Café China — Restaurant in New York

MY ORDER: FRIED RICE WITH DUCK ORDER: CURIOUSLY TASTY CHICKEN (MADE IT SPICY) ORDER: SHRIMP SHUMAI DRINK: GINGER ALE PLUS A PITCHER OF COMPLIMENTARY WATER.

Majority of my day was spent walking around Manhattan. From the lower east side to upper west side. Downtown to uptown; stopping by a seminar and then getting invited to a protest. I was trying to get my “steps in” before heading north to make the final preparations for the Easter extravaganza with my lil one. As I was walking and sight seeing the city of tourist traps; I began to wonder what is FOR dinner?… At first I was literally craving anything with Fried Chicken. But I wanted that extra crisp exterior to it. So I started seeking my resources. Because very indecisive, then I was thinking about falafels (thanks to my very beau lady friend). Again I went to my resources, became very indecisive. So I ended up choosing Chinese cuisine (Café China)

Now this fine tight space establishment doesn’t offer any physical menu. You have to scan a QR code to search for the menu. At first glance I did start getting a bit aggravated because I wasn’t seeking anything alcoholic (I am SOBER) nor an 8 dollar sparkling water nonsense. I couldn’t find alternatives beverages till I asked the waiter. He is very professional AND friendly(strong work ethic). The meal itself to ME was satisfying. After walking around for 30 mins trying to decide WHICH CHINESE RESTAURANT. Each bite of my “Curious George Chicken” I mean “Curiously Tasty Chicken” tasted very tender and seasoned to the core! Each piece didn’t fail to dissatisfy my hunger! From the sauce combine with the chicken pieces, I recommend this dish.

Now for the important dish…the Fried Rice with duck…… now it is known that I absolutely put rice as my TOP 3 favorite dish… it is indeed important for me to make sure I tell y’all whether it is cooked to perfection from the hands of the gods. I must say…. It is! The rice tasted perfect, fluffy ! Amazing

My shrimp shumai….IS THE APPETIZER. Overall… The meal alone is definitely meant for two with the portion i literally received. The pricing is ok-ish

My seating was cozy and comfortable. The environment wasn’t too loud so I was able to watch a couple videos as I ate my meal. The restaurant itself looks good. Maintained and organized. Staff is professional for sure. I definitely recommend bringing a date…or a group of friends

Please...

We have no expectations and came in to test the waters. We went in and ordered from gut feelings. It is probably the first time I can tell the cold dishes were made from their heart and soul instead of “a cold dish is just an unworthy expensive add-on” in a Chinese restaurant. (We ordered the pickled daikon and the smoked dry tofu, for reference.)

The pig’s feet were falling off the bones with a fresh peppercorn aroma without the numbness, something incredibly hard to achieve. 咸烧白（braised pork Szechuan Style) is perhaps the most effective peace agreement between the vegetarians and the carnivores. (I am sorry, it is still not a dish to share with your vegetarian friends- maybe chef can try to figure one out?) The soft tofu- I can taste the sweetness of soy. Last time I did that I was in Shawan, Guangdong; my husband’s last good tofu memory was from Chengdu. I can finally say: you may be able to know what a Chinese soft tofu should taste like in US in 2022.

I didn’t rate service because they are trying to find their places right now, which is difficult for all restaurant owners in the world at this moment. I do need to point out: the water jug is a bit prone to breakage due to its hourglass shape. However it is “chic,” please let the waitstaff serve us with ease and consider a ergonomic-friendly...

On Lunar New Year Eve, I wanted to book Lunar New Year dinner for a party of 7, but nothing was showing as available online and couldn't reach anyone over the phone... Decided to go in person the day right when they opened for lunch of to try my luck...special kudos to the hostess (unfortunately didn't catch her name) who not only managed to carve out a spot for us within the time range that worked for us, but put us in a beautiful private dining room on the second floor which was totally unexpected! Had a space to even hang up coats and store bags.

Additional special kudos to our server Alex who was super helpful and proactive - we had a couple folks who accidentally dropped their chopsticks on the floor, and before we even had a chance to ask Alex for replacements, he already came by with new ones!

Apart from the great service, you probably care more about the food...we literally ordered almost half the entire menu. Everything was great! I particularly liked the Spicy Soft Shell Crabs and the Curiously Tasty Chicken, but everything was great, and everyone liked everything.

They have their liquor license now too! Great times all around! Highly recommended, even if you're not in the...