Best Cheap Chinese Restaurants in Union Square | Cheap Chinese Food

30 restaurants in Best Cheap Chinese Restaurants in Union Square | Cheap Chinese Food

• J's Kitchen New York — Chinese · rated 5/5: J's Kitchen New York captures the vibrant energy of a modern Japanese grill, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of sizzling Wagyu and golden-fried cutlets. Guests indulge in the buttery richness of the signature melting Hamburg and the satisfying crunch of perfectly breaded pork, each dish plated with the meticulous artistry of a Tokyo eatery. It is a culinary crossroads where hearty comfort meets refined technique, offering a soulful, meat-centric escape in the heart of the city.
• Long Island Dumplings — Chinese · rated 5/5: Steaming bamboo baskets arrive at the table filled with translucent crystal shrimp and vibrant, jewel-toned dumplings like the earthy Beets by Jay and the verdant Green Jade. The air hums with energy as diners tear into pillowy steamed buns and shatter the golden, crispy shells of savory spring rolls, creating a modern sanctuary where traditional dim sum is reimagined with a playful, contemporary flair.
• Mala Town 自选麻辣烫 — Chinese · rated 5/5: Located at 929 Amsterdam Ave, New York, Mala Town 自选麻辣烫 offers an exceptional dining experience with its rich and flavorful broths, fresh ingredients, and top-notch service. Known for its inviting atmosphere and diverse hot pot options, this Chinese restaurant is a great spot for family and friends to enjoy a satisfying meal. Open every day from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM (Fridays and Saturdays until 9:30 PM), it’s a must-visit for those who love spicy and customizable dishes.
• Mala House — Chinese · rated 4.9/5: Mala House vibrates with the electric energy of a Sichuan kitchen, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted chilies and the signature numbing tingle of peppercorns. Guests gather around bubbling pots of crimson broth and sizzling woks that transform fresh ingredients into a symphony of heat and spice, creating a sensory journey that celebrates the bold, fiery heart of Chinese soul food.
• Dumpling N' Dips — Chinese · rated 4.8/5: Steaming bamboo baskets arrive at the table, unveiling hand-pleated parcels that glisten with savory juices and vibrant, jewel-toned wrappers. This lively destination celebrates the art of the perfect bite, where a curated array of bold, aromatic dipping sauces invites diners to customize their journey through the rich, comforting flavors of modern Chinese soul food.
• Mr. Keke — Chinese · rated 4.8/5: Mr. Keke pulses with a modern energy, where the rhythmic dance of the wok and the gentle hiss of bamboo steamers set the stage for an unforgettable communal feast. Vibrant, spice-flecked dishes and golden-roasted specialties take center stage, inviting guests to lose themselves in a sensory journey of bold flavors and aromatic heat within a space that hums with urban sophistication.
• Mala House 安逸成都川菜馆21街店 — Chinese · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan's Flatiron District, Mala House offers a delightful journey into authentic Sichuan cuisine. Enjoy a casual dining atmosphere while savoring generously portioned favorites like Dry Pot and Dan Dan Noodles. With a reputation for exceptional service and a menu that features both comfort food and small plates, Mala House ensures a rewarding dining experience for all guests. Dine in or opt for takeout; either way, satisfaction is guaranteed.
• Little Kirin — Chinese · rated 4.8/5: Located at 81 St Marks Pl, New York, Little Kirin offers a delightful combination of Pan-Asian comfort food and sandwiches. This casual, counter-serve restaurant boasts a high user rating of 4.8 from 257 reviews. Diners can enjoy takeout, curbside pickup, or dine-in options with convenient payment methods. Its cozy indoor seating and friendly staff make it an excellent spot for a casual meal.
• ME CHICKEN RICE — Chinese · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in Greenwich Village, ME CHICKEN RICE is a delightful Thai restaurant that has gained acclaim for its specialty, Hainanese chicken rice. Offering a cozy and unpretentious atmosphere, the restaurant serves comfort food and quick bites, including roasted and fried chicken, and daikon soup. With friendly staff and efficient service, it's no wonder customers keep coming back for the delicious, affordable meals ranging from $10-20.
• Baodega 小杨生煎 — Chinese · rated 4.8/5: Discover Baodega at 7 W 20th St, New York-a relaxed and inviting Shanghainese restaurant specializing in traditional fare like soup dumplings. With a 4.8 rating and over 1,400 reviews, it's a favorite for its authentic flavors and warm service. Child-friendly and with options for both dine-in and takeout, Baodega also boasts outdoor seating and easy reservations to ensure a delightful dining experience.
