The Ultimate Guide To Chinatown, New York

Oh, Chinatown how we love thee. Packed with an enormous amount of amazing restaurants, street carts, dim sum palaces, noodle shops, hole-in-the-walls, dumpling joints, bakeries... the amount of good food here is astounding. While there are plenty of good blogs, websites, guidebooks, and other sources with helpful information on where to eat, it's hard to find all the great spots in one source. That's why I created the Chinatown Chow Down NYC app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch that was recently released on iTunes. For five years I had the pleasure to work in the heart of Chinatown and feast on cheap and tasty breakfast, lunches, and dinners. I literally walked block by block to make sure I didn't miss anything. The result is an app filled with over 115 spots to embark on an eating adventure that you can only find in Chinatown.

Here are just a few of my favorite places:

Ah Ping Snack Shop

2 East Broadway

212-962-7598

This tiny restaurant is on an unassuming block right off the Bowery. You may have even walked past it a few times without even noticing. Next time, make sure you stop in. There's a friendly woman (and a menu in English if you ask) who will take your order and disappear to a back room. Eventually she'll return with glorious delicacies including lots of seafood options like sautéed clams and boiled snails. Most regulars get the fish soup — a big styrofoam bowl of tasty broth and lots of white fish (watch out for bones). For noodle fans, one of the cheapest dishes on the menu is also one of the best. The peanut noodles are hard to beat — expertly cooked and drenched in a wonderful sauce for only $2.

Golden Steamer

143 Mott St

212-226-1886

This bakery is on the stretch of Mulberry between Grand and Hester that's packed with bustling vegetable and fish markets. Inside they only offer a few items with most locals coming in to grab a

Cong Ly

124 Hester St

212-343-1111

Cong Ly is a special place. The food is good, almost bordering on great. But it's the elderly gentleman who greets you and runs the show that will win your heart. His team serves up winning pho with a nice choice of toppings including the round eye beef, brisket, and tendon for a traditional taste. Ask for green chilies on the side to add some heat. If you're not in the mood for soup, try the lemongrass chicken over rice or the grilled pork on rice vermicelli crepe. Don't forget to get a Vietnamese iced coffee and an order of spring rolls to make it a complete meal.

(All photos courtesy of Craig Nelson.)