NYC｜Chai Yuan: A Taste of Beijing in Midtown 🍱🥢

Everyone claims to be authentic, but how does Chai Yuan really taste? Here’s our take: 🦆 Duck Roll with Bean Sprouts – A beautiful, layered starter with crisp texture and savory flavor. 🍱 Four-Color Dim Sum Platter Pea cake, sticky rice rolls, aiwowo, and kidney bean rolls—each lightly sweet and delicately made. 🍆 Salted Eggplant with Egg Yolk – Crispy and flavorful when hot (gets oily as it cools). 🥘 Sea Urchin Tofu Hot Pot – More like a rich, savory tofu stew (sea urchin flavor is subtle). Comforting and bubbling hot! 🥩 Beijing-Style Stewed Offal (Hutong Stew) – Heart, intestines, and tofu in a hearty, fragrant broth—perfect over rice. 🐑 Red-Braised Lamb Hot Pot – Tender lamb with chewy skin, aromatic with herbs and cilantro (love it or leave it). My Beijing friend said it leans more modern than strictly traditional, but it’s still satisfying and nostalgic in its own way. We sat upstairs at a large table—great for groups and conversation. The decor, menu design, and plating are thoughtfully done. While not mind-blowing, the experience is solid and worth the price. A reliable choice when you’re craving Northern Chinese flavors in Manhattan. 📍 Chai 353 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036 #NYC #ChineseFood #BeijingCuisine #Midtown #NYCEats #ComfortFood #NYCRestaurants #FoodieReview #GroupDining #MustTry