Tiny, narrow space with about six small tables creates a cramped and congested setting. Yelling in Chinese adds to a noisy, bustling atmosphere that feels like a busy market. Food arrives in plastic bowls with broth served separately, emphasizing authenticity and simple ambiance over comfort.
Bao buns here stand out for their tender pork filling and well-prepared dough. The house and pork baos are consistently fresh and highly praised for their amazing flavor.
Dumplings and noodles come at a very cheap price, mostly between $5 and $10 per dish. Paying with cash makes it even cheaper, and the fried dumplings taste better than their price suggests.
"I thought the fried dumplings were the best I've had."
"I found the food to be delicious and affordable."
"I thought the dumplings were really cheap and yummy."
Good to know
Bring cash for dumplings as they don't come with sauce.
There are no restrooms available in the restaurant.
Good luck finding a seat; sharing tables is common.
Small hole-in-the-wall food stand offers Peking duck sandwiches with soft buns and succulent duck meat. No indoor seating, but a covered tent area with benches provides shelter and shade. Environment is noisy, with quick service and reasonable prices.
Bao buns come out fresh and soft, with a chewy, fluffy texture. Peking duck baos feature lots of cucumber and onions with just the right amount of hoisin sauce, making them a tasty and inexpensive option.
Prices stay consistently cheap here. The Peking Duck baos offer a satisfying, affordable option that hits the spot quickly.
Good to know
Currently, there is a dine-in promotion for orders over $10.
The shop is a take-out window only with no seating available.
You need to bring cash as the stall only accepts cash payments.
Tiny space with no seating and a busy, lively atmosphere focused on quick takeout. Affordable prices highlight delicious fried pork dumplings and pan-fried buns. The spot feels like a hole in the wall tucked off the main street, attracting those seeking cheap, flavorful eats.
Sheng Jian Bao here comes in a smaller, Bao Zi-like size with a softer texture. The bao could be crispier, and ordering them can feel confusing, but both vegetable and meat options are available.
Food arrives very fast and costs very little. This spot offers quick service and cheap eats that make it easy to grab a bite without spending much.
Good to know
This restaurant is cash only.
The price is $4 for 8 very filling dumplings.
You can't dine in; it's mainly a takeout place.
Small, fluorescent-lit bakery offers Cantonese comfort pastries with no frills or seating. Atmosphere feels like a time capsule in Chinatown, focusing on quick, fresh, warm baked goods. Known for affordable prices and classic pork buns and egg tarts baked in small batches throughout the day.
Char siu bao stands out with its pineapple flavor and is considered among the best in the city. The bao buns come alongside other treats like egg tarts and moon cakes.
Prices stay incredibly low with freshly baked egg tarts and classic Chinese buns like 叉烧, coconut, and pork floss offered at a fast and clean spot.
Good to know
The egg tarts are priced at $1.5 as of September 2024.
Tao Hong accepts only cash.
There is no space to sit down.
Spacious setup with glass dividers creates a peaceful vibe. Pork belly bao stands out with perfect size and texture, alongside tasty vegan options. Prices stay consistently cheap with large portions and quick service, making it a great value spot.
Steam buns and bao buns have perfect consistency and size with a standout pork belly bao. Vegan options impress and the bao bao pairs well with other dishes like noodles.
Prices stay consistently cheap with very reasonable costs for large portions. Food comes quickly, making it a great value spot for budget meals.
Good to know
The total cost for two people, including two drinks, is under $30.
The price for the noodles is $10.
Expect a quick service during lunch hours.
Small, cramped bakery with a cash-only policy and no seating. Offers inexpensive, fresh steamed buns with fillings like pork, egg custard, and pumpkin. Buns often sell out early, creating a rush in the morning for take-home steaming.
Freshly made bao come in a wide selection each morning, including pumpkin bao buns and a da bao with ground chicken, quail egg, and sausage. Prices stay low, with pumpkin buns at $1.75 and da bao at $2.25, but the filling to bun ratio can be quite low.
Food comes at dirt cheap prices with buns costing about 6 dollars for 6 cha siu pieces. The dishes are filling and tasty while staying very affordable.
Good to know
They only accept cash payment.
The restaurant only offers takeout; no seating available.
