Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Chelsea

Chinese food spots

A sudden craving for Chinese food demands a place that serves exactly what is on the mind.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Mala Panda 麻辣熊猫 image 1
Mala Panda 麻辣熊猫 image 2
Mala Panda 麻辣熊猫 image 3
View all
Chinese restaurant

Spicy hot pot shines with customizable Sichuan-style options and over 100 fresh ingredients. Spacious dining and a DIY condiment bar create a calm, welcoming vibe. Friendly service and unlimited free rice add great value to every meal.

Food features spicy hot pot with a variety of selections. Dishes offer great taste and come at an affordable price.

Offers customizable Sichuan-style dry hot pot and Malatang with over 100 fresh ingredients to choose from. Known for its spicy hot pot options and a value base price around $15.99.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and perfectly spiced."

"I found the food here to be super affordable and really flavorful."

"I loved the authentic Sichuan Chinese food with its numbing mala flavor."

Good to know

1

Prices start at $15.99 per pound with unlimited rice.

2

They offer over 100 fresh ingredients, including meats, seafood, noodles, and vegetables.

3

Malatang takes about 20 minutes to cook after ordering.

02
Spicy Moon Chelsea image 1
Vegan restaurant

Vegan restaurant offers a beautifully designed and cozy atmosphere with dim lighting that creates an intimate vibe but can make reading menus challenging. The space fits multiple groups with options for solo diners near the entrance. Cocktails and in-house brewed beers add a distinctive beverage selection to the experience.

Food here is hot, spicy, and delicious with a focus on vegan-styled Szechuan cuisine. Dishes like mapo tofu and Dan Dan noodles burst with fresh, well-balanced flavors and come in a wide selection.

Dan Dan noodles stand out with rich flavor and no heartburn. The menu features vegan wontons with chili oil and fiery Mapo Tofu offering spicy, comforting Szechuan dishes.

People are saying

"The vegetarian food here is outstanding and flavorful."

"The dan dan noodles here are delicious and flavorful."

"The food here is full of flavor and utterly outstanding."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended, especially for larger parties and weekends.

2

The menu is diversified, offering various vegan options including fake meat.

3

Prices can be high, particularly for dishes like General Tso's Style.

03
Willow Vegan Bistro image 1
Vegan restaurant

Mid-century modern decor with sound absorbing panels creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere despite tight table spacing. The space features huge windows that add natural light, balancing the compact layout. Music and lighting contribute to a warm, comfortable vibe where conversation is easy.

Vegan comfort food shines here with consistently amazing quality and flavors. The menu offers outstanding vegan dishes that satisfy familiar cravings with great taste and care.

Crispy crab Rangoon stands out as a key appetizer here. It offers a crunchy texture with a rich crab filling.

People are saying

"The vegetarian comfort food here is so flavorful and satisfying."

"The food here is creative, flavorful, and really delicious."

"You have to try the crab rangoon; it's packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-priced drinks and finger food from 5 to 6:30 pm.

2

Sandwiches are discounted on Thursdays.

3

Reservations are recommended for weekends or busy hours.

04
New M & J Asian Cuisine image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, cozy Asian restaurant with an unassuming, hole-in-the-wall vibe. Offers solid takeout, reasonably priced sushi, and classic American Chinese dishes. Atmosphere feels low and quiet due to limited seating, attracting those seeking quick, affordable meals.

Classic American Chinese food shines here with solid portions and good quality. General Tso chicken and other favorites deliver exactly what you expect from a Manhattan hole-in-the-wall spot.

Dumplings stand out and often get reordered. Classic dishes like hot and sour soup, egg rolls, and sesame chicken appear regularly. The mapo tofu offers medium spice even when extra spicy is requested.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and really tasty."

"The sushi rolls and bento boxes from takeout are always fresh and tasty."

"The Chinese food here is really tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves a lunch menu with a special for $11.99 that includes a choice of soup and rice.

2

The restaurant offers classic NY Chinese food.

3

The delivery is fast.

05
Hey Yuet 喜粤 image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Dim sum restaurant with early 20th century Shanghai decor and a clean, cozy atmosphere that feels authentic and transports guests to Cantonese culture. The space suits private conversations and casual business dinners, offering unique traditional dishes not commonly found elsewhere.

