Best Affordable Chinese Restaurants in Lower East Side | Affordable Chinese Food

30 restaurants in Best Affordable Chinese Restaurants in Lower East Side | Affordable Chinese Food

• Bo Hai Dumpling Town — Chinese · rated 4.8/5: Bo Hai Dumpling Town, at 217 E Broadway, New York, is a hidden gem for frozen dumpling lovers. Rated 4.8 stars by 37 reviewers, this charming spot offers a plethora of handmade dumplings, buns, scallion pancakes, and wontons. Operating from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, it provides a friendly atmosphere and the convenience of takeout. Card payments are accepted. Experience authentic flavors made from scratch, sure to delight every palate.
• Fan Szechuan 大宅门 — Chinese · rated 4.8/5: At Fan Szechuan 大宅门, enjoy a delightful dining experience with flavorsome Szechuan delicacies in the heart of New York's Lower East Side. With a 4.8-star rating from happy patrons, the friendly staff and serene atmosphere will make your visit memorable. Open seven days a week, they offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. Located at 103 Essex St, this spot is perfect for both family meals and exciting culinary adventures.
• TLC Tea House — Chinese · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in the East Village, TLC Tea House offers a casual deli experience with a delightful array of all-you-can-eat breakfast and lunch options, including vegetarian fare. Notable dishes like the chicken sandwich, samosa chaat, and whiting fish with rice and salad have won the hearts of many. Complement your meal with a selection of teas and craft beers. With friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, TLC Tea House is a must-visit. Find us at 103 E 2nd St, New York.
• North Dumpling — Chinese · rated 4.6/5: Clouds of steam rise from bubbling vats in this bustling, flour-dusted kitchen, where nimble hands expertly pleat paper-thin dough around savory, ginger-scented fillings. Each bite offers a masterclass in texture, from the satisfying crunch of golden, pan-seared bottoms to the succulent burst of juice within, all elevated by the sharp tang of black vinegar and the lingering heat of house-made chili oil.
• Thailicious — Thai · rated 4.6/5: Thailicious invites guests into a vibrant, aromatic space where the air is perfumed with the bright scent of lemongrass and the smoky heat of toasted chilies. The kitchen masterfully balances the five pillars of Thai flavor—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy—transforming fresh herbs and rich coconut milk into soul-warming curries and zesty, wok-fired creations that dance on the palate.
• Kings Co Imperial LES — Chinese · rated 4.5/5: Step into a moody, neon-lit sanctuary where the rhythmic clatter of woks and the savory perfume of house-brewed soy sauce ignite the senses with an electric Lower East Side energy. This spirited urban hideaway marries time-honored techniques with a modern edge, inviting guests to share vibrant, wok-charred greens and hand-pulled noodles that masterfully balance fiery Sichuan heat with garden-
• Fat Choy — Chinese · rated 4.5/5: Fat Choy pulses with a vibrant, modern energy where the bold, umami-rich traditions of Chinese street food are reimagined through a playful and inventive lens. The air hums with the sizzle of woks and the aromatic perfume of toasted sesame and fermented black beans, drawing guests into a space that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Every dish is a sensory celebration of texture and spice, from the first bite of chewy, sauce-slicked noodles to the satisfying crunch of perfectly seasoned small plates.
• Life Garden Restaurant — Chinese · rated 4.5/5: Life Garden Restaurant in Brooklyn offers a delightful Uzbek dining experience. Located at 2896 W 12th St, the restaurant is known for its flavorful dishes, including the renowned Plov and Shashlik. With a 4.5-star rating from 49 reviews, it provides a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service. Ideal for families and groups, Life Garden also serves lunch, dinner, dessert, and coffee. Enjoy free parking and dine-in or takeout options. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
• Tuome — Chinese · rated 4.5/5: Upscale, American restaurant in Alphabet City specializing in fine dining with small plates. The menu offers dishes such as snow crab noodles, scallion pancakes, and beignets. The pig out and the deviled eggs are popular dishes. The venue has a romantic, cozy atmosphere and is suitable for special dates. People say it's good for solo diners. There's a bar, and reviews mention high heat cocktails. Dinner reservations are recommended. Visitors say it can be pricey but that it's worth it. Customers typically spend $50-100.
• Homemade Dumpling — Chinese · rated 4.4/5: Homemade Dumpling is a cozy, unassuming spot in Chinatown offering a delightful array of Chinese dumplings and pancakes. With a 4.4-star rating and a reputation for freshly prepared dishes made right before your eyes, this cash-only eatery is a hit among locals and visitors alike. Renowned for its quick service, affordable prices, and authentic flavors, it's an ideal choice for a quick and tasty meal. Located at 27 Essex St A, New York, open 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily.