Go early as items often sell out by 3 PM.
Small dumpling spot with counter seating and fresh handmade dumplings prepared on-site. Atmosphere feels cozy and lively despite tight space and minimal seating. Offers takeaway service alongside quick dine-in at stools along a wall.
Pulled pork bao buns stand out with generous servings and juicy, flavorful meat paired with great pickled vegetables. These bao buns are allergy friendly and come highly recommended alongside scallion noodles.
Food comes out fast and tastes good while staying cheap. Prices sit between cheap and expensive, making it a solid choice for a quick bite.
Good to know
There is no bathroom available.
There are few seats inside the restaurant.
The meal for two costs $30, which fills you up completely.
Small, unassuming restaurant sits in a gritty, rundown mall basement with flickering lights and a sketchy atmosphere. The space feels like an old-school local spot with cash-only payment and simple seating at card tables. It draws a diverse crowd and offers authentic, flavorful dumplings made at an impressive pace.
Bao buns come fresh and delicious with authentic flavors that stand out in the city. Prices are very low, like $5 for 6 baos, making them a great value for the quality and taste.
Prices stay low with options like $5 for 6 baos and $4 for 8 dumplings. Large packs like 50 frozen meat buns go for just $28, making it a solid spot for cheap Chinese food.
Good to know
You need to bring cash because it’s a cash-only establishment.
You can get everything on the menu for less than $20 at Fu Zhou.
$5 for 6 baos and $4 for 8 dumplings are unbelievably cheap in NYC.
Small space with authentic Chinatown vibe and casual atmosphere draws crowds despite limited seating. Quiet and orderly kitchen supports quick, cash-only service with self-serve condiments. Known for best dumplings and affordable prices, it offers a simple menu and frozen goods to take home.
Pork baos stand out with delicious flavor and the bao buns match expectations for quality. Chicken and chive dumplings and peanut noodles complement the bao offerings well.
Prices stay extremely cheap while the food remains amazing and filling. Meals come fast and offer great value without sacrificing flavor.
Good to know
This place is cash only, so bring money.
You need to order at the counter and specify whether it’s takeout or dine-in.
The prices are super reasonable at $4.50 for 10 dumplings.
Small restaurant with cramped tables and traditional music creates a lively, noisy atmosphere where conversation is difficult. Digital queue system and complimentary green tea add convenience and hospitality. Koi fish and antique decor contribute to a unique cultural setting.
Xiao Long Bao here are juicy and authentic with a delicate soup inside. The Crab & Pork version stands out for its fresh crab flavor, and the vegetable option includes shiitake mushroom and Shanghai bok choy.
Food comes with cheap prices and massive portion sizes. Udon and soup dumplings stand out as delicious and affordable options.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and special occasions.
Expect wait times of up to 2 hours during peak hours.
The restaurant can accommodate large groups, making it suitable for celebrations.
Small, crowded takeout spot with self-order kiosks inside and outside speeds up ordering. Atmosphere feels chaotic and packed, with no seating available and a tight, compact space. Known for best pineapple BBQ pork buns, it draws a steady, eager crowd despite the busy environment.
Bao buns come fresh and hot with a healthy serving of roast pork. The pineapple pork bao stands out with a sweet topping, while the char siu bao offers a tasty, fluffy bite with barbecue pork flavor.
Pork buns stand out as a cheap and tasty option here. Prices stay super low, making it a solid spot for quick takeout without spending much.
Good to know
They don’t have any seating, so you have to take away your order.
The bakery only accepts cash, so customers should bring cash.
To avoid long lines, come between 8:30-10am on a weekday.
Shanghainese restaurant offers clean, modern decor with spacious seating and booths. Atmosphere ranges from electric and lively with camaraderie to occasionally too loud and bright. Guests often enjoy watching chefs prepare soup dumplings, which are highly praised for quality and flavor.
Xiao long bao here have delicate wrappers and are perfectly steamed, bursting with flavorful soup inside. The pork and shrimp versions stand out with their authentic, juicy fillings and thin skins.
Prices stay super cheap despite the fancy feel of the restaurant. Food comes out fast and offers good quality for the cost.
