POV: It’s the scariest of Sundays and all you’re craving is Chinese food.
And we’re not talking about Red Farm, Chinese Tuxedo, or any other upscale establishment serving Dim Sum.
We’re talking about the greasy, get-down-and-dirty Chinese food that leaves you with a feeling of comfort not many other cuisines can replicate.
On a mission to find the best cold peanut noodles in NYC, you begin to scroll through Uber Eats.
See Also: Affordable Sushi Spots In NYC That Don't Sacrifice Quality
In a city so big, the options are seemingly endless. You begin to panic—the kind of anxiety only true foodies can understand.
Your stomach rumbles thinking about the flavors of a warm, doughy pork bun bursting on your tongue.
Finally, you land on Gotham Magazine, your holy grail for all things food-related.
Here is what you found.
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Multiple Locations/Website
Known for having some of the best Szechuan food in NYC, Han Dynasty is one of those places that actually lives up to its reputation. While everything on the menu is top-notch, it’s criminal to come here and not order the Dan Dan noodles. Loved by many, these intoxicatingly delicious noodles are a true party in your mouth. Great with pork and without, this famous dish is sure to impress all types of palettes.
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21 Mott St, Manhattan/Website
Going to Shanghai 21 and ordering the soup dumplings is not a polite suggestion—it’s as mandatory as getting the off-the-menu pasta sampler at Il Cantinori. The no-frills joint offers plain pork, crab meat pork, and truffle pork soup dumplings, all of which are fantastic. We tend to fall on the boujee side of things, so naturally, we ball out with the six-piece black truffle dumplings. Does it get more ‘modern luxury’ than that?
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46 Bowery, Manhattan/Website
Joe’s Shangai is to Chinese food as Katz’s is to Jewish deli—the absolute best in the game. While many people come here for the soup dumplings, we come here for the cold peanut noodles. It may have been the multiple glasses of white wine we pregamed with, but these noodles were the most delectable treasures we have ever put in our mouths. Oh, and how could we forget about the scallion pancakes that are somehow flakier than your latest Hinge prospect? We didn’t know that was possible, but hey, we’re most definitely here for it.
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59 W 37th St, Manhattan/Website
If you’re ordering from Café China we have two words for you: pork. dumplings. Served with a magical blend of chili oil and oyster sauce, we could eat this dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And we’re not being dramatic when we say we would trade these fluffy dumplings with our pillows. Us? Extra? Never. The Bang Bang Chicken and Ma Po Tofu are also some of our favorite comfort foods in NYC.
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13 Doyers St, Manhattan/Website
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, this vintage Dim Sum parlor serves the best BBQ pork bun in NYC. The simple act of biting into this delicacy is a truly euphoric experience—one that has quite literally ‘altered our brain chemistry.’ The sweet cloudlike dough houses sweet, sticky pork that may be certifiably addictive. We know traditionalists are going to push back on this, but the scallion pancake hot dog is one of our favorite bites in NYC.
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Multiple Locations/Website
Modeled after the original restaurant in Hong Kong, Tim Ho Wan is the definition of authentic. The line at this storied eatery is oftentimes intimidating, which is why we’re #blessed they offer delivery. But let’s be real, we would probably camp out here just for the sticky rice. If you’re a lover of the good ol’ deep fry (who isn’t?!), you must order the fried eggplant and spring rolls. ‘Once on the lips, forever on the hips,’ who?
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17 Mott St, Manhattan/Website
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Wo Hop is one of the best Chinese restaurants in NYC. Although everything on the menu will make your mouth water, we’re clinically obsessed with their Lo Mein. Diners have the option of choosing from a variety of mix-ins, including chicken, shrimp, pork, and beef. But, all the real homies you know the most elite option is obviously the roast duck. Rest assured, this scrumptious dish will earn a permanent place in your heart.
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42 E Broadway, Manhattan/Website
On a search for the most delicious Peking duck in the whole city? Lucky for you, we found it at Hwa Yuan Szechuan. The thick layer of crispy skin is the star of the show, adding a delicious crunch to the otherwise tender duck. We’ve had this dish many times before, and nobody does it like this NYC landmark. Another favorite is the cold peanut noodles (can you tell we’re obsessed?!), which were brought to the big apple at this by this age-old institution.
10 Pell St, Manhattan/Website
If you’re just as addicted to spicy food as we are you know—you know, the type that burns your mouth in a weirdly satisfying way— Famous Sichuan is the place for you. As the name suggests, this traditional spot serves classic Sichuan dishes that never disappoint. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but highlights include the soft crab made Sichuan style, spicy Dry Chicken (that’s not all dry!), and beef with cumin sauce.
137-40 Northern Blvd, Flushing/Manhattan
It is said that Queens has some of the best food in NYC, and Hunan Cafe confirms just that. Located in Flushing, this authentic eatery specializes in Hunan-style fare that is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face. For all you meat lovers out there, the crispy tea-smoked duck melts in your mouth like a stick of butter. We’re also big fans of the shredded beef with green peppers, and the steamed eggplant with salty duck egg.
Photography by: Courtesy Getty Images