• Forever Taste — Chinese · rated 4.4/5: Tucked away on 27 Rutgers St in the Lower East Side, Forever Taste is your go-to spot for delicious Chinese comfort food. This family-run gem offers quick bites like dumplings, cumin lamb, and lo mein at unbeatable prices. With a cozy ambiance, friendly service, and a focus on takeout, it's perfect for a budget-friendly meal. Open late, it's ideal for those late-night cravings. Rating: 4.4.
• Fei Ma — Chinese · rated 4.3/5: Fei Ma is a cozy Chinese restaurant located at 79 Avenue A, New York, known for its delightful standard Chinese fare. With a 4.3-star rating based on 105 reviews, this spot is celebrated for its delicious takeout and delivery options. The friendly ambiance and well-priced, tasty dishes make it a go-to for the community. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Wu's Wonton King — Chinese · rated 4.2/5: The air at Wu's Wonton King hums with the vibrant energy of a classic Chinatown institution, where the scent of ginger and scallions wafts through a dining room filled with the clinking of porcelain and the warmth of shared feasts. Glistening roasted meats hang in the window, promising succulent bites of crispy-skinned suckling pig, while oversized bowls of delicate, thin-skinned wontons swim in golden, soul-warming broths. This bustling neighborhood anchor brings together the artistry of traditional Cantonese cooking with a lively, communal atmosphere that turns every meal into a celebration of flavor and heritage.
• Hub Thai — Thai · rated 4.2/5: Hub Thai captures the soul of Southeast Asia, welcoming guests into a vibrant space where the rhythmic sizzle of the wok and the aromatic perfume of fresh basil and galangal fill the air. Each dish is a masterclass in balance, layering the fiery heat of bird’s eye chilies with the cooling sweetness of palm sugar and the savory depth of traditional sauces. It is a sensory journey through Thailand’s rich culinary landscape, offering a lively sanctuary where bold flavors and warm hospitality create an unforgettable communal feast.
• Congee Village — Chinese · rated 4.1/5: Step into a lush, bamboo-adorned sanctuary where the comforting steam of slow-simmered rice porridge rises from communal tables in a vibrant celebration of Cantonese tradition. The air is thick with the savory perfume of ginger and scallion, accompanying a parade of golden-skinned roast meats and sizzling clay pots that offer a soulful, sensory journey through the heart of Hong Kong’s culinary heritage.
• Golden Forest — Chinese · rated 4/5: Stepping into Golden Forest feels like entering a sun-drenched woodland sanctuary, where amber lighting glows against rich timber accents and lush botanical displays. The kitchen celebrates the harmony of nature through artfully plated dishes that highlight seasonal harvests and deep, earthy flavors, all served in an atmosphere of quiet, gilded elegance. It is a place where the bustle of the city fades away, replaced by an enchanting dining experience that feels both grounded in the elements and exquisitely refined.
• Golden Forest — Chinese · rated 4/5: Located at 4628 353 Grand St, New York, Golden Forest offers a unique dining experience within a former shoe repair shop. This casual eatery specializes in traditional Chinese cuisine, perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner. With a 4-star rating and over 200 reviews, Golden Forest is known for its friendly service and flavorful dishes, making it a delightful spot for families and food lovers alike.
• Wa Lung Kitchen — Chinese · rated 3.8/5: Wa Lung Kitchen is a laid-back spot located at 557 Grand St, New York, offering a diverse menu of Chinese favorites, including vegetarian options. With its family-friendly ambiance and convenient takeout and delivery services, it's a go-to choice for a quick bite or a cozy meal at home. While it doesn't offer dessert or coffee, its extensive and varied menu ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy.
• May May Kitchen — Chinese · rated 3.7/5: Located in the vibrant Lower East Side, May May Kitchen offers a homey spot for delicious Chinese comfort food. Known for its crowd-pleasing sesame chicken and crispy chicken wings, this casual eatery serves up quick bites and small plates, including vegan options, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner. With a friendly atmosphere and fast service, May May Kitchen is a go-to for affordable, tasty takeout. Visit them at 181 Clinton St, New York!
• East Broadway — Chinese · rated 3.5/5: Nestled in the heart of Lower Manhattan at 94b E Broadway, New York, East Broadway is a bustling Chinese restaurant known for its authentic dishes and unbeatable prices. Open daily from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM, it offers an array of fresh, handmade food, making it a go-to spot for anyone craving genuine Fujian flavors. Though lacking a children’s menu, its welcoming atmosphere is perfect for families. Delivery and takeout options are available. Enjoy quality meals in a cozy setting!