Offers authentic Cantonese cuisine with delicious, excellent flavors that stand out in the city. Staff are attentive and the food goes beyond typical Cantonese dishes.

Offers authentic Cantonese food with piping hot dim sum like flaky char siu buns and pineapple cheese buns. Dishes include shrimp and pea shoot dumplings, sesame chicken, double roast duck on rice, and crab soup dumplings.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is amazing and authentic Cantonese."

"You have to try the crispy seafood rice rolls; they're amazing."

"The food here is delicious and very authentic Chinese."

Good to know

1

The dim sum menu is served until 5 pm.

2

They are doing 2 dim sum for $10 on weekdays.

3

Reservations are recommended for prime time during weeknights.

06
Lilli and Loo image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers a calm atmosphere with Italian music and a charming interior featuring little lamps. Staff work smoothly together, creating a dance-like rhythm. The place is known for a vast gluten-free menu with clearly marked options and confident handling of dietary restrictions.

Gluten-free Asian food stands out with a wide variety of fresh, celiac-safe dishes handled confidently. The food tastes exceptional and delivers a strong dining experience.

Boneless ribs come flavorful and tender. Dumplings are fluffy with a crisp and stand out as excellent gluten-free options. Lo mein features tasty noodles with large chicken slices.

People are saying

"They have a whole gluten-free menu with amazing options."

"Their gluten-free Chinese food options are amazing."

"Their gluten-free Chinese food options are amazing."

Good to know

1

The gluten-free menu is extensive with many clearly marked options.

2

Prices are reasonable, averaging around $50 for two people.

3

The staff is knowledgeable about gluten-free food handling.

07
Hao Noodle image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious restaurant with modern decor, natural lighting, and abundant plants creates a calm and chic setting. Atmosphere is relaxed but loud due to concrete surfaces and lively conversations. Free snacks and thoughtful amenities add a sense of pampering to the dining experience.

Offers fantastic Chinese cuisine with a focus on Szechuan flavors. Food is consistently delicious and tasty.

Steamed dumplings stand out as juicy and large, often considered the best across several countries. The menu features Hotpot beef noodles, Mapo Tofu, and a special fish clay pot with vermicelli, all noted for their rich flavors.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is flavorful and fresh."

"The dim sum here is diverse and definitely worth it."

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must on busy nights at this restaurant.

2

The kitchen closes at 9 PM on Saturday nights.

3

Lunch is served from 12-3 PM at Hao Noodle.

08
Jungle Bird image 1

Two-level bar with stylish decor and comfortable seating creates an inviting space. Loud, fun music fills the air, making it lively but challenging for quiet conversation. Outdoor seating and unique cocktails add to the vibrant atmosphere favored for social gatherings.

Food includes Pork Bao Buns, Chicken Dumplings, and Veggie Spring Rolls. Appetizers like Jungle Fries and Chicken Satay also appear alongside Edamame.

Happy hour features chicken and ginger pan-fried dumplings and Thai-chili deep-fried chickpeas. The menu includes Pork Bao Buns, edamame, chicken dumplings, jungle fries, chicken satay, and vegetable spring rolls.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and well-balanced."

"I thought the food here was incredible and perfectly prepared."

"The party room is gorgeous, especially with the disco ball."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

Last call is at 2:45 AM on Fridays, so plan accordingly.

09
Very Fresh Noodles image 1
Chinese noodle restaurant

Open kitchen showcases hand-pulled noodles with staff focused on their craft. Small seating area includes a walk-up bar and outdoor heated seating, creating a lively, noisy atmosphere similar to a bustling food hall. Decor features mazhong tiles and heavy music, evoking a vibrant street food vibe.

Food comes in plenty of portions and shines both as soup and dry with just sauce. The dishes stand out for their freshness and strong flavor.

Hand pulled noodles stand out as the main attraction, especially the Dan Dan noodles which balance aromatic Sichuan pepper spiciness with chili heat perfectly. Vegan spicy noodles with baby bok choy and mushrooms also offer a solid option.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the fresh, chewy noodles."

"This Taiwanese beef noodle soup has a bold, flavorful broth."

"The Chinese food here, especially the hand-pulled noodles, has the perfect texture."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

2

Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Avoid lunch hour; it’s always packed with long lines.

10
Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Chelsea image 1

Minimalist design and fast-food style define the space, with metal counters and stools arranged for both solo diners and groups. The atmosphere is noisy and busy, energized by jazzy hip hop music and a steady flow of customers. Seating is ample but simple, emphasizing quick service over coziness.

Delicious and inexpensive food stands out with dishes like the N1 lamb noodles and the signature chili oil. The menu offers fresh, flavorful options that include unique items not commonly found elsewhere.

Lamb hand pulled noodles stand out with their tangy, mouth watering flavor. Dumplings come in bold varieties like spicy tofu and spinach, offering just the right amount of heat and solid, consistent taste.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings, is amazing."

"I loved the hot, spicy, oily chili noodles."

"I found the food here to be fantastic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 9 PM.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for food during peak hours.

3

There is no bathroom available for customers.

11
Excellent Dumpling House image 1
Shanghainese restaurant

Brightly lit space with simple decor and plenty of room for groups creates an open atmosphere. The environment feels clean and immaculate, supporting a comfortable dining experience. Soup dumplings stand out as a signature offering, drawing attention for their quality.

Food features delectable scallion pancakes and amazing dumplings with a varied menu that appeals to many tastes. The dishes consistently deliver delicious flavors and good value.

Dumplings stand out with big juicy sizes and varied vegetarian options. Soup dumplings like long Bao impress alongside dishes like scallion pancakes and sautéed bok choy.

People are saying

"I thought the soup dumplings here were the best I ever had."

"The soup dumplings here are the best Chinese food I've ever had."

"I found the food here to be delicious and cost-effective."

Good to know

1

They have a business lunch for $9.75 up until 4pm.

2

The business lunch is not available after 4pm.

3

You pay cash and they give you 10% off.

12
Emperor Dumpling image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Space combines modern clean design with Asian touches and features a spotless visible kitchen. Atmosphere stays calm and family-friendly with a warm, elegant fusion of traditional and modern elements. Seating areas feel spacious and bright despite some narrow spots.

Dumplings and fusion dishes stand out with fresh preparation and quick service. Crispy fried chicken and marinated meats deliver packed flavor and freshness at an affordable price.

Dumplings come steamed, pan-fried, or in soup with fillings like pork, shrimp, mushroom, and chives. Sauces include a sweet soy and a spicy option. Other dishes include sesame chicken, scallion pancakes, and lo mein.

People are saying

"I found the steamed dumplings to be perfectly cooked and delicious."

"I found the food here to be delicious and well-prepared."

"I found the Chinese food dumplings to be really tasty and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

The price for 9 vegetarian dumplings is $10.

2

The lunch specials offer significantly better value.

3

The restaurant uses non-plastic containers, which is environmentally friendly.

13
Beef Up Noodle 2 image 1

Small, cozy restaurant with a warm atmosphere and friendly service. Space includes a prayer area and uses touch screen ordering. Clean, well-furnished interior with complimentary pumpkin cake offered after meals.

Chinese cuisine offers rich flavors and unique dishes with clear care in preparation. Food comes with amazing taste and warm presentation, supported by attentive service.

Soup dumplings stand out with exceptional quality and authentic texture. The Szechuan Beef Tripe and Tendon Noodle offers a rich, flavorful experience. Chicken dumplings also deliver solid taste and texture.

People are saying

"I thought the Lanzhou noodle soup was light yet tasted great."

"I found the food to be delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"I found the Chinese food dumplings and noodles to be authentic and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is a few steps from the 14th Street MTA station, servicing A, C, E, and L lines.

2

Prices are reasonable, with dishes like lamb skewers priced at $5 for three pieces.

3

No tipping is required at this restaurant, simplifying the payment process.

14
Dim Sum Chelsea image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Dim sum restaurant with a diner-style setting featuring spacious, clean interiors and round tables with turntables. Atmosphere stays cozy and quiet, supporting easy conversation without loud music. A full bar offers a variety of cocktails alongside traditional and American dishes.

Authentic Chinese food shines here with excellent dim sum and Sichuan dishes served quickly and in generous portions. The food consistently impresses with its quality and flavor.

Offers best dim sum with standout dishes like shrimp and chive dumplings and soup dumplings. Sichuan options include dry spicy chicken, Dan Dan noodles, and eggplant in spicy garlic sauce, all served with great service and good value.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings, is incredible."

"The food here is hot, flavorful, and delicious."

"I found the food here to be amazing and perfectly flavorful."

Good to know

1

You get a slight discount if you pay with cash.

2

Customers must order a minimum of $15 each to be served at a table.

3

The restaurant only allows 'to go' orders if the minimum order is not met.

15
Buddakan image 1
Restaurant

Large dining space features candles and chandeliers with a dark, loud atmosphere resembling a nightclub. House music and a live DJ create a vibrant energy, while an upstairs room offers a quieter, cozy setting for conversation.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and faultless preparation. Consistently great dishes deliver a reliable dining experience with no disappointments.

Edamame dumplings and soup dumplings stand out with delicate flavors. Dim sum options offer a variety to share, including fresh sole fish and a matcha dessert to finish.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is amazing, especially the crispy tofu and dumplings."

"The dinner spots here have amazing, flavorful food with creative twists."

"The food here was amazing and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Booking is essential, especially for large groups.

2

Making an early reservation is highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

Buddakan offers a unique Dragon show during special events.

16
TAO Downtown Restaurant image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion restaurant offers a stylish space with tasteful decor, soft lighting, and plush seating. Loud music and a live DJ create an electric atmosphere that shifts into a club vibe late at night. Guests often dress up, and the environment suits date nights and social occasions.

Food features superb quality and amazing flavors. Service complements the dining with top-tier attentiveness.

Offers a variety of vegan dim sum and customized vegan dishes like avocado spicy tuna with tofu. Includes classic items such as pork dumplings, crispy rice with spicy tuna, and triple pork fried rice. Ends meals with a unique chocolate vanilla fortune cookie.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here feel like stepping into an ancient, multi-level Asian temple."

"The food here is amazing and tasty."

"The Chinese food here is delicious and fun, totally worth the hype."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy dining hours.

3

Tourists must present a physical passport to order alcohol; no photo IDs accepted.

17
Som Bo image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion restaurant offers a build-your-own meal concept with a variety of healthy options and affordable prices. Atmosphere combines a fun 90s flare with a chill vibe, creating a casual fast meal experience. Seating is pleasant and decor is organized, supporting a relaxed dining environment.

Freshness stands out with every bite, showcasing a colorful bouquet of flavors. Large portions of healthy Asian fast food highlight proteins and vegetables, proving excellent dining does not require meat.

Spicy Sichuan Chicken bowls deliver a fiery kick with tender chicken and bold sauce. Baby bok choy appears frequently, cooked perfectly flavorful alongside dishes like Peking duck and grilled tofu bowls.

People are saying

"It's a great healthy, fast-casual place for a quick meal."

"The Chinese food here is amazing, especially the bok choy and Peking duck."

"I found the food here to be really good and affordable."

Good to know

1

Customers can choose a base, 2 sides, and a protein.

2

The bowl and the portions are generous for the price.

3

The prices are affordable.

18
Chop-Shop image 1
Pan-Asian restaurant

Tiny space offers a cozy, charming atmosphere with a fully covered, enclosed back patio that feels peaceful and inviting. Bright, quiet interior shifts to a bustling vibe when more people arrive. Well-crafted signature cocktails add a distinctive touch to the relaxed, casual setting.

Food arrives quickly and tastes amazing with fresh, Pan Asian flavors. The peanut curry dip stands out for its rich flavor.

Pork belly dumplings offer rich flavor while Szechuan beef delivers a spicy, gourmet twist. Veggie dumplings balance savory taste, but sides like bok choy and shrimp lo mein come plain and lack seasoning.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"The food here is delicious, homey, comforting, and cozy."

"The veggie dumplings were perfectly savory, and the pork belly dumplings were tasty."

Good to know

1

The prices of menu items are higher than advertised on the website.

2

The portions are on the smaller side, especially for fried rice.

3

Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins can be accommodated.

Discover more

Chelsea, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...