Good to know
Arrive early or be prepared for a wait during peak dining hours.
The restaurant does not allow seating until the entire party has arrived.
You have to get your name on a list, as they don’t take reservations.
Vegetarian restaurant offers authentic dim sum in a cozy, nostalgic setting with close seating arrangements. The atmosphere feels welcoming and unpretentious, suited for both groups and solo diners. Free hot tea is served immediately, enhancing the simple, traditional experience.
Char siu bao features amazingly flavorful BBQ pork that tastes like real meat. A large variety of steamed bao buns come with helpful advice not to eat the paper wrap underneath.
Prices stay very cheap compared to New York standards. Portions come huge and the food tastes delicious for the price.
Good to know
The lunch deal is available from Monday to Friday.
All dim sum options are vegetarian/vegan.
There are no reservations for parties of 2, just walk in.
Restaurant offers authentic Shanghai cuisine with a bright, elegant interior that feels like a museum of local dishes. Atmosphere is colorful and lively, resembling a fun party with a welcoming vibe. Seating is ample but can feel tight and modest, focusing more on food than flashy decor.
Bao buns come with a half Peking Duck, hoisin, duck sauce, and celery, sliced with skin. The duck bao buns and pork xiao long bao dumplings stand out for their flavor and authenticity.
Food comes at a cheap price and stays authentic. The duck buns stand out as freshly made and very affordable.
Good to know
The restaurant only accepts cash, Venmo, and Zelle for payments.
Spend $10 or more to receive a free bun or dumpling.
Dine-in customers may receive free soup dumplings as a promotion.
Spacious dining area with Asian decor featuring lanterns and a lion head on the wall creates a modern Chinatown vibe. The atmosphere is loud and lively due to popularity, making conversation challenging. Lazy Susan tables facilitate sharing dishes, enhancing the communal dining experience.
Braised pork falls apart between the soft buns. Bao bread is spectacular, fluffy, and delicious.
Prices stay fairly cheap here. Portions come large, making it a solid choice for budget meals.
Good to know
Prepare for a long wait during dinner time.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Cash payments warrant a 9% discount.
Small restaurant with bright lighting and decorative tableware on walls and ceiling creates a chill atmosphere. Food arrives via robot delivery, emphasizing an informal, modern vibe. Seating feels comfortable, supporting a relaxed dining experience.
Pork soup dumplings and spicy chicken bao come with a spicy sauce that stands out. Options include Taiwanese fried chicken bao, pork belly, and duck bao, with choices to mix and match bao or veggies.
Prices stay consistently cheap here, making it a solid spot for budget-friendly meals. Costs fit well within the area's range without feeling overpriced.
Good to know
They have a happy hour in person from 4pm with $7 cocktails and $3 beers.
Many food items are priced below $10 during happy hour.
The restaurant offers excellent value for money.
Teppanyaki grills sit in a cramped, clean space with Japanese design elements. Chefs perform loud, engaging hibachi shows featuring flames and playful tricks. The atmosphere mixes quiet dining areas with bursts of energy from the cooking stations.
Xiao long bao here stands out for its authenticity and delicious soup inside the dumplings. Both crab meat and shredded beef versions are exceptional and served quickly.
Prices stay cheap even by New York standards. Food comes out fast and service matches that pace.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended for teppanyaki to ensure a spot.
An 18% gratuity is automatically added to the bill for all parties.
A 3% surcharge applies if you pay by credit card.
Spacious interior with modern design and bright lighting creates a clean, cozy atmosphere. A generous sauce bar and 24-hour service support a lively, authentic dim sum experience. Back room offers a quiet, comfortable space with couch seating and high tables.
Char Siu Bao comes with a beautifully filled interior and a flavor that is not too sweet. The menu includes lots of fun options like dumplings, bao, soup, and congee.
Meals cost between 10 to 20 dollars, making it very cheap for the area. Food is consistently good and cheap, offering a quick and affordable option near Midtown.
Good to know
You order at the front and pay first before sitting down.
When your food is ready, they call your number.
The restaurant is open late until 12:30 am on Friday.
Small dining space offers freshly made dishes with an inviting atmosphere despite a loud, crowded environment. Outlets near many tables provide convenience for charging devices. Decor reflects traditional Chinese culture in a clean, tidy setting.
