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Scallion pancake lunch spots in Chinatown

Made for those who rely on a quick, savory scallion pancake to power them through the workday.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Korean restaurant

Small space with authentic Korean decor creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere that feels like stepping into a bustling Korean street. Tables are spacious and well-separated, offering a quiet escape from city noise. The vibe suits family dinners and date nights with a welcoming, traditional feel.

Seafood and kimchi versions stand out with crispy layers and a savory mix of scallions. The seafood scallion pancake offers a rich, briny flavor while the kimchi one adds a spicy kick.

Lunch offers filling portions with options like tofu stew topped with noodles. Prices stay under $30 and lunch deals provide great value for the city.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is so good, especially the fried chicken."

"This lunch spot is the place to be for delicious Korean food."

"You have to try the seafood scallion pancake; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not necessary as the wait is never longer than 5 minutes.

2

There is a long queue after 6:30 PM.

3

They stop service by 9 PM.

02
O Ramen & Dim Sum M Yuki Sushi image 1

Small dining area with only four tables creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere reminiscent of Japan. Quiet environment features mild old jazz music and a family-run vibe that feels warm and welcoming. Seating is comfortable but limited, making it ideal for quiet meals rather than large groups.

Scallion pancakes here stand out for their amazing flavor and fantastic texture. They consistently impress as some of the best around.

Offers a 3 roll maki lunch special priced at $11.95. Meals come in takeout containers even when dining in, making it a quick and easy lunch option.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen and dumplings, is delicious and fresh."

"The lunch special here is a great deal."

"I found the scallion pancakes amazing."

Good to know

1

Take-out is recommended due to the limited seating.

2

The restaurant closes at 1am.

3

This is the only place open in the area until 1 AM.

03
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.

Scallion pancakes here are crispy and flavorful, often described as some of the best around. They pair well with soup dumplings and come highly recommended for their incredible taste and texture.

Lunch offers include a 3-dish combo from a list of 20 for $24. Options come with tea, soup, rice, and a good portion of meat. Service is very fast and prices range around $11 to $24, making it a budget-friendly choice.

People are saying

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

"I thought the scallion pancake was the best I've ever had."

"The dumplings here are packed full of flavor and worth the price."

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.

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.

Crispy scallion pancakes come in large portions and cost $5.50. They pair with a notably good sauce and stand out as a favorite alongside dumplings and other dishes.

Lunch offers great food with options under $20 including tea. The spot has a cozy and comfortable vibe ideal for a relaxed meal or takeaway.

People are saying

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

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

"The soup dumplings here are heaven in my mouth."

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
Tasty Hand - Pulled Noodles image 1
Chinese noodle restaurant

Chinese noodle restaurant offers outdoor seating on street with small heated pods and an original air-conditioned cabin option. Atmosphere feels casual and grungy, resembling a back-alley street scene with cramped, narrow seating. Food stands out as the main attraction, especially hand-pulled noodles praised for their quality.

Crispy and thin, the scallion pancakes serve as a great vegetarian side dish. They pair well with spicy tofu and noodles, offering a delicious and satisfying option.

Lunch offers tasty pulled noodles served quickly in a casual setting. Seating allows for a relaxed meal that satisfies midday hunger efficiently.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup has delicious, springy hand-pulled noodles."

"The outdoor seating offers huge portions and amazing value."

"The lunch spot portions are huge and a great deal."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash; an ATM nearby charges high fees.

2

The establishment has significant cleanliness issues, including cockroaches.

3

There is mouse or cockroach feces in the tableware.

06
456 New Shanghai image 1
Shanghainese restaurant

Small, bright space with tables packed closely together creates a busy, lively atmosphere filled mostly with locals. Friendly, authentic vibe pairs with open kitchen where food is cooked fresh. Free tea and soup accompany meals, enhancing the generous, relaxed dining experience.

Scallion pancakes come fresh and hot, pairing well with other dishes like spicy shrimp and dumplings. They have a crispy texture and a savory flavor that complements the meal.

Lunch offers affordable specials with a good variety of dishes like dumplings and spicy cubed chicken. Quality and price balance well for a solid business or casual meal.

People are saying

"I found the soup dumplings here to be truly delicious."

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

"The scallion pancakes were yummy, but I wanted more scallions."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only after 8:30 PM.

2

Credit cards incur a 3.5% markup.

3

Free tea and soup are included with the lunch menu.

07
Taiwan Pork Chop House image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Outdoor seating channels cool alley wind with plastic red chairs and cafeteria style setup, creating a nostalgic Asian vibe. Indoor space feels cramped but authentic with faded walls and reusable menus. Atmosphere stays chill and lively, reflecting a no-frills, affordable spot off main tourist routes.

Deep frying gives the scallion pancake a crispy texture. It costs $5 and has a very tasty flavor.

Lunch offers porkchop rice that tastes like authentic Taiwanese lunch boxes, including familiar pickled vegetables. A small terrace provides a casual spot to enjoy affordable takeout meals.

People are saying

"I loved the rich and comforting flavor of their soup."

"This lunch spot's salt pepper chicken is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The scallion pancakes here were probably the best dishes."

Good to know

1

This restaurant is cash only, so be sure to have cash on you.

2

You can get a huge portion for around $8.

3

The total cost for the pork chop over rice and a tea egg is $9.

08
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Chinese restaurant

Small space fills quickly with noise and close tables, creating a cramped atmosphere. Bright, clean interior features booth seating reminiscent of Hong Kong cafes and charging stations on tables. Turtles at the entrance add a unique touch to the casual, lively vibe.

