4. Jin Mei Dumpling, Henry Street

25B Henry Street
New York, NY 10002 [Map]

Hidden on a quiet street in the deep south of Chinatown, Jin Mei is a welcome relief from the uncontrolled chaos around Canal Street.

Pros: Jin Mei is the least busy spot on the list. You’ll have your dumplings thirty seconds after you walk in the door, and you’ll be eating them at your own table in another fifteen.

Cons: Because there’s never a line out the door, your steamy dumplings risk basking in the fryer for a while before you eat them. The street surrounding Jin Mei is also a bit barren, so there’s not much to take in besides pork and chives.