Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Bao buns and dumplings in Chinatown

A quick stop for bao buns and dumplings is the most efficient way to satisfy a craving.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
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
View all

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.

Steamed and fried dumplings stand out for their authentic Fuzhou style and unbeatable quality. Prices are very low, with deals like $5 for 6 baos and $4 for 8 dumplings, making them a great value.

People are saying

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

"The dumplings and buns are fresh, delicious, and really cheap."

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

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.

Boiled pork and chive dumplings come fresh and affordable, with a serving of 10 for under five dollars. Adding chili oil enhances the flavor, while Sichuan dumplings and hand-pulled noodles stand out as highlights on the menu.

People are saying

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

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

"The bao buns here are amazing and melt in your mouth."

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.

Gluten-free and vegan options stand out with innovative dumplings and soup dumplings. Fried taro dumplings, turnip cakes, and BBQ vegetable meat add variety alongside classic dim sum choices.

People are saying

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

"I loved the delicious vegan dumplings and dim sum here."

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

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.

Soup dumplings stand out with rich, flavorful broth inside delicate skins. Shrimp dumplings offer a fresh, satisfying bite that impresses at any dim sum spot.

People are saying

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

"The Szechuan wontons are the best I've ever had."

"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
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.

Soup dumplings stand out for being large and juicy with a fresh, made-to-order quality. They stay consistent and tasty over time, making extra plates a common choice.

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.

06
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.

Dumplings come in several varieties like chicken, chili, and vegetable with textures ranging from crisp fried to moist steamed. Wontons in chili oil and har gow add spicy and delicate options to the mix.

People are saying

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

"You've got to try the dumplings; they're amazing."

"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.

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.

Soup dumplings stand out for their size and flavor, often considered the best around. Pork dumplings are larger than expected and filling, with spicy wontons and pot stickers adding variety.

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
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.

Shrimp dumplings and shumai stand out with fresh flavors. Soup dumplings, fried wontons, and baked pork buns with a sweet glaze add variety and richness.

People are saying

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

"The dumplings arrive steaming hot from bustling carts."

"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.

09
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.

Soup dumplings stand out with their rich, flavorful broth and delicate skin. Mushu and other dumplings also deliver strong, memorable tastes.

People are saying

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

"You've got to try the scallion pancakes; they're a family favorite."

"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.

10
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.

Shrimp dumplings and Pineapple Pork Buns stand out for their amazing taste. Tteokbokki rice dumplings and fried dumplings also deliver strong flavors that make the dumpling selection memorable.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and cheap."

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

"The pineapple pork buns are the most memorable."

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.

11
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.

Fried dumplings come out right at your table with cart service and an old school vibe. Shrimp dumplings, siu mai, and soup dumplings stand out, along with steamed pork buns and sesame rice balls.

People are saying

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

"You can get authentic dim sum served from carts rolling around."

"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.

12
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.

Shrimp and bacon dumplings stand out with their unforgettable flavor. Xiao Long Bao offers a savory broth inside dumplings that have great chew and flavor.

People are saying

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

"I thought the dumplings were good and a steal for the price."

"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.

Discover more

Chinatown, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...