New York Food Blog

What about New Yeah Shanghai Deluxe (65 Bayard)? Where would that fall in your rankings?

I haven't been there in months, but my last meal was quiet good. Yes, there are things I'd improve, the dumplings could have thinner skins and some dishes are a bit too oily. The pork belly with preserved vegetables was delicious as were the shanghai and braised noodles. I'll need to try the spots on your top 10 to compare though, as I've only been to Grand Sichuan and Vanessa's.

Robert Sietsema

Thanks, Always Eating, will definitely ride down there in the next few weeks.

Robert Sietsema

Among the dumpling houses, Sarah -- and there are so many of them -- it's a real toss-up. One thing that distinguishes Vanessa's (though not, heaven help us, the 14th Street branch) is the volume of customers, so that the dumplings and other menu items are supremely fresh. I'm particularl fond of their scallion bread and braised beef sandwich, especially with the homemade kimchee on top. The off-menu "chive box" is another plus. Generations of college students have hallowed this place, too.

I'm a huge fan of Vanessa's. Have you ever tried their smoothies? I know, it's not Chinese food, but they are surprisingly some of the best I've ever had. Also agree on the scallion pancake/bread with braised beef, and the duck is great (if fresh).

I can't believe Phoenix Garden isn't on this list even though Wu Liang Ye and Shun Lee are. Phoenix Garden is way more authentic than these two establishments put together. Sure, the service and decor suck, but that's not the reason to go to a Chinese restaurant, especially when they put out one of the best Cantonese food in the city.

Also, Chinese Mirch shouldn't be on this list AT ALL. I've had Indian-Chinese before in Mumbai and Calcutta and Chinese Mirch doesn't even come close and was extremely tasteless, spiceless and disappointing. I don't normally judge Indian restaurants in America to the levels in India, but Chinese Mirch wasn't even good enough for NYC. This is not a place I would even consider going back to to quench my Indian Chinese craving.

Phoenix Garden Restaurant
242 E 40th St
New York, NY 10016
(212) 983-6666
www.thephoenixgarden.com

Robert Sietsema

Thanks, seems to me I went there several years ago. I'll check it out.

I second Fuleen:

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/fuleen-seafood/

Perhaps not quite a best-of, but certainly as a runner-up. And what about World Tong? Their dim sum is just leagues beyond any other place.

I second NEW GREEN BO! I played in a soccer league down in chinatown and went to a different chinese restaurant after each game, every Sunday, for weeks.. New Green Bo is my favorite hands down. It used to be called Nice Green Bo i think, so look out for name variations- the food is still amazing though!

66 Bayard St

i have found that most of ny's dim sum to be lackluster till i tried Red Egg - i would rate it #1 based on freshness, variety, taste.

New Shanghai Cafe for best shanghai

Love the list. Have only been to a few on the list but still. Bangin.

One question, you mentioned Shun Lee Palace in the Runners up list. Where do you stand on the authenticity? Because I walked into Shun Lee once and was the only Chinese person in the dining room not wearing an uniform. I know that American Chinese food is a genre different than Chinese food. But when you supposedly serve real Chinese food and it prices out most of the Chinese folks... then what do you have? Maybe I need to visit more often to see there are actual Chinese people eating at Shun Lee, but there's just too many good places for me to waste time. What do you think?

Interesting that so few Manhattan restaurants are on your list -- really shows the growing importance of the additional Chinatowns in Queens and Brooklyn. But I would like to suggest one spot in on the fringe of Manhattan's Chinatown: Red Egg. For those of us who grew up in the nabe, this place is fun and a little different from the usual holes-in-the-wall. I wrote a post about it on my blog which you can read here. http://bit.ly/tceQ0

Robert Sietsema

Hi John -- Wo-Hop is pretty bad, but the food is interesting because it represents the kind of Cantonese that was just about all the city had 30 years ago...

Robert Sietsema

Hey, Lex, I think that piece on Grand Sichuan in Bay Ridge constitutes a review. The place is great!

Robert Sietsema

Thanks uw, I'll swing by there and try it.

Oh yeah - I'd also give honorable mention to a bbq chop-house, such as Big Wong or East Corner, and a special honorable mention to the coconut bun and deep-fried banana at Mei Li Wah. Red Egg isn't bad either, for dim sum.
P.

I can't believe you have not checked out Big Wong (67 Mott Street) yet. It is an institution that has been around for 30 years. Their roast duck is not only succulent but an BARGIN at $16 for the whole duck! I still remember my traditional chinese mother in the 1970s running out early from her job at 5:30p to fight the lines there to get one of those precious ducks. By 6p they were usually totally sold out. The supply is greater now ( thank god) but don't get there too late or you will leave empty handed. The bbq pork and ribs are equally luscious. If you get there for lunch try one of their fried cullers wrapped with rice noodle crepes drizzles with sweet soy sauce. That usually runs out fast too ( by 2pm). FYI, don't let the line intimidate you, they move people along FAST. Just don't be afraid to share tables either. Its all about the FOOD.

Imperial Palace: I've enjoyed the seafood, which is prepared very simply. I've enjoyed the sizzling sable, a scallop dish w/ pepper sauce, another seafood dish w/ lily bulbs (it's the only dish w/ lily bulbs listed amongst the specials) as well as the dungeoness crab w/ glutenous rice, which is served in a gigantic steamer and can be viewed on just about every table.

At Fu Ron, I've enjoyed just about anything with jellyfish, as well as the cumin spicy, crispy lamb and a terrific and fun taro dessert that's definitely meant to be shared.

Thanks again for another great list. I really miss the big food issues you guys used to do; they served as cheat sheets in many far-off neighborhoods.
P.

None in Manhattan?

if its' the middle of the night, I've been going for years to 69 Bayard St. :

http://www.nychinatown.org/storefronts/bayard/69bayard.html

btw, thanks to the Voice for turning me on the the Bamboo Pavillion in Bensonhurst. I live there and did'nt know about it.

larry

Thanks, Jones, I think that's a great idea!

Robert Sietsema

Thanks so much for your recommendation, Mr. Lin. And I have a Taiwanese restaurant recommendation for you. The new place called Island of Taiwan at 68th and Eighth Avenue in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, is excellent, with great three-cup chicken, beef noodle soup, and stinky bean curd.

Robert Sietsema

Thanks again, James!

I think Evergreen in mid-town east is very good. You just have to steer away from the obviously americanised chinese dishes.