Eight Great Chinatown Restaurants in New York

"The best Wonton Noodle Soup in Chinatown," says Ziggy Chau. "Their wontons are made of only shrimp, unlike other restaurants where it is often made with pork. The service could be rushed at times but the food is delicious and consistent and well worth the wait."

"Cheap, delicious and reliably good Shanghainese cuisine. The service and decor simple to say the least, but you're there for the food, right? Don't miss the scallion pancake or their soup dumplings. Their panfried dumplings are absolutely delicious! Portions at New Green Bo are generous—a party of six can easily leave stuffed for about less than $60."

"As the name suggests, this is the place to go for vegetarian dim sum. It's cooked when you order it so everything comes out fresh and hot."

"Big Wong King is a Chinese restaurant with delicious, authentic 'Chinese Fast Food.' The menu iis typical Hong Kong Cantonese style. Try the BBQ roast pork and spare ribs, and the fabulous soy sauce chicken or duck. Big Wong King is more authentic than your neighborhood Chinese restaurant so don't order your typical beef and broccoli or low mein and expect it to taste like what you may have tried elsewhere. Up early downtown? Breakfast is a specialty—order the congee hot rice porridge along with fried crueller to dunk into it. Service is fast and hasty but the food is good, quick and cheap! A must-try if you're in Chinatown."

"The ultimate comfort-food zone. Bo Ky's big bowl of seafood noodle soup is one their specialties, as is the country style duck. Don't miss this restaurant, especially on a rainy day, and be sure to dip your food into their special concoction of hot pepper sauce, available on each table. Be warned that the service is indifferent and fast, the atmosphere is of a fast-food restaurant and you may have to share tables with strangers—a typical experience when you eat at restaurants in Chinatown."

"Despite its nondescript name, 69 Restaurant has most unique decor of any restaurant in Chinatown. Make sure to add your own signature to their wall or ceiling. You can rely on 69 around the clock for satisfying Chinese food urges. Generous portions of typical Chinese food are quite fulfilling and affordable, and especially hits the spot after a night of drinking. Their waiters are quick and fast with your order. On any typical weekend night, especially in the early morning hours, expect to see hungry party-goers looking for a quick, satisfying meal. Go for authentic Chinatown versions of favorites like beef and broccoli, fried rice or chow fun."

"Black sesame, lychee, ginger, durian, taro and almond cookie flavored ice-cream ... these unique flavors are only found at Chinatown Ice Cream Factory."

FOR COCKTAILS: Apotheke
9 Doyer Street; +1 212 406 0400

"A fancy bar & lounge in Chinatown. Don't be fooled by lack of sign outside … if you can even locate this bar's discreet entrance on sinuous Doyer Street. Once inside, you'll find a beautiful, creatively decorated space that resembles a chemistry lab. Have one of their mixologists blend an inventive cocktail for you."

INFORMATIVE WEBSITE RESOURCE: ExploreChinatown.com