Explore Chinatown in NYC – Where to Eat and What to Do

Jun 06, 2019

Come hungry and leave satisfied: Chinatown is packed with restaurants serving up authentic Chinese and Southeast Asian delicacies, markets brimming with activity, merchants lining the streets, and an incredibly rich history. Pack up your weekender bag and ride with C&J Bus Lines to New York City to start exploring everything that Chinatown has to offer.

C&J offers stress-free and comfortable rides to and from our terminal at Port Authority in NYC. Our convenient terminal locations around New England include Tewksbury, Massachusetts, Portsmouth and Dover, New Hampshire, and Ogunquit, Maine (seasonally). Buy your tickets today and use this guide to plan out your fun weekend in New York City!

Eat Your Fill at One of Chinatown’s Best Restaurants

Like we said, one of the main attractions in Chinatown is the countless delicious places to eat. Ranging from simple food stalls to hip and modern sit-down restaurants, we’ve selected a few that we think are worth your time (and appetite)! Be sure to have some cash on hand, because many of the food stalls are cash-only.

  • Fried Dumpling – In a rush and need a quick snack? Fried Dumpling is not only fast but also very, very affordable. Pick up five fried dumplings for less than $1.50!
  • Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles – As the name suggests, this restaurant is home to some of the best hand-pulled noodles in the entire city. New Yorkers rave about the quality of the dough and the large portions.
  • Nom Wah Tea Parlor – This restaurant has been a Chinatown dim sum staple since 1920. Pair shrimp and chive dumplings with stuffed eggplant and scallion pancakes, and enjoy traditional steamed sweet red bean buns for dessert.
  • Peking Duck House – Sit back and relax in this restaurant’s upscale ambiance. Depending on how many are dining, you can order a peking duck dinner or a house special dinner to share as a table.
  • Mango Mango Dessert – You won’t find any chocolate cake on their menu, but Mango Mango Dessert is one of the top-rated stops for dessert in Chinatown. Try a waffle ice cream sandwich or a green tea and red bean sundae, or an exotic fruit cup.
  • Chinatown Food Tour – This two-hour, one-mile, free tour through Chinatown will take you to some of Chinatown’s best culinary attractions. Make your reservation ahead of time and bring a few dollars for snacks!

Walk Off Your Meal at the Eldridge Street Museum

The Museum at Eldridge Street is within the Eldridge Street Synagogue, which is a beautifully restored National Historic Landmark. It was the first house of worship built by early Jewish immigrants in 1887. Currently on exhibit is Harbin, China: Past/Present which uses photography and contemporary art to tell the important stories of Harbin’s Jewish culture.

Attend the Dragon Boat Family Festival

On June 15, the Museum of Chinese in America hosts the annual Dragon Boat Festival where you and your family can build mini dragon boats and race against other attendees, take a martial arts workshop, or learn how to wrap delicious zongzi rice balls!

Chinatown, NYC is the ultimate destination for foodies. You can easily spend an entire weekend wandering the bustling streets and sampling sweet and savory treats. And C&J makes getting to Chinatown in NYC simple! Enjoy free Wi-Fi, refreshments, onboard entertainment, and roomy seats on your trip into the city. Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time to ensure you get a seat.