Where to Eat Chinese Food in New York City on Christmas
In a city as eclectic as New York, the thriving tradition of enjoying Chinese food and a movie on Christmas, particularly within the Jewish community, is no surprise. Who knew this practice dates back to the late 19th century? This merry mishmash of cuisine and cinema is more than a mere holiday escape; it embodies New York's vibrant, diverse spirit and its knack for transforming the unconventional into something truly iconic.
Uncle Lou
Chinatown gem Uncle Lou stands out as one of the finest Cantonese restaurants in the city. Its extensive menu is a celebration of traditional "lo wah kiu" (overseas Chinese) favorites, evoking nostalgia for those from Cantonese villages like Toisan, Sunwui, Enping, and Hoiping. Alongside these hard-to-find homestyle dishes, the restaurant also offers classic Cantonese fare that has been integral to the Chinese-American culinary lexicon for generations. The crispy garlic chicken, lobster yee mein, and braised beef brisket with daikon casserole are must haves.
Little Alley
Murray Hill’s renowned Shanghainese restaurant Little Alley, recognized for five years on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list, is inspired by the intimate and communal lifestyle of Shanghai's "long tang" alleyways. The authenticity of the old world decor extends to its menu, a carefully curated selection of Shanghainese classics, from Lion’s Head meatballs to braised pork belly, each a tribute to the region’s rich culinary heritage. Run by Shanghainese New Yorkers, Little Alley offers an authentic taste of home for those familiar with the cuisine and an exploration for newcomers.
Shun Lee
Opened in 1971, Shun Lee stands as the OG of Chinese fine dining in New York City. It's a place where regulars and newcomers alike are mesmerized by the delicate dim sum, succulent Grand Marnier prawns, spicy and sweet crispy beef, and the elegant Chilean sea bass with ginger and scallions. Located on both the East and West sides of Manhattan, Shun Lee is conveniently situated near some of the city’s most cherished movie venues, including the recently rejuvenated Paris Theatre and Film at Lincoln Center.
Pinch Chinese
Some of the city’s best soup dumplings and Peking duck can be found at this Soho favorite. Pinch Chinese’s menu also invites diners to indulge in an array of comforting Chinese classics such as Three Cup Chicken, Hong Kong-style lobster, Ma Po tofu, and Taiwanese beef noodle soup. To accompany your feast, James Beard Award-winning general manager and beverage director Miguel de Leon has expertly curated an exceptional selection of natural wines.
Hey Yuet
Dim sum, typically served only in the mornings, is available at Chelsea Cantonese spot Hey Yuet until 5pm everyday. Patrons can choose from an expansive variety of dumplings, rice rolls, and buns, alongside comforting homestyle casseroles, a diverse assortment of flavorful rice and noodle dishes, and an extensive selection of fresh vegetables. For a perfect finale, the black and gold egg yolk buns and the mango pomelo tapioca dessert are unmissable, each a sweet testament to the restaurant's dedication to both tradition and innovation.
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