Flushing - The Real China Town

After reading my earlier post about the lack of great Chinese food in Midtown Manhattan, you may be wondering what alternatives I offer to get your fix on a rainy weekend. In the amount of time it takes you to decide which restaurant you're going to order your Chicken and Broccoli/General Tso's "go-to" order from, you can jump on mass transit and be on your way to Flushing for what I think is the best Chinese food in New York.

Take the 7, 15 minutes outside the confines of your oh so familiar Midtown, and you are transported into a completely different world. The scene is more reminiscent of China than New York - with the occasional yellow cab spotting to remind you that you haven't left the country. For all of you who have a problem leaving your "comfort-zone", the trip is worth it just to see that Chinatown isn't dying - it's just moved locations. Check out the open air markets and buy fresh produce and seafood for a fraction of the price you would pay in Midtown. I will offer one meal suggestion that I guarantee you will leave you a) satiated, and b) forever a fan of Flushing.

Joe's Shanghai: Joe's Shanghai serves the best soup dumplings I have ever had. I have yet to visit China, so you may have a leg-up on me - but whenever someone mentions "dumplings," I think Joe's. With a name that may trigger some tourist trap ideas, Joe's could not occupy a further truth. The clientele is predominantly Chinese (always a good sign), and the prices cant be beat. An order of vegetables, and pork/crab soup dumplings will easily feed to hungry adults and will leave you feeling good - taste buds and wallet. The lunch rush may leave you waiting for up to 20 minutes, but the quality of food makes the wait worthwhile. For the Sunday Funday crowd- Joe's also serves wine and beer. Leave your black card at home, Joe's is a cash only establishment. For the faint of heart (or Flushing), you can head to Joe's Chinatown location where the dumplings are not quite as outstanding, but still beat the competition easily.

Joe's Flushing:
13621 37th Ave
Flushing, NY 11354-4110
(718) 539-3838


Joe's Chinatown:
9 Pell St
(between Bowery & Doyers St)
New York, NY 10013