Xiao long bao here are extremely juicy with a skin that is just right, neither too thin nor too thick. They contain crab roe and are not too greasy, making them stand out among other soup dumplings.
Prices stay super cheap, with dumplings especially affordable. Two people can eat for around 40 or less, and the service is both fast and inexpensive.
Good to know
The restaurant only accepts cash payments; no credit cards.
Expect to wait at least 30 minutes for a table on weekends.
A mandatory 20% service charge is added to your bill.
Traditional dim sum carts circulate through a bright, spacious dining room with well-spaced tables and a renovated interior. The atmosphere is busy and noisy, filled mostly with local diners, creating an energetic vibe. The experience blends authentic Cantonese dining with a lively, communal setting.
Fluffy bao buns come filled with sweet barbecue pork or creamy liu sha custard. Steamed options include spare ribs and chicken feet alongside various baos.
Prices stay between affordable and mid-range, not dirt cheap but far from steakhouse levels. Food portions satisfy without stretching the budget.
Good to know
Go early to House of Joy on weekends to avoid long waits.
Making reservations for Chinese New Year dinner is highly recommended.
Dim sum is served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Hot, juicy buns cook openly on large flat pans, filling the air with a strong aroma. Busy food court atmosphere features a steady flow of customers drawn by authentic pan-fried buns with thin skin, crispy bottoms, and soup-filled interiors. Prices remain very reasonable with generous portions, making it a standout spot for shengjian lovers.
Sheng jian bao here have thin, chewy skin with a crispy fried bottom and are filled with rich, juicy soup. The pan-fried pork buns taste authentic and come in generous portions priced around $9 to $11 for six to eight pieces.
Soup dumplings come at a very cheap price. The curry beef noodle soup is also cheap but less satisfying compared to the buns.
Good to know
Most food stalls prefer cash transactions; prepare some beforehand.
There is a $10 minimum for credit card payments at the food stalls.
The prices for pan-fried xiao long bao are $8.99 for six and $10.99 for eight.
Casual Chinese restaurant with shared table seating and a festive, hectic atmosphere marked by frequent birthday celebrations. Indoor space feels crowded and overwhelming, while outdoor seating offers well-heated comfort. Decor is minimal and worn, reflecting a simple, family-style setup.
Peking Duck comes wrapped in fluffy baos with a good mix of meat and crispy skin. Xiao long bao has thick skin but stays soupy, while pork bao buns include thin slices with some skin.
Food costs stay very cheap here, making it easy to eat on a budget. The spot handles large parties well with BYOB and simple seating.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially during weekends.
Expect a lively atmosphere with frequent birthday celebrations and events.
The restaurant allows guests to bring their own wine without a corkage fee.
Elegant dining space features floral decor with hanging flowers and butterflies, creating a cozy yet stylish atmosphere. Covered outdoor patio with heaters offers a comfortable seating option. The vibe suits celebrations and gatherings, blending Instagram-worthy aesthetics with inviting warmth.
Bao buns come with pillow-soft bao and fillings like crispy pork belly glazed sweet and savory or shrimp. Options include Chicken Bao Buns and Organic Pork Belly Bun with a balance of textures and flavors.
Meals offer balanced pricing that matches the quality well. Drinks cost more but deliver good flavor.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with limited drink specials.
Reservations are recommended for birthday celebrations and large groups.
Customers typically wait about 15 minutes for a table during peak hours.
Dim sum restaurant preserves an authentic 1920s Chinatown atmosphere with old-school decor like lumpy red vinyl booths and faded calligraphy. The space feels shabby and cramped, reflecting decades of minimal renovation. It offers a quiet alleyway terrace option and serves unique dishes alongside traditional Chinese beers.
Char siu bao and pork bao stand out with savory fillings and great chew. Xiao Long Bao offers a rich broth inside delicate dumplings. Bao buns come with flavorful, satisfying textures.
Food comes with large portions and cheap prices. Tea offers high quality at a low cost.
Good to know
They only accept cash or American Express.
Expect to wait for at least 15-20 minutes during weekends.
You should book a reservation at Nom Wah because this iconic spot is always bustling.