Tasting NYC Chinatown: Our First Food Stops After Landing

After an exhausting 11+ hour flight, we landed in New York City craving something warm and comforting. With our luggage dropped off, we made our way to Manhattan’s Chinatown, one of the best spots in NYC for authentic and affordable eats.

Maxi’s Noodle: The Best Wonton Noodle Soup in NYC?

Our first stop was Maxi’s Noodle, a popular Chinatown spot we discovered through @joshuaweissman’s video on the best NYC Chinatown eats. We ordered a bowl of wonton noodle soup, and it did not disappoint!

✔ Rich, clear broth infused with duck and seafood flavors
✔ Springy duck egg noodles, cooked to a perfect al dente texture
✔ Four hefty pork & shrimp wontons, packed with 90% shrimp and 10% pork
✔ Chili oil on the side for an extra kick

The simplicity of this dish made it even more enjoyable—it was the perfect, no-frills comfort food after a long flight.

Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle: Made-to-Order Perfection

Next on my NYC Chinatown food bucket list was a fresh rice noodle roll. Just a few blocks away, we stopped by Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle, a well-loved spot for made-to-order cheung fun (rice rolls).

We ordered a duck rice roll, which arrived steaming hot within minutes. The roll had:

✔ Thin, silky rice noodles wrapped around tender pieces of duck (yes, including some crispy duck skin!)
✔ A few pieces of scallions for added flavor
✔ A minimalist approach, focusing on texture and freshness

While I’m used to a more ingredient-packed look funn from Honolulu, I appreciated the elegance and simplicity of Tonii’s fresh rice rolls.

Final Thoughts: A Chinatown Foodie’s Dream

Both Maxi’s Noodle and Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle were quick, no-fuss spots, perfect for a fast yet delicious meal in NYC Chinatown. I only wish we had more stomach space to try even more dishes! But that just means we’ll have to come back soon.

📍 Planning a visit to NYC Chinatown? Be sure to add Maxi’s Noodle and Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle to your must-try list!

👉 Have a favorite Chinatown food spot in NYC? Drop your recommendations in the comments!

Until next time …