12 most favorite breakfast places in Chinatown New York City
Breakfast Places in Chinatown NYC: Indulge in a unique morning experience by exploring the diverse breakfast places in Chinatown, NYC. This vibrant neighborhood offers a variety of eateries, from traditional dim sum houses to modern coffee shops, providing early risers with a delicious start to their day. Discover the top-rated spots for breakfast in Chinatown NYC, and satisfy your cravings with a fusion of Asian and American flavors.
1. Yin Ji Chang Fen
Silky smooth rice noodle rolls and comforting congee.

This establishment offers a delightful selection of dishes, with a focus on traditional Hong Kong-style cuisine. The rice noodle rolls are a standout, with a silky smooth texture that is sure to please. In addition to these noodle rolls, they also serve congee and Hong Kong-style milk tea, which are both highly recommended. This is a great place to visit when you're in the mood for comfort food that is both delicious and authentic.
The service at this restaurant is quick and efficient, allowing you to enjoy your meal without any long wait times. Patrons have consistently praised the flavor and quality of the food, making it a popular choice for those seeking a satisfying meal. The rice noodle rolls, in particular, have received high marks for their taste and texture. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat or a sit-down meal with friends or family, this restaurant is sure to provide a great dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
2. Shanghai 21
Experience the heart of Shanghai in New York City.

This restaurant is an excellent choice for a brunch date. They offer a range of dishes, but the Shanghai style pan-fried noodles and the double sautéed pork with hot sauce are particularly delicious. The flavors are well-balanced, and the portions are generous, making for a satisfying meal.
For those who prefer a later breakfast, this establishment is also a great option. Their scallion pancakes and shrimp dumplings are not to be missed. These dishes are consistently fresh and bursting with flavor. Whether you're in the mood for something savory or sweet, this restaurant has something to offer. Overall, the quality of the food and the welcoming atmosphere make it an excellent choice for any brunch occasion.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegan Options
3. Cheong Fun Cart
Authentic Cantonese cheong fun at unbeatable prices.

Cheong Fun Cart is a well-known spot for those who love Cantonese-style cheong fun. A variety of flavors are available, such as pork, fresh shrimp, and cilantro cheong fun. The dishes are not only delicious but also reasonably priced, making it an affordable option for anyone.
Located on the corner of Hester and Elizabeth, this food cart is hard to miss with a line forming in front of it every morning. The cart is essentially a big silver box on wheels, manned by two friendly ladies who make delicious meat-filled rice rolls. The process is quick and efficient, and the prices are very reasonable, starting at just $1.50. Plus, eating outside adds to the overall experience.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
4. Spring Cafe
Healthy eating without sacrificing flavor or variety.

A truly delightful lunch experience is what awaits you at this establishment. The menu offers a wide variety of delectable choices, ensuring there is something to please every palate. While many patrons opted for take-out, the cozy interior seating provided a warm and inviting atmosphere. A pleasant surprise was the complimentary soup, which was bursting with flavor and wonderfully seasoned.
The service was top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff who ensured everyone's needs were met. But without a doubt, the star of the show was the crispy chicken salad, which managed to impress even the most discerning of diners. Made with impeccably fresh ingredients, the salad featured a delicious vegan 'chicken' that was both flavorful and satisfying. This restaurant is an excellent choice for those following a plant-based diet or simply looking to explore.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
5. Big Wong
Cash-only spot for delicious BBQ pork and congee.

Big WONG is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a hearty bowl of rice congee. Their Kap-Dai juk, a mix of pork offals and meatballs, is a must-try and pairs perfectly with their fried dough (you-tiao). Compared to other establishments in Chinatown, Big WONG's version of fried dough is one of the best.
The endorsement of Big WONG's offerings extends to the opinion of a knowledgeable foodie – the reviewer's mother. With an appreciation for delicious food and a keen understanding of her child's palate, she highly recommends Big WONG's soy sauce chicken, duck, sauteed crab, honey glazed roast pork, and shrimp wonton noodle soup. The family's trust in her instincts cements Big WONG's reputation as a top-notch Chinese restaurant.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
6. Forgtmenot
A cool, casual spot with refreshing drinks and tasty bites.

