Best Chinese Restaurants in East Village (10009)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
MáLà Project
Custom Sichuan dry pot with real-deal mala heat and crunch.
Notable Picks
#1
MáLà Project
8.6
A choose-your-own Sichuan dry pot built around numbing chile heat, crisp vegetables, and fast-casual momentum. It’s at its best when you treat it like a focused spice-and-texture meal: pick a few proteins, add one or two standout veg, then let the mala seasoning do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sichuan dry pot (build-your-own), Dan dan noodles, Mapo tofu
What makes it special: Custom Sichuan dry pot with real-deal mala heat and crunch.
#2
Dumpling Man
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A dumpling-first counter that works when you keep the order tight and dumpling-heavy—steam, pan-fry, then add one saucy side to round it out. Treat it as a quick satisfaction play, not a long meal: get in, get dumplings, and let the wrappers and fillings be the whole point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soup dumplings, Pan-fried dumplings, Cucumber salad
What makes it special: Fast dumpling specialist with a menu built for repeat orders.
Worthy Picks
#3
Baos & Bowls
7.9
A new Shanghainese-leaning spot built around dumplings and bowl meals that hit best when you prioritize the handhelds. Think of it as a quick, modern drop-in: a couple of baos, one soup or noodle bowl, and you’re done—no over-ordering required.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sheng jian bao (pan-fried soup buns), Soup dumplings, Beef noodle soup
What makes it special: New-school Shanghai street-food staples in a fast-casual setup.
7.8
A modern Chinese room that leans Cantonese with a menu that rewards ordering like a table: one vegetable, one protein, and one comfort staple. The best meals here feel paced and composed—more sit-down dinner than takeout energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken with Shanghai baby bok choy, Salt-and-pepper style fried bites, Wok-tossed noodles
What makes it special: Cantonese-leaning menu in a polished, sit-down format.
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A fast, neighborhood takeout option that blends hibachi-style plates with familiar Chinese-American staples—built for “feed me now” reliability. Order a combo, get your fried-rice comfort, and treat it as a utility spot that wins on speed and portion satisfaction.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken hibachi plate, Shrimp fried rice, Teriyaki chicken
What makes it special: Fast hibachi-style plates plus takeout comfort in one menu.
#6
Fei Ma
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A no-frills neighborhood Chinese takeout counter that’s best judged by how well it satisfies the classic NYC Chinese comfort lane. Keep expectations aligned with the format, order the staples you actually crave, and you’ll leave happy—especially when you want fast, filling value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Boneless spare ribs combo, General Tso’s chicken, Lo mein
What makes it special: Classic NYC Chinese takeout done with reliable portions and value.