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West Rice Roll King

124 Hester St, New York, NY 10002
$
Chinese

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Master Critic Review

West Rice Roll King 7.8
Chinatown
West Rice Roll King focuses almost entirely on cheung fun, steaming thin rice noodle sheets to order and rolling them around shrimp, beef, and char siu. The tight, counter-heavy space is built for quick slurps more than lingering, but the texture keeps people coming back.
Must-Try Dishes: Shrimp Rice Noodle Roll, Char Siu Rice Noodle Roll, Beef and Egg Rice Noodle Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.6 Service: 7.1 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.1 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Made-to-order Cantonese rice noodle rolls with excellent texture.
Who should go: Cheung fun fans craving fast, focused specialization.
When to visit: Breakfast through lunch for freshest, hottest rolls.
What to order: Shrimp, char siu, and beef egg rice noodle rolls.
Insider tip: Grab chili oil and soy sauce to fine-tune each bite.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in this part of Chinatown; meters turn over fastest before noon. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual; come as you are. Most diners are in everyday streetwear.
Noise level: Moderate; the small room, steamer noise, and quick turnover mean it’s not ideal for long conversations but fine for a short meal.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal because it’s more of a daytime stop; expect 5–10 minutes at peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the counter can fill briefly during nearby office rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but possible; plain rice rolls or versions with egg and scallion can work.
Vegan options: Very limited; plain rice rolls with soy sauce are the closest option, but fillings are mostly meat-based.
Gluten-free options: Rice rolls themselves are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce may contain gluten; bring your own or request alternatives if available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal. The space is tiny, fast-moving, and geared toward quick eating rather than conversation. Better for a casual snack or a shared food crawl stop.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. There are no reservations, and seating is counter-style. Expect to eat quickly and give up your spot for the next guest.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can handle tight seating and hot dishes. No high chairs, stroller space, or extra accommodations.
Best For
Better for: A focused cheung fun experience with fresher, softer rice rolls than many broader-menu Cantonese spots; ideal for quick, inexpensive stops.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down meal, a wide variety of dishes, or a quieter setting for conversation—in that case, choose a larger Cantonese restaurant nearby.