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Guide to Chinatown

Authentic bao buns

Made for those who seek out the most traditional and uncompromised versions of bao buns.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Fu Zhou Wei Zhong Wei Jia Xiang Feng Wei image 1
Fu Zhou Wei Zhong Wei Jia Xiang Feng Wei image 2
Fu Zhou Wei Zhong Wei Jia Xiang Feng Wei image 3
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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.

Bao and dumplings offer authentic flavors that reflect traditional Chinese cuisine. The pork buns and Suzhou steamed buns stand out for their genuine taste and affordable prices.

People are saying

"You have to go down the stairs to find this hidden gem dumpling spot."

"These bao buns are amazing, juicy, and flavorful."

"I found the steamed buns and dumplings to be incredibly authentic."

Good to know

1

You need to bring cash because it’s a cash-only establishment.

2

You can get everything on the menu for less than $20 at Fu Zhou.

3

$5 for 6 baos and $4 for 8 dumplings are unbelievably cheap in NYC.

02
Super Taste image 1
Chinese restaurant

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.

Authentic flavors shine in the handmade noodles and superb dumplings. The Taiwanese pork over rice and dry noodles offer well-seasoned, high-quality Asian dishes at low prices.

People are saying

"I thought the fried dumplings were the best I've had."

"I found the food to be delicious and affordable."

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

Good to know

1

Bring cash for dumplings as they don't come with sauce.

2

There are no restrooms available in the restaurant.

3

Good luck finding a seat; sharing tables is common.

03
Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant image 1

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.

Vegan Chinese dishes match the authentic flavors of traditional versions from childhood. The place offers kosher vegetarian dim sum with an unfrilled atmosphere that feels genuine.

People are saying

"The vegetarian dim sum here is amazing and well-priced."

"The char su bao here are amazingly flavorful, I swore it was real meat."

"I found the food to be really good and authentic."

Good to know

1

The lunch deal is available from Monday to Friday.

2

All dim sum options are vegetarian/vegan.

3

There are no reservations for parties of 2, just walk in.

04
Shanghai 21 image 1
Chinese restaurant

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.

Dishes feature authentic flavors and spices true to Chinese cuisine. Food consistently delivers a delicious and genuine taste experience.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings are full of flavor and perfectly slurpable."

"The food here is so authentic and packed with flavor."

"I thought the bao buns were heavenly, especially the soup dumplings."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments; no credit cards.

2

Expect to wait at least 30 minutes for a table on weekends.

3

A mandatory 20% service charge is added to your bill.

05
Uncle Lou 快樂人 image 1
Cantonese restaurant

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.

Authentic Cantonese cuisine shines with Southern Chinese flavors and carefully selected dishes. The food offers a refined yet traditional taste that goes beyond typical home cooking.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is excellent, especially the Peking duck and dim sum."

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and full of flavor."

"The bao buns here are fluffy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Prepare for a long wait during dinner time.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

3

Cash payments warrant a 9% discount.

06
House of Joy image 1
Dim sum restaurant

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.

Dim sum stands out with incredible authenticity and a wide variety of options. The atmosphere feels like a genuine Chinese canteen, delivering satisfying Cantonese dishes throughout dinner.

People are saying

"I loved the traditional dim sum carts going down the aisle."

"I found the dim sum here to be fresh, authentic, and absolutely delicious."

"The char siu bao here are fluffy and sweet-savory."

Good to know

1

Go early to House of Joy on weekends to avoid long waits.

2

Making reservations for Chinese New Year dinner is highly recommended.

3

Dim sum is served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

07
Deluxe Green Bo image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, cramped space fills quickly with a loud, bustling atmosphere where tables sit close together. Traditional Shanghai style decor supports a local, cozy vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. Complimentary hot tea arrives at the table, enhancing the casual, authentic dining experience.

Xiao long bao stand out with their fresh, legitimately steamed quality and good price. Shen jian bao and pan-fried buns also impress with excellent taste and texture.

Chinese dishes offer authentic taste and traditional flavors. Service is super quick and the setting feels like a casual dim sum house.

People are saying

"You have to try the soup dumplings; they're amazing and juicy."