Scallion pancakes come out with a crispy texture and a decent flavor. They pair well with other dim sum items like soup dumplings and beef chow fun. Quality holds steady across visits.

Lunch offers excellent food even when the restaurant is less crowded than dinner. Staff serve meals during late lunch hours without issue.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has a vast menu with delicious noodles and comforting flavors."

"The scallion pancakes were a personal favorite, perfectly fried and doughy."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on Thursday to Saturday nights.

2

Bring cash to avoid extra charges and for discounts.

3

A minimum tip of 18% is expected on all bills.

09
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.

Scallion pancakes deliver a solid crunch and fresh flavor. They stand out as a surprisingly enjoyable dish alongside other favorites like dim sum rice rolls and stuffed tofu.

Lunch offers include specials starting around $10 with meals that taste good. Multiple visits confirm consistent quality during lunch hours.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot's sweet and sour fish filet is perfectly balanced."

"The scallion pancakes here are pretty awesome."

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.

10
Gai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Small Thai restaurant inside a bright, clean food court offers self-service with small tables and homey interior. Atmosphere feels lively and vibrant with diverse crowds, though noise levels can be high. Seating encourages relaxed dining without rush.

Scallion pancakes come in 6 mini cubes with a crispy outer layer and a chewy center. Some versions are nearly raw and mushy inside with little flavor.

Affordable lunch specials cost around $6 and include Thai style roasted chicken with rice and cucumber slices. Quick ordering and efficient service make it a solid choice for a fast lunch.

People are saying

"The authentic Thai sauces here are a perfect pairing with the juicy chicken."

"This lunch spot's chicken and ginger rice is so flavorful."

"The scallion pancakes were our favorite appetizer, crispy and chewy."

Good to know

1

You can get a hearty bowl of delicious Hainanese chicken rice starting at $6.5.

2

A large portion at Gai Kitchen is only $10 and it comes with free soup.

3

Paying cash at the desk is the best way to avoid tax and mandatory tip.

11
Jin Mei Dumpling image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small takeaway spot with a single outdoor table and two chairs next to a busy sidewalk. Atmosphere feels homely and unassuming, with minimal seating and cash-only service. Dumplings stand out as highly praised and affordable despite the simple setup.

Thick scallion pancakes come with tender, juicy beef tucked inside, resembling a pita wrap. They cost around $3 and offer a well-marinated flavor that stands out.

Lunch offers generous portions that can cover both lunch and dinner. Meals cost around $12 for two, making it a budget-friendly option during a lunch break.

People are saying

"I thought the dumplings were fresh and always delicious."

"You can't beat the price for these pork dumplings."

"The pork dumplings here are juicy and have amazing flavor."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash, so remember to visit an ATM beforehand.

2

The fried dumplings cost $5 for 15 pieces.

3

This place is takeout only with no seating available.

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.

Scallion pancakes come out perfectly crispy without excess oil. They pair well with soup dumplings and stand out as a delicious highlight alongside other dishes.

Lunch here offers a delightful adventure with minimal wait times on both weekdays and weekends. It suits large groups well, making it easy to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

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 dumplings at this Lunch Spot are piping hot and delicious."

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.

13
1915 Lanzhou Hand Pulled Noodles & Dumplings image 1

Small basement space features an open kitchen where skilled chefs hand-pull noodles and prepare dumplings. Loud music and cramped seating create a fast-paced, chaotic atmosphere that can feel uncomfortable. The environment draws a crowd, often packed with diners sharing tables in tight quarters.

Scallion pancakes come in small pieces, priced around $12, making them one of the more expensive options here. The flavor tends to be bland, lacking strong seasoning or crispness.

Popular spot with a wait of 10-20 minutes during lunch hours. Offers delicious hand pulled noodles and dumplings paired well with a coconut milk drink.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here has the freshest, chewiest hand-pulled noodles."

"This lunch spot has amazing noodles with great texture and flavor."

"I found the scallion pancakes to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Ordering with the QR code at the table is recommended for convenience.

2

The restaurant offers eight widths of noodles, from super thin to 'prism'.

3

Extra chili oil is always available for those who want more spice.

14
Tasty Dumpling image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small Chinese restaurant with cash-only policy and affordable dumplings draws steady crowds despite minimal, cluttered interior. Atmosphere feels cafeteria-like and run down, with noisy background and limited seating. Dumplings receive strong praise for taste and value.

Scallion pancakes come out light and not oily, with a perfect consistency and strong scallion flavor. They pair well with dumplings and offer good value at a low price.

Good and fast service keeps lunch moving even when it gets busy. Calling orders ahead avoids long, cramped lines and makes for a quick, tasty meal under $5.

People are saying

"These dumplings are fresh, homemade, and totally delicious."

"I thought the scallion pancakes and dumplings were amazing and cheap."

"This lunch spot's dumplings are really good and cheap."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash, so bring some with you.

2

The price for eight dumplings is only $5.50.

3

You may have to wait half an hour if you order dumplings.

15
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.

Crispy and flaky with just enough grease, the scallion pancakes deliver a satisfying texture. They stand out alongside other dim sum dishes like fried pork dumplings and shrimp rice rolls.

Lunch draws a huge queue during the week but moves quickly, especially around 3 pm when there's often no wait. Early arrival means a short wait, making it a popular lunch spot in Chinatown.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot is authentic and just like I remember from childhood."

"The scallion pancakes were crispy, flaky, and just greasy enough."

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.

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Chinatown, New York

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