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The Best Cheap Chinese Food of NYC

Fried Dumpling

A ridiculously cheap taste of Shanghai thrives on Chinatown's lesser-explored Lower East Side community.

Food

(9)

Ambience

(4)

Service

(5)

Value

(10)

The Scene

There are exactly three small tables at this tiny hole-in-the-wall, but for food lovers on a budget, it's heaven. Five juicy, tender dumplings ring in at $1, so two people can eat themselves silly for under $10. The two condiment bottles on the table provide all that you need: a tangy blend of vinegar and soy sauce in one, and spicy chili sauce in the other.

The Food

The fried or boiled dumplings come in either pork or veggie and are handmade with a fragrant dose of chives. But don't overlook the other tasty Shanghainese treats: da-bing (plump, sesame-encrusted "pancakes" that are steamed first and then fried); fried round pork buns; tea eggs; perfectly savory hot-'n-sour soup; congee (a thickened rice and red bean soup - ask for sugar); and, to perfectly complement your meal, all the fresh, hot, high-protein soy milk that you can drink (try it sweetened).

On the Go

Chinatown and L.E.S. residents routinely pack this place for both lunch and dinner, so be prepared to get your goodies to go.

99 Allen St
New York, NY 10002-3028
Phone: (212) 941-9975