• Baohub — Chinese · rated 4.8/5: Located in the heart of Gramercy Park, Baohub offers a delightful dining experience with handmade, creative Chinese cuisine. Featuring a menu filled with delicious options such as soup dumplings, beef lo mein, and phoenix buns, this casual eatery is perfect for family dining or a quick bite. Baohub caters to dine-in, takeout, and delivery, making it convenient for any occasion. Enjoy a meal at Baohub, where quality meets convenience.
• Thai Villa — Thai · rated 4.7/5: Thai Villa transports guests to a world of regal elegance, where ornate golden carvings and warm, amber lighting create a sanctuary for savoring the complex, aromatic layers of traditional Thai cuisine. The air hums with the fragrance of crushed lemongrass and toasted chilies, signaling a culinary journey that weaves together the fiery heat of the wok with the cooling creaminess of hand-pressed coconut milk. Each dish is a vibrant tapestry of flavor, offering a sophisticated harmony of sweet, sour, and spicy notes that capture the true essence of Thai hospitality.
• Soothr — Thai · rated 4.7/5: Soothr transports diners to the heart of Bangkok with a high-energy atmosphere where the rhythmic clatter of woks and the intoxicating scent of Thai basil fill the air. The kitchen honors time-tested family recipes, serving up vibrant plates that dance between fiery spice and cooling citrus against a backdrop of warm wood and nostalgic decor. It is a spirited celebration of regional flavors, inviting guests to linger over aromatic
• Pranakhon — Thai · rated 4.7/5: Pranakhon captures the electric spirit of Bangkok’s historic heart, immersing guests in a vibrant space where the air hums with the sizzle of woks and the fragrance of crushed lemongrass. Each dish is a masterclass in balance, layering the fiery heat of bird’s eye chilies with the cooling brightness of lime and the deep, savory richness of traditional ferments. The experience is a rhythmic dance of bold street-food flavors and soulful hospitality, offering a sensory escape that lingers long after the last bite.
• Yum Cha — Chinese · rated 4.7/5: Steaming bamboo baskets arrive in a rhythmic procession, unveiling translucent shrimp dumplings and honey-glazed pork buns that perfume the air with ginger and five-spice. The space hums with the convivial energy of shared stories and clinking porcelain, creating a vibrant backdrop for a leisurely feast where the ancient art of tea-drinking meets a kaleidoscope of handcrafted delicacies.
• Chef Tan — Chinese · rated 4.7/5: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the rhythmic clang of woks and the intoxicating aroma of toasted chilies signal a masterclass in regional Chinese artistry. The air hums with energy as diners gather over steaming clay pots and vibrant platters, each bite delivering a sophisticated balance of numbing heat and savory depth that transports the senses to the heart of the Sichuan and Hunan provinces.
• Beef Up Noodle — Chinese · rated 4.7/5: Steaming bowls of rich, mahogany broth take center stage at this vibrant eatery, where the intoxicating scent of star anise and slow-simmered spices hangs heavy in the air. Guests find solace in the rhythmic slurp of springy noodles and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture of braised beef, all served within a bustling atmosphere that captures the soulful essence of a traditional Chinese noodle house.
• For U 蜀哩 — Chinese · rated 4.7/5: For U 蜀哩 is an exceptional Chinese restaurant located at 155 3rd Ave, New York, serving authentic dishes like Peking Duck in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. With a high rating of 4.7 from 179 reviews, it offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and takeout. Patrons appreciate the beautifully presented dishes and welcoming service. This spot is perfect for culinary enthusiasts and groups, accepting various payment methods and offering convenient amenities.
• Szechuan Mountain House — Chinese · rated 4.6/5: Ornate woodwork and glowing lanterns transform the dining room into a serene mountain retreat, where the air hums with the intoxicating fragrance of toasted chilis and numbing Sichuan peppercorns. Vibrant, spice-laden dishes arrive in a theatrical display of bold flavors and traditional artistry, offering an immersive experience that balances fiery intensity with the refined elegance of ancient Chinese heritage.
• BaoDega — Chinese · rated 4.6/5: Stepping into BaoDega feels like entering a vibrant urban sanctuary where the rhythmic clatter of woks and the sweet, yeasty aroma of steaming dough create an immediate sense of warmth. Hand-pleated bao arrive in delicate clouds of vapor, revealing succulent fillings that burst with ginger and soy, while bowls of silken noodles swim in deeply savory, long-simmered broths. This lively corner brings together the soulful comfort of traditional Chinese street food with a sleek, contemporary energy, making every meal feel like a spirited celebration of flavor.