• A & C Kitchen — Chinese · rated 3.5/5: Tucked away in Alphabet City, A & C Kitchen has been serving up delicious comfort food for over 25 years. The menu boasts a variety of American-Chinese favorites such as orange chicken, roast duck, and shrimp chow mein, available for both takeout and delivery. Open every day except Tuesday, this beloved spot continues to win over locals with its affordable prices and reliable service.
• Wa Lung Kitchen — Chinese: The rhythmic clatter of woks and the intoxicating aroma of seared ginger and garlic define the soul of Wa Lung Kitchen, a neighborhood sanctuary where traditional Cantonese flavors take center stage. Golden-hued roasted meats and vibrant stir-fries arrive at the table glistening with umami-rich sauces, each bite capturing the essential "wok hei" that marks a master’s touch. It is a place where the warmth of community meets the artistry of the flame, offering a dining experience that feels both deeply nostalgic and vibrantly fresh.
• Fat Choy — Chinese: This vibrant eatery reimagines classic flavors through a playful, plant-forward lens, where the air hums with energy and the aroma of sizzling aromatics. Diners feast on umami-packed mushroom "sloppy" buns and golden salt-and-pepper cauliflower, rounding out the experience with silky rice rolls and the refreshing, zesty crunch of chilled smashed cucumbers.
• North Dumpling — Chinese: This bustling sanctuary of Northern Chinese comfort invites guests into a world of flour-dusted counters where nimble hands expertly pleat delicate dough around savory, ginger-scented fillings. Clouds of fragrant steam rise from heavy pots while the rhythmic sizzle of the griddle yields golden, crispy-bottomed dumplings that release a rich, savory broth with every satisfying bite.
• Wu's Wonton King — Chinese: The air at Wu’s Wonton King is thick with the savory perfume of sizzling garlic and ginger, drawing diners into a bustling space where traditional Cantonese soul food takes center stage. Velvety scrambled eggs cradling plump shrimp and tender sea bass braised with earthy bean curd sticks showcase a kitchen that prizes texture and freshness, turning every communal meal into a vibrant celebration of coastal flavors.
• Congee Village — Chinese: Intricate wood carvings and lush bamboo accents transform this multi-level sanctuary into a transportive Cantonese retreat that feels worlds away from the bustling city streets. Guests gather around steaming, silken bowls of congee enriched with ginger and scallions, while the sizzle of salt-and-pepper specialties and the fragrance of roasted meats fill the lively, communal air. It is a vibrant destination where traditional comfort food is elevated by an atmosphere of rustic elegance, offering a soulful dining experience that celebrates the heart of Chinese culinary heritage.
• Thailicious — Thai: The air at Thailicious hums with the vibrant energy of a Bangkok night market, where the intoxicating scent of charred chilies and fresh lemongrass drifts from the bustling open kitchen. Silken curries glowing with golden turmeric and bright herbs share the table with wok-seared noodles that carry a delicate smoky char, offering a masterclass in the balance of sweet, sour, and spicy. Every plate is a colorful celebration of authentic Thai soul, inviting guests to linger over bold, aromatic flavors in a space that feels both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.
• Kings Co Imperial LES — Chinese: The Lower East Side’s electric energy finds its culinary match in this bustling space, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of Chinese hanging pork ribs and the rhythmic sizzle of wok-seared long dumplings. Diners gather over vibrant plates of Sichuan-spiced cucumbers and crispy mock eel, enjoying a spirited dining experience that reimagines traditional flavors through a bold, contemporary lens.
• Three Times — Chinese: Steam billows from stacked bamboo baskets in a vibrant, light-filled space where the rhythmic thud of hand-pulled noodles creates a lively backdrop for a modern dim sum feast. Diners gather around shared tables to savor delicate, jewel-like dumplings and aromatic stir-fries that balance bold heat with refined technique, offering a soulful journey through contemporary Chinese flavors.
• Asian Taste — Chinese: Asian Taste hums with the energy of a classic neighborhood kitchen, where the savory scent of sizzling fryers and sweet, aromatic glazes invites diners into a world of crispy, golden comfort. Succulent chicken wings and tender seafood are transformed into bite-sized treasures, whether tossed in a pungent garlic sauce, drizzled with honey, or served alongside smoky, charred BBQ rib tips. Each dish delivers a satisfying symphony of textures, from the delicate crunch of fried crab sticks to the hearty, soul-warming bite of perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken.