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ZipPicks Awards

Best Chinese in Chatham

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

New China Express 7.5
Chatham
A high-utility takeout counter for classic American-Chinese combos—fried rice, egg foo young, and sauced chicken plates designed for quick meals. Best used when you want straightforward portions and familiar flavors over sit-down experience.
Must-Try Dishes: Shrimp egg foo young, Chicken fried rice, Bourbon chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.1 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 7.4 Food Quality: 7.6 Atmosphere: 6 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Straightforward combo-plate Chinese built for fast takeout.
Who should go: Weeknight takeout shoppers and budget-minded families
When to visit: Early evening for the quickest turnaround
What to order: Shrimp egg foo young, chicken fried rice, bourbon chicken
Insider tip: Order one entrée plus egg foo young to stretch meals across days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking nearby; easiest to grab a spot right out front or on the closest side streets. Quick in-and-out takeout pickup is the move, especially during early dinner.
Dress code: Ultra casual — anything goes. This is a come-as-you-are takeout counter.
Noise level: Low — minimal dine-in atmosphere; you’re here for fast pickup, not a long sit.
Weekend wait: 10-20 min typical for takeout; longer if a rush of phone orders hits at once.
Weekday lunch: 0-10 min typical; fastest when you order a standard combo.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable fried rice, mixed vegetables, and tofu/veg-style stir-fries depending on availability, but confirm sauces and broth bases when ordering.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with steamed/mixed vegetables and rice or tofu/vegetable dishes if made without egg/oyster-based sauces; you’ll need to request no egg and sauce modifications.
Gluten-free options: Limited — many classic sauces and fried items may contain gluten (soy sauce, breading). Best bet is steamed proteins/vegetables with sauce on the side, but cross-contact risk is likely.
Best For
Better for: Fast, budget-friendly American-Chinese staples with combo-plate convenience — especially when you want fried rice + sauced entrée comfort with minimal decision-making.
Consider Alternatives If: You want higher-end regional Chinese, lighter/cleaner cooking, or a real dine-in experience. Also skip if you need strict vegan or gluten-free reliability.