Jiang Nan NYC — Restaurant in New York

I had high hopes for this restaurant when I went there with my boyfriend for our first meal of 2024. We have Jiang Nan in Philadelphia too, but I’ve been reluctant to try it because of the mixed reviews. However, some reviewers claimed that the Jiang Nan in NYC is better than the one in Philadelphia, so I was thrilled to try it today. After tasting three dishes today, I can only say that this restaurant is nothing but a huge letdown.

The three things that we ordered today were half Peking duck, pork and crab soup dumplings, and lamb skewer.

Let’s start with the Peking duck. I think this is the worst Peking duck I’ve ever had in my life. The duck was so undercooked/under roasted that there was a thick layer of skin fat. A well-cooked/roasted Peking duck should have a thin layer of golden crispy skin. There should be no unroasted skin fat. Also, the duck was bland and flavorless.

The next dish was the pork and crab soup dumplings. This was the first thing the waiter brought to our table. I remember that my smile faded from my face as soon as I opened the lid of the bao steamer. The four dumplings in the steamer were tiny and looked machine-made, because there was no small hole on the tip of the dumpling. Handmade soup dumplings should have a small opening on the tip of the dumpling. Also, the dumpling skin was thick and yellowish. It looked nothing like the ones in some reviewers’ photos. I also didn’t see any crab in them. I suspect that they bought these from a local supermarket as an emergency replacement.

The last dish was the lamb skewer. The lamb meat was tender, but it tasted old and lacked seasoning. I felt like they might have soaked the meat in baking soda, which gave it a weird aftertaste. It wasn’t the lamb gaminess, just a weird aftertaste that I can’t describe.

I had never had such awful Chinese food in NYC before and this is the first time. I would never go back...

Review | A Michelin-Recommended Gem for 3 Years Straight — The Pickled Chili Sea Bass is Next-Level!

Stumbled upon this incredible Sichuan restaurant that has earned Michelin recognition for three consecutive years (2022–2024), and honestly, it lives up to the hype!

Main Dishes: Pickled Chili Sea Bass & Spicy Boiled Beef The highlight of the night was the Pickled Chili Sea Bass — served whole in a bubbling hot pot, with crispy skin and tender meat infused with that signature tangy, spicy flavor of pickled chilies. It’s bold, aromatic, and totally addictive. The broth is loaded with extras like lotus root, potato slices, enoki mushrooms, and wide