• P.F. Chang's — Chinese · rated 4.6/5: Guarded by iconic stone horses, this high-energy sanctuary invites diners into a world where the rhythmic clatter of woks and the intoxicating aroma of searing ginger create an atmosphere of modern elegance. Guests gather beneath warm, ambient lighting to share bold, scratch-made flavors that celebrate the art of the flame, from the crisp snap of fresh lettuce wraps to the rich, savory glazes of hand-tossed classics.
• Spicy Moon — Chinese · rated 4.6/5: Bathed in the electric glow of neon lights, this vibrant Szechuan destination pulses with an edgy, urban energy that elevates plant-based dining to a bold new art form. The air hums with the sizzle of woks as numbing peppercorns and fragrant chili oils transform traditional flavors into a fiery, modern feast that dances across the palate.
• NaNa Thai Street — Thai · rated 4.6/5: NaNa Thai Street transports diners to the heart of Bangkok with its high-energy atmosphere, where the rhythmic clatter of woks and the intoxicating scent of charred chilies fill the air. Vibrant plates burst with the bold, unapologetic flavors of authentic street food, balancing zesty lime and fragrant lemongrass against the deep, smoky heat of traditional spices. It is a lively urban escape where every bite captures the soulful, bustling spirit of Thailand’s iconic night markets.
• Jiang's Kitchen — Chinese · rated 4.6/5: Steaming bamboo baskets and the intoxicating aroma of ginger and star anise greet guests at Jiang’s Kitchen, a vibrant haven where the art of Chinese cooking is performed with precision and heart. The experience unfolds through a symphony of textures, from the delicate snap of garden-fresh vegetables to the rich, smoky "wok hei" that infuses every expertly tossed dish. Amidst the soft glow of lanterns and the lively hum of shared conversation, each plate serves as a soulful bridge between ancient culinary traditions and contemporary flair.
• Shu Han Ju — Chinese · rated 4.6/5: Shu Han Ju transports guests into a world of bold, aromatic intensity, where the air hums with the sizzle of woks and the fragrant heat of toasted Sichuan peppercorns. In a space that balances modern elegance with a lively neighborhood energy, diners gather over steaming platters of vibrant, spice-laden classics that dance between fiery heat and complex, numbing depth.
• Spicy Moon - East Village — Chinese · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the heart of New York's East Village, Spicy Moon is your go-to spot for delicious plant-based Chinese Szechuan cuisine. With an inviting, cozy ambiance accented by wood elements and pink ambient lighting, this casual eatery offers a perfect blend of robust flavors for vegans and non-vegans alike. Enjoy an array of vegan dishes, complemented by beer, wine, and cocktails. Ideal for both family outings and friendly gatherings, reservations are highly recommended. Visit us at 328 E 6th St, New York, or call +1 646-429-8471.
• Milu — Chinese · rated 4.6/5: Discover Milu, a fast-casual Chinese eatery nestled in the heart of the Flatiron District. With a relaxed ambiance, it’s perfect for family meals or a quick solo bite. The menu boasts comfort food staples like brisket, pineapple buns, and soft serve, along with vegetarian and vegan options. Enjoy a delightful meal at Milu, where welcoming staff and reasonable prices ($10-$20) make every visit enjoyable.
• Steam — Chinese · rated 4.6/5: Located in Greenwich Village, Steam offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for savoring creative Shanghainese fare, dim sum, and delightful cocktails. With a menu featuring staples like scallion pancakes, soup dumplings, and options for vegetarians and vegans, it's a crowd-pleaser for both kids and solo diners. Known for excellent staff and fast service, patrons enjoy a meal here for around $20-30. Visit us at 470 6th Ave.
• Chef Tan east village 蜀湘门第 — Chinese · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the heart of East Village, Chef Tan invites diners to savor traditional Hunan and Szechuan cuisine. Known for its flavorful, spicy dishes, this casual spot offers a perfect blend of ingredients, highly rated by its patrons. Open daily from 12:00 PM, it caters to cashless payment options and provides takeout, dine-in, and delivery services. Perfect for family meals and group gatherings, Chef Tan also serves wine, beer, and dessert to complement your dining experience.
• Hao Noodle — Chinese · rated 4.5/5: Sunlight streams into a chic, plant-filled oasis where a minimalist aesthetic provides a serene backdrop for the vibrant, bold flavors of regional Chinese soul food. Silky, hand-pulled noodles swim in aromatic broths while the air hums with the numbing sizzle of Sichuan peppercorns and the comforting steam of slow-simmered clay pots. It is a sophisticated yet soulful retreat that elevates traditional staples into an artful dining experience, seamlessly blending modern elegance with deep-rooted culinary heritage.