Forget Me Not offers a delightful breakfast experience with appetizing and well-presented dishes. The breakfast burrito, in particular, stands out for its delicious taste and generous portion. Whether you're a local or a visitor, starting your day at Forget Me Not is highly recommended.
The establishment is also a popular spot for locals and their furry friends, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. The drinks menu, featuring refreshing choices like the classic margarita and the watermelon margarita, is perfect for quenching your thirst. Additionally, the steak frites and the Travis bowl have received positive feedback for their delicious flavors, making Forget Me Not a great spot for any meal of the day. But, again, the breakfast burrito is a favorite choice among patrons.
7. Dimes
A vibrant spot for flavorful and healthy meals

The breakfast offerings at this establishment are not to be missed. With the option to order breakfast items until 4pm, early risers and late sleepers alike can enjoy a satisfying morning meal. The Counter Culture coffee served is robust and full-bodied, providing a necessary caffeine boost to start the day. The breakfast sandwich features fluffy eggs and fresh ingredients, making for a delicious and satisfying choice.
In addition to the traditional breakfast fare, the Magic Toast is a standout menu item. Topped with tart mandarinquat and permission compote, goat cheese, and fresh mint, each bite is a burst of flavor and texture. The bright and airy space also makes for excellent people-watching, adding to the overall enjoyable dining experience. Not only is the food here healthy and delicious, but the lively atmosphere and friendly service make it a destination worth returning to.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
8. Vegetarian Dim Sum House
Authentic vegetarian Chinese cuisine in the heart of Chinatown.

Vegetarian Dim Sum is a highlight at this establishment, with a variety of options available all day. The Shark Fin Dumplings, Chinese Kale, Sweet and Salty Dumplings, Monk Dumplings, and Mashed Taro Boxes are among the most delicious items on the menu. However, some reviewers have noted that the Sweet and Salty Dumplings can be hard to come by, as they often sell out quickly, particularly towards the end of the day.
The Dumplings selection is another standout feature, featuring meatless alternatives for popular choices like shrimp, spinach, pork buns, and fried dumplings. Reviews of the food have been mixed, with some critics praising the dishes for their flavor and others finding them somewhat bland. Nonetheless, the Vegetarian Dim Sum and Dumplings options remain a popular choice among patrons.
9. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Serving dim sum and dumplings since 1920.

Nestled in the heart of New York's Chinatown, this popular retro dim sum spot is renowned for its unique atmosphere and delicious food. The exterior of the restaurant has an old and worn facade, but it only adds to its charm and character. The vibe is decidedly retro, and the diverse crowd, which spans across all ages and backgrounds, illustrates its widespread appeal.
The food at this establishment is both fresh and addictive. We had the pleasure of sampling the chicken dumplings, beef bun, vegetable spring rolls, and fried rice, all of which were phenomenal. The beef in the bun was particularly noteworthy, as it was sweet, tender, and literally melted in our mouths. The food is prepared and served quickly, no doubt as a result of their busy tables, but it never sacrificed quality or taste. The menu is rounded out by a selection of tea-based drinks, making this a truly authentic experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
10. Carol's Bun
Authentic Chinese flavors in a cozy setting.

Carol's Bun offers an impressive selection of breakfast options that are sure to satisfy any palate. The sautéed crab with minced pork is a standout dish, featuring succulent crab and flavorful pork in a savory sauce. Diners will appreciate the generous portions and prompt, courteous service.
Chinatown visitors in search of a morning meal should look no further than this establishment. The salt and pepper fried shrimps are a delightful choice, bursting with flavor in every bite. The comfortable and inviting ambiance of the restaurant adds to the enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
- Lunch
11. Ping’s
Experience authentic Hong Kong cuisine in the heart of Chinatown

Dim sum lovers will be delighted with Ping's, an excellent little spot that offers a quaint and traditional atmosphere. The establishment is kept immaculate, while the staff are both attentive and punctual, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience. Furthermore, the tea served at Ping's is exceptional and adds to the overall ambiance of the restaurant.
The dim sum at Ping's truly shines, with the har gau being a particular highlight. This classic dish features very fresh prawns and a delicate covering, resulting in a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Additionally, Ping's offers some interesting variations on the har gau theme, including options with chives and fried offerings, providing something for every palate.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
12. Cha Chan Tang
A playful rendition of a classic Hong Kong diner.

For those in search of a satisfying and fairly priced breakfast, this establishment offers an excellent selection of Hong Kong-style options. The offerings are delicious and sure to please anyone who enjoys traditional Asian-style breakfast food.
One standout feature of this establishment is its affordability. Despite the generous portions and high-quality food, the prices are very reasonable. Whether you're dining alone or with a group, this is a great choice for a budget-friendly meal. The value is truly unbeatable, making it a top recommendation for anyone seeking a tasty and affordable breakfast option.