Just across the East River from Manhattan lies Astoria, a vibrant Queens neighborhood where the streets hum with culinary ambition. Within its bustling few square miles, you’ll find some of the city’s most authentic Chinese dining—from sizzling wok stations in unassuming storefronts to elegant banquet halls. Whether you’re a local craving familiar flavors or a visitor exploring Queens’ food scene, let this guide lead you to the best.
Nuevo Jardín de China
$$ | (718) 726-0819 | WEBSITE
Right in the heart of Astoria sits Nuevo Jardín de China, a cozy spot that feels like the neighborhood’s communal dining room. The interior is updated with large comfy plush booths, and it’s easy to get chatty with the friendly staff at the counter. During lunch, classic dishes are on hand, like the must-try squid rice with shrimp cooked with squid ink and packed with flavor, and breaded bistec that deserves to be honored with a local award.
When evening comes around, you can swing by for surprisingly tasty coffee and strong drinks, all served with perfect flavor at super value prices. Everything is cooked perfectly, and you can’t go wrong here as all the dishes were delicious.
Malala Chinese
$$ | (718) 606-1898 | WEBSITE
Malala Chinese is a tiny restaurant with a straightforward menu of authentic Chinese dishes (regulars know to request your preferred spice level and linger a while in the cozy space). We like to order the crispy spicy fish flounder or Dan-Dan ‘burning noodles’ and share them with friends for a lively dinner. Or, since the portions are generous, pick up some fried chicken mini dumplings and Mala chicken to sample an array of flavors.
Rice K
$$ | (718) 606-8508 | WEBSITE
Rice K is a Chinese-Japanese fusion spot that’s likely seen Astoria through countless karaoke nights, first and fiftieth dates, and post-work celebrations. The restaurant, decked out with fitting Asian-inspired decor and feeling lively despite its modern setup, is where to go for creative sushi pizza and teriyaki that’s capital-D delicious. Just don’t fill up too much on free edamame and udon noodles—you’ll want a slice of avocado eel rice for dessert.
Xing’s Chef
$ | (718) 726-2288 | WEBSITE
Xing’s Chef is the multi-hyphenate talent of Astoria. The team behind it is the masterminds behind flavor-packed wing experts The Wing Spot and fried rice specialists The Wok House. At night, this Chinese spot, set in a modest storefront, showcases its takeout mastery. You’ll want to get here for dinner, though, and order dishes like crispy wings, shrimp rolls with golden-brown edges that audibly crunch, and fried rice packed with savory goodness.
It makes for the ideal last meal in the neighborhood before heading back onto the subway.
Astoria No.1
$ | (718) 255-1128 | WEBSITE
Astoria No.1 is another Chinese restaurant that’s also a takeout spot, and this one’s main draw is the damn tasty fried chicken wings. They’re crispy enough to satisfy a late-night craving, and the place stays busy every evening with neighborhood regulars, post-work pickup orders, and groups grabbing dinner after a long day.
The menu reads like a reliable rotation of comfort classics—think pepper steak with simple seasoning, veggie dumplings that hit the spot, and triple green jade alongside rice and wings. You won’t reminisce about every item a week later, but you will leave happy and full of solid takeout that’s always accurate.
Golden Dragon
$ | (718) 777-2727 | WEBSITE
When you need a quick dinner fix but don’t have time in your schedule for a full sit-down meal, head to Golden Dragon. The counter-service Chinese fast food spot with bright fluorescent lighting has a menu full of flavorful classics, as well as takeout options like General Tso’s chicken, pork fried rice, and combination lo mein you can easily bring home.
The sesame chicken is solid and filling—it’s crispy, saucy, and comes in generous portions—and it travels well, if you need to get comfortable on your couch before eating while binging a show.
Bund Dumpling House
$ | (718) 971-5465 | WEBSITE
You’ll know you’re close to Bund Dumpling House when the aromas of steaming dumplings and savory stews start to drift from the storefront, just a short walk from the train station. This casual neighborhood spot sits in a straightforward storefront with simple wooden tables and bright lighting, offering quick service at reasonable prices—most dishes run $12–$18.
Steaming baskets of crabmeat and pork soup dumplings with their thin, delicate skins are the stars of every table—order the beef stew noodle soup when you need something hearty—alongside salt and pepper fried chicken and pho noodles. They also serve Taiwanese fried pork chop over egg fried rice, though it’s changed from the original version.
New Ho Wah
$ | (718) 956-1849 | WEBSITE
Once you spot the familiar red-and-gold sign glowing in the evening, you’ll know you’ve made it to New Ho Wah. The Chinese fast food spot oozing with Astoria reliability is the go-to takeout place in the neighborhood—just stake your claim to one of the few Formica tables or a spot by the window, split the G on a steaming container of crab rangoons, and chat it up with the professional staff who’ve been serving here for years.
The menu covers standard Chinese takeout, like beef and broccoli and shrimp eggrolls, but our move is to come for the chicken and broccoli and a side of fried rice during a quick lunch (which in New Ho Wah terms means done in under 15 minutes).
Nueva Victoria Restaurant
$$ | (718) 726-0819 | WEBSITE
Nueva Victoria Restaurant is switching things up from the many standard Chinese spots in Queens. The beloved Cuban-Chinese fusion restaurant serves boneless fried chicken with mixed rice and sweet plantains, which is so fresh and full of flavor and juicy. A sleeper hit is the chicken over rice, which is finished off until golden and delicious.
Most people enjoy their meal in the refreshed ambiance with beautiful interior, or you can sit and soak in the welcoming atmosphere in the diverse community of Queens.
