There's nothing more New York than Chinese takeout—these are our top picks.
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Han Dynasty
90 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, United States
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While people rave about the dan dan noodles, appetizers like wontons and pork belly buns paired with hot pot entrees and favorites like kung pao style chicken make for an unbeatable meal at an affordable price. In case spicy food isn’t your thing, food items list a heat index to ensure you order at a comfortable level. If you’re in search of quality Chinese food, this is it.
148 Lawrence St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Yaso Tangbao
Order at least one order of soup dumplings (get the spicy pork, topped with homemade chili oil!), then back it up with the sweet and sour pork ribs and a couple of steamed buns, with fillings like pork, curry chicken, or veggie.
By revamping his father’s recipes, Chef Tang creates a sensual and overwhelmingly rich, yet familiar, Chinese fine dining menu, where you can order favorites like Peking Duck or cold sesame noodles, and have them become your favorites all over again. With portions perfect for sharing and three stories of elegantly modern ambient dining rooms, you and your person will have all the space you need to truly indulge in the acclaimed cuisine.
Málà Project in the East Village is not your traditional Chinese dive—the restaurant itself has a gorgeous bohemian-urban layout and amazing food to boot. Embrace your inner Anthony Bourdain over seemingly-intimidating options like cow intestine, lung slices, and pig ear in chili oil paired with amazing spices. It's all freaking good. Swear.
If you’ve been desperate to scratch your noodle itch, South of the Clouds is calling your name. Offering up traditional Yunnan cuisine, this restaurant is packed with flavor, authenticity, and modern aesthetics. Served in either ceramic or hammered copper bowls, be sure to check out their signature dish called "Crossing the Bridge" noodles. This place is intimate, hands-on, and delicious (a.k.a. exactly how date night ought to be).
The go-to Chinese spot for couples with one carnivore and another vegan/vegetarian counterpart (they offer a separate vegan menu), the menu is based on the owner's grandmother's recipes and childhood memories. Their soup dumplings are the best way to warm up on a chilly winter evening, and in case you're having a hard time ordering, the friendly and welcoming servers are always happy to help. And for our part, we recommend their signature steamed juicy pork buns.
Designed by a Cirque du Soleil set director, the eclectic noodle house Hunan Slurp literally fucking glows. Slurp showcases some edible perfection in their collection of rice noodles and mifen, but also stir-fried frog legs and pig trotter stew.
They have Cantonese banquet hall entrees for dinner and an impressive seafood selection, but the real star is their dim sum service. After sharing a few plates of crispy duck bao, pork buns, and shrimp dumplings, you’ll be ready to curl up in a steamer basket and nap among the egg tarts. Tables are communal, so make it a triple date or prepare to make friends.
Spicy Moon is a rare gem—a vegan Szechuan restaurant specializing in plant-based dishes. Their cozy dining room is clean and comfortable with its wood beams and gallery walls. This is vegan Chinese casual at its finest.
At 99 Favor Taste-LES, you and your date can turn a traditional date into a much more hands-on affair—that is, with your food. The stoves here are tabletop, the meat is raw, and cooking preferences are totally up to you. They offer 6 choices of hot pot broths, which serve as base for 31 different kinds of fresh vegetables and meat. Bonus: if it's your birthday, your meal is free — just make sure to bring a valid ID.
