12 Hidden Gems You Have To Eat At In Lower Manhattan Before You Die

Curious to know where the real local hotspots are? Find out here!

1. Lam Zhou Handpull Noodles

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Location: 144 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

This hole-in-a-wall dumpling restaurant is as authentic as Chinese food can get. The place itself looks like it came straight out of a small village in China. Made with simple ingredients, these hand-pulled noodles and boiled dumplings are modest, yet absolutely scrumptious. The food speaks for itself; you don't need a fancy chef or expensive produce to be impressed here.

2. Cha Chan Tang

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Location: 45 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

Ever wonder what Chinese food was like outside of ramen and steamed buns? This trendy brunch place was made for foodies and just the place to catch up with friends. This restaurant has a comfortable atmosphere, though it is always busy in the mornings and evenings. What sets Cha Chan Tang apart from other Chinese restaurants is the hints of American food culture found in these modernized Chinese dishes. The most notable things here are the classic Hong Kong milk tea, Coca-Cola chicken wings (which is definitely more appetizing than it sounds), and fried spaghetti.

3. Jane

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Location: 100 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012

This place is the #1-place to go to if your favorite dish is Eggs Benedict. Regardless, every single thing on the Sunday Brunch menu is something to try every time you come. Each component of every dish, such as strawberry butter (only available on Sundays) for the starting breadbasket, the poached eggs in the Eggs Benedicts, and brioche bread for the French toast, have their own shining moment. Even the aesthetics of the dishes are to die for!

4. Café Orlin

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Location: 41 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003

It’s difficult to find a brunch place that is appetizing and won’t leave a gaping hole in your wallet. But at Café Orlin, you can have the best of both worlds! Featured brunch items, such as Eggs Norwegian or the Challah French toast, include a fresh cup of orange juice and coffee of your choice – all for $16! Similar delicious brunch dishes anywhere else are that much by themselves (and sometimes, not as savory either)!

5. Breakroom

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Location: 83 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013

Breakroom is the place to go to with a couple of friends and an appetite! They do not serve a big selection of dishes here, but it's all about quality and tasteful fusion of the Chinese/American/Mexican food that attracts many customers. Though the portions may be small, that just means an opportunity to order more. Their menu doesn't stop short at the main courses; the mint lemonade is a perfect combination of sweet and refreshing, and their classic Breakroom fries are loaded with cheddar cheese, bacon bits, onions, jalapeños, and pork belly, so I don't even have to convince you to try it.

6. Thái Sởn

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Location: 89 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013

Many people are familiar with Chinese and Japanese cuisines, but Vietnamese phở has gradually become more popular this year. This dish is unapologetically served in large potions and best complimented with Sriracha or oyster sauce. I, personally, recommend the one served with pork chops. Regardless of what kind, this dish will leave you slurping each rice noodle until the last. And while you're waiting for those noodles, share a platter of spring rolls, filled with pork and vegetables, wrapped in fresh, crunchy lettuce with your friends!

7. Fried Dumpling

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Location: 106 Mosco St, New York, NY 10013

You know what American fast food is, but have you ever tried authentic Chinese fast food? The name of this place immediately tells you what kind of food to get: fried dumplings that are made fast-and-ready within minutes. There are other dishes, such as pork buns and hot-and-sour soup, but these pot stickers steal the show. Though contested for the title of best fried dumplings in NYC, these are my favorite because of the soft meat and crispy skin on one side and chewy on the other. And luckily, if you’re craving these dumplings at home, just buy a sack of 30 fried dumplings for $6 (which equals the price of $1 for five made fresh in store)!

8. Yaya Tea Garden

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Location: 51 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002

Yaya Tea Garden, or simply just Yaya’s to the locals, is a comfy place to drink iced jasmine tea with lychee jelly and munch on onigiri, or Japanese rice balls wrapped in seaweed. And while you're at it, you can also buy authentic Japanese sweets, such as green tea Kit Kats. Though this place is ironically ran by Chinese people, they do a fantastic job of doing so. So if you like the bubble tea (which normally consists of black tea), then you will love the various types of tea they have here, along with the hilarious names for every drink, such as the Boyfriend or My First Car. Personally, my all-time favorite is the Sunrise, which is fruity combination of mango and strawberry white tea.

9. Kenka

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Location: 25 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003

All top-rated restaurants are going to leave you waiting for two hours to try their food. Unfortunately, though this cheap ramen place is not on the map of tourist hotspots to hit, it is still constantly overflowing with city locals. The most outstanding features in Kenka are the creepy mannequins on display and the wild appetizers they serve, such as bull testicles. If you're not feeling like eating animal genitalia, you can always try the delectable, classic ramen dishes, starting from $8 per bowl. At the end of the meal, the waiter will give you some complimentary cotton candy sugar, so you spin some dessert for yourself at the machine located by the entrance!

10. Raku

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Location: 342 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003

If you are a minimalist at heart and love Japanese food, Raku is the place for you. I have been to numerous ramen places, but never to an udon restaurant worth talking about. Raku’s decor is so minimalist that its entrance is completely unnoticeable, even when you are looking for it. This small restaurant’s cute, simplistic style contrasts that of the food served here. Each oversized bowl of udon is topped with a tasteful variety meats and/or colorful vegetables, which makes Raku vegan-friendly, while still able to cater to meat-lovers too. Fan favorites include the shrimp tempura udon and Ankake (egg) udon, but you’ll honestly want to try them all.

11. The Halal Guys

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Location: W 53rd St 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Though The Halal Guys has slowly been growing as a franchise across the globe, it first started as just another halal food stand on the streets of New York City. No one said that you couldn’t go there anymore; there’s just a bigger line (and a restaurant opened by the franchise). Forget hot dog stands; halal food stands are one of the aspects that makes New York stand out (haha, get it?). The main dish I love to get is the chicken over yellow rice combination with white sauce and just a hint of red sauce. The meats they offer, such as lamb and beef, are generously cooked with tons of spices. I have tried the franchise located in Costa Mesa, California, and I can personally tell you that the original New York stand is better.

12. Snowdays

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Location: 241 East 10th St (b/t 1st Ave & 2nd Ave), New York, NY 10003

Tourists always flock to the newest dessert fad to try it, so that leaves the ones have always been around to the locals. Shaved cream is the literal food baby of Taiwanese and Korean shaved ices and is better than shaved ice because it’s basically ice cream in its softest form. With generous portions starting at $5 and perfect for sharing with friends or dates, you’ll never feel ripped off. You’ll probably be too distracted picking out toppings, which include condensed milk, mochi, strawberries, Captain Crunch, and even Pocky sticks! Flavors to die for are their classic Yetitracks (blueberry “snow” with Oreo bits) and Green Tea Matcha. Luckily, the line is never too long so you can always go back for seconds!