noodle

It doesn't get more traditional than the hearty North-Western Chinese food served in the intimate, cozy space at The Handpulled Noodle. As the name suggests, they make their noodles in-house, by hand, boasting rustic imperfection that makes for an authentic experience like no other. The Cumin Lamb and Ding Ding Noodles are to die for. 

2. Nom Wah Tea Parlor

Photo: Courtesy of Nom Wah Tea Parlor

Take the trip back in time by visiting Nom Wah Tea Parlor which first opened in 1920 as a bakery and tea parlor dishing out fresh Chinese pastries, steamed buns, dim sum, and tea. This neighbourhood staple has stood the test of time and won the heart of New Yorkers and visitors to the city, alike. Serving up some of the best Dim Sum Chinatown has on offer, you can't look beyond this historical gem which even made an appearance on Law and Order! 

3. Szechuan Mountain House

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Photo: Courtesy of Szechuan Mountain House

Experience the ultimate in Tao quietude as you go on a Chinese culinary journey. From the fishpond, the Chinese calligraphy and the Tao brush to the iron teapot and the ceramic, you can immerse yourself in Chinese culture with every bite you take. With eight signature dishes on offer that represent the genuine qualities of Szechuan cuisine, choosing just one can be a challenge. 

4. MaLa Project

Photo: Courtesy of MáLà Project

MáLà Project is a Michelin Bib Gourmand Recommended Chinese restaurant that aims to bring original Chinese dishes in their truest form to the New York dining scene in an ambience that takes its inspiration from China in the 90s. We have noted the MaLa dry pot as an absolute must-try, boasting a magical array of 24 spices and a melange of Chinese medicines. 

5. RedFarm 

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Photo: Courtesy of RedFarm

This farm-feel Chinese restaurant offers a modern and inventive twist on traditional dishes through a mouth-watering, easy to share menu. Decorated with potted plants, exposed wooden beams and rustic piping, it doesn't get cozier than this. The food is fresh and served in a way that almost makes you believe it's too good looking to eat. Don't look beyond the Pac Man dumplings and Yuzu wasabi shrimp. Drool. 

6. Hutong

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Photo: Courtesy of Hutong

If you're in the mood for something elegant and Uptown chic, Hutong won't disappoint. Offering contemporary Northern Chinese cuisine with a hint of fire, super-charged dim sum and instagrammable cocktails, this glamorous hot spot will leave you with a bursting belly and a BIG smile on your face. Get your posse together for a night of 1920s Shanghai dining. Enquire about 'The Flaming Duck' if you're in for a unique dining experience.

7. Buddakan

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Photo: Courtesy of Buddakan

Prepare for an exhilarating experience for the senses! This incredible restaurant pairs the bold flavors of China with the flamboyance of Paris in the 16th Century. With fanciful and totally shareable dim sum, noodle soups, seafood and whole Peking duck alongside a fantastic selection of celebratory drinks, why would you choose anywhere else for a night out of the kitchen?

8. Decoy Bar

Photo: Courtesy of Decoy Bar

If you manage to get a reservation here, consider yourself lucky as this much-loved Chinese restaurant is no secret to the foodie community. Decoy has a star of the show, an absolute headliner, which is its Peking duck. Perfectly crispy on the outside and terrifically tender on the inside, it's a real crowd-pleaser. Word on the street is that the oxtail dumplings are rather delightful too. Did we mention the barrel-aged Negroni? Enough said. 

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