"I found the authentic Shanghainese cuisine here to be traditional and homemade."

"The bao buns here are classic and full of rich broth."

Good to know

1

The lunch special before 3:30 PM allows you to choose 3 dishes for $24.

2

The restaurant is cash only but also accepts Venmo.

3

If you order an entrée, you need to ask for rice as it does not come with it.

08
Mei Lai Wah image 1
Chinese restaurant

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.

Food captures authentic Cantonese and Hong Kong style flavors. Buns stand out as a tasty, genuine treat for those who enjoy traditional Chinese dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and cheap."

"The pineapple pork bun is famously sweet, but the steamed pork bun is excellent."

"I found the authentic roast pork buns to be a perfect balance of savory and sweet."

Good to know

1

They don’t have any seating, so you have to take away your order.

2

The bakery only accepts cash, so customers should bring cash.

3

To avoid long lines, come between 8:30-10am on a weekday.

09
Golden Unicorn image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Multi-level dim sum palace offers pushcart service with enthusiastic servers and banquet-style dining suitable for large groups. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, with food served fresh and hot from trolleys rolling around. Separate floors create a spacious and quieter environment despite the busy setting.

Steamed and baked baos come with cha siu pork and egg-crème filling. Peking duck appears in fluffy steamed bao. Classic and creative bao options sit alongside other dim sum dishes.

Dim sum features authentic flavors with fresh ingredients served via cart service. The Chinese dishes maintain consistent quality and traditional taste.

People are saying

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

"It's authentic dim sum with carts rolling around, just like old-school Hong Kong."

"The bao buns here are hot and tasty."

Good to know

1

You need to take the elevator up to the second floor to reach the restaurant.

2

If you have a large group of 5 or more, they will seat you right away.

3

Customers are not allowed to sit at a table without actively eating.

10
Supreme Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large dining space offers wooden booths and Asian-influenced decor with tiny indoor plants at each booth. Lighting varies from multicolored neon to dim, creating a mix of DIY and karaoke bar vibes. Seating accommodates big groups comfortably, with a calm atmosphere despite occasional crowding.

Xiao long bao here have a thin dough that holds a rich broth inside, making each bite flavorful. The buns are fresh and well filled, closely matching the texture of traditional steamed bao.

Food offers authentic Chinese flavors with dishes like chicken and broccoli that taste like home. Dumplings and Shanghainese cuisine come hot and fresh, served quickly at affordable prices.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and very tasty."

"I thought the soup dumplings here were the best I've tried."

"These soup dumplings are juicy, well filled, and have a rich broth."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash, debit, or VENMO; no credit cards.

2

There is a bit of a wait during busy times, especially around suppertime.

3

Customers with celiac disease should be careful when asking about safe options.

11
Nom Wah Tea Parlor image 1
Dim sum restaurant

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.

Minimal customer service and a utilitarian environment create an authentic, old-world feeling. The dim sum offers authentic flavors with affordable American style preparation.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is authentic and delicious, especially the soup dumplings."

"The food and setting here feel truly authentic."

"You have to try the roast pork Bao Buns; they're the best."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash or American Express.

2

Expect to wait for at least 15-20 minutes during weekends.

3

You should book a reservation at Nom Wah because this iconic spot is always bustling.

12
Joe's Shanghai image 1
Shanghainese restaurant

Shanghainese restaurant with loud, crowded atmosphere and modern, spacious interior attracts a younger crowd. Known for outstanding soup dumplings and family-style service with round tables. Cash-only policy with an ATM at the entrance.

Xiao long bao here are huge and juicy with super thin wrappers. Both pork and crab flavors offer a rich, tasty filling that stands out.

Food offers authentic Chinese dishes with flavors close to those in Shanghai. Xiaolongbao stands out as a very authentic item, and the overall atmosphere supports a genuine experience.

People are saying

"The crab and pork soup dumplings are fantastic and full of flavor."

"The Chinese food here tastes like it's from Shanghai."

"The soup inside the bao buns was fantastic and juicy."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash payments; no credit or debit cards.

2

The restaurant only takes walk-ins and does not accept reservations.

3

Expect a 20-minute wait during busy evening hours.

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Chinatown, New York

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