10 New York Chinese Takeout Spots That Locals Stand By
New York City and Chinese takeout go hand in hand, and few food traditions are as beloved by locals. While flashy restaurants may grab the headlines, the real treasures are the neighborhood joints turning out perfect dumplings, noodles, and stir-fries in paper cartons.
These 10 spots have built such loyal followings that New Yorkers will argue, sometimes fiercely, that their favorite hole-in-the-wall makes the best takeout in town.
1. Wo Hop: Chinatown’s Late-Night Legend
Tucked away in a Chinatown basement since 1938, Wo Hop serves massive portions of old-school Cantonese classics that satisfy even late (current hours generally run until about 10 PM).
The beef chow fun delivers that perfect wok char, while their roast pork fried rice has converted countless skeptics.
I once stumbled in after a concert and found myself sharing a table with an off-duty Broadway actor who swore Wo Hop’s egg rolls had magical hangover-prevention properties.
2. Great N.Y. Noodletown: Bowery’s Roast Meat Heaven
Locals crowd this Bowery staple for its hanging roast meats and perfect ginger-scallion noodles. The salt-baked squid maintains its crispy exterior even after the trip home.
Their wonton noodle soup offers comfort in a bowl, with delicate dumplings floating in clear, flavorful broth.
Cash-only and no-frills, Great N.Y. Noodletown embodies the authentic Cantonese experience that keeps customers returning decade after decade.
3. Wah Fung No. 1: The Char Siu Champion
Lines form daily outside this tiny Chrystie Street storefront for one thing: the city’s most acclaimed char siu over rice.
The sweet-glazed pork slices, glistening with their signature marinade, come paired with steamed greens and rice for under $6.
Back in 2019, I brought a visiting friend here who initially complained about the 30-minute wait. After one bite, he went right back in line to order a second portion for later.
4. Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles: Doyers Street’s Noodle Workshop
Watch noodle masters stretch dough into perfect strands at this Doyers Street institution. The cumin lamb hand-pulled noodles deliver a one-two punch of chewy texture and aromatic spice.
Their beef noodle soup arrives with tender meat swimming in rich broth alongside those signature bouncy noodles.
The restaurant’s tiny footprint belies its massive reputation among noodle aficionados seeking authentic northern Chinese techniques.
5. Spicy Village: Home of the Legendary Big Tray Chicken
This Forsyth Street gem specializes in Henan cuisine, most famously their Big Tray Chicken – a massive portion of bone-in chicken swimming in spice-laden sauce.
The wide, hand-pulled “belt” noodles have the perfect chew to soak up that incredible sauce.
During last winter’s snowstorm, I trekked through 8 inches of snow just to bring home their cumin lamb noodles. My roommates initially questioned my sanity but quickly became converts after their first bites.
6. White Bear: Flushing’s Wonton Wizard
From a counter barely bigger than a closet, White Bear serves the city’s most revered chili oil wontons. Order by number – the famous #6 brings delicate pork wontons topped with roasted chili oil and preserved vegetables.
No frills, no tables, just pure dumpling perfection. Each wonton wrapper is thin enough to see through yet sturdy enough to hold its precious filling.
7. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao: Soup Dumpling Specialists
Soup dumpling connoisseurs make pilgrimages to this Flushing institution for the perfect xiao long bao. Each delicate purse holds a mouthful of savory broth that bursts with the first bite.
Their colorful dumpling sampler showcases multiple fillings, from traditional pork to crab and truffle variations.
The first time I tried their scallion pancake with sliced beef, I nearly cried from happiness. The crispy-chewy pancake wrapped around tender beef creates texture harmony few dishes can match.
8. Corner 28: Duck Bun Paradise
Flushing food court enthusiasts know to head straight to Corner 28’s counter for their famous Peking duck buns (now typically around $2–$2.50 rather than $1).
Skilled chefs slice the crackling-skinned duck to order, tucking it into pillowy steamed buns with scallions and hoisin.
Their soy sauce chicken over rice delivers deep umami flavor for a bargain price. The no-nonsense service and high turnover ensure everything stays fresh throughout the day.
9. Yun Nan Flavour Garden: Brooklyn’s Noodle Oasis
Sunset Park regulars guard this 8th Avenue treasure for its authentic Yunnan rice noodles. The crossing-the-bridge noodles arrive as a DIY kit – scalding broth separate from fresh noodles and raw ingredients that cook in the hot liquid.
Their beef mixian features bouncy rice noodles swimming in complex, herbal broth.
What began as a tiny counter has expanded through word-of-mouth from Chinese grandmothers who recognize the genuine regional flavors.
10. Kai Feng Fu: Dumpling Bargain Bonanza
Value hunters flock to this Sunset Park institution, where in-store prices start around $2.50 for six perfectly crispy-bottomed dumplings (delivery-app prices are higher).
The pan-fried pork dumplings feature thin skins that crackle when bitten, revealing juicy, ginger-scented filling.
Don’t overlook their chive pockets – stuffed with egg, vermicelli, and fragrant chives. A grandmother once scolded me for trying to order just five dumplings here. “Ten minimum! Too good for leftovers?” She was right, of course.