Jordan Bentley Eats in Manhattan, New York

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for New York

Must-try foods in New York

• Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup
  Lanzhou Beef Noodle SoupA signature dish at Beef Up Noodle, this authentic Halal-certified soup features springy hand-pulled noodles in a clear, slow-simmered beef broth. Following Northwest Chinese Hui traditions, it is garnished with tender sliced beef, white radish, and a signature chili oil served on the side.
• Big Plate Chicken (Da Pan Ji)
  Big Plate Chicken (Da Pan Ji)A centerpiece of Xinjiang cuisine found at Jiang's Kitchen, this hearty dish consists of bone-in chicken braised with potatoes, bell peppers, and onions in a spicy, aromatic gravy. It is traditionally served over wide, flat hand-pulled noodles that soak up the rich, cumin-heavy sauce.
• Cumin Lamb Skewers
  Cumin Lamb SkewersA trending street-style snack at Tangy Noodle, these skewers feature tender chunks of Halal lamb marinated in a heavy blend of toasted cumin and chili flakes. Grilled to a perfect char, they offer the bold, smoky flavors typical of the night markets in Northern China.
• Uyghur Lagman
  Uyghur LagmanServed at specialty spots like Jiang's Kitchen, this dish features thick, chewy hand-pulled noodles stir-fried with Halal lamb and crisp vegetables. The sauce is deeply savory with a distinct Central Asian flavor profile, highlighting the multicultural history of the Silk Road.
• Black Sesame Mochi Donut
  Black Sesame Mochi DonutA viral favorite from Alimama Tea, these donuts are made with glutinous rice flour for a signature 'mochi-mochi' (chewy and bouncy) texture. The black sesame glaze is toasted and nutty, providing a modern Asian-American dessert experience that is naturally lard-free and vegetarian.
• Taro Ice Cream
  Taro Ice CreamA classic staple from the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, this vibrant purple treat is made with real taro root, giving it a creamy, starchy sweetness. The shop is a local landmark and offers various exotic Asian flavors that are widely considered the gold standard for Chinatown desserts.

Trip guide

• About New York
  About New YorkManhattan’s Chinatown is a residential and commercial district in Lower Manhattan with a documented history of Chinese settlement beginning in the mid-19th century. The neighborhood is situated on land formerly known as Five Points, which was inhabited by Irish, German, and Italian immigrant populations during the 1800s. The first recorded Chinese resident, a Cantonese businessman named Ah Ken, arrived around 1850.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit is during the spring (May to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking the crowded streets. While summer is vibrant, the narrow corridors can become uncomfortably hot and humid, whereas winter offers the festive spectacle of the Lunar New Year (late January or February) despite the cold. To avoid the heaviest crowds, visit on a weekday morning; however.
• Getting around
  Getting around New York

  • New York City Subway Take the N, Q, R, or W trains to Canal Street (Broadway), the 6 train to Canal Street (Lafayette Street), or the B or D trains to Grand Street for direct access to the neighborhood's core.
  • MTA Regional Bus Utilize the M15 Select Bus Service (SBS) along 2nd Avenue or the M103 bus along Bowery, both of which provide frequent stops near the intersection of Canal Street and the Manhattan Bridge entrance.
  • Walking and Local Exploration Chinatown is a highly pedestrian-friendly area; once you arrive, the best way to navigate its narrow, historic streets like Mott, Pell, and Doyers is on foot to easily access markets and restaurants.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Carry physical cash in small denominations, as many of the most authentic bakeries and hole-in-the-wall eateries do not accept credit cards or mobile payments.
  • Expect fast-paced service in busy restaurants where staff prioritize efficiency and quick table turnover over leisurely hospitality.
  • Avoid leaving your chopsticks standing upright in a bowl of rice, as this is a cultural taboo associated with funeral rituals.
• What’s new
  What’s new in New York

  • Heritage Reopenings: Major renovations and expansions of neighborhood staples, including the new multi-story Mei Lai Wah on Mott Street and the updated ground floor of Wo Hop.
  • Chinatown Legacy Tours: New immersive experiences like the 'Chinatown Underworld' tour, which explores the neighborhood's 1980s-90s gang history through former hideouts.
• New York City Tourism + Conventions↗
  New York City Tourism + ConventionsThe official destination marketing organization and visitor guide for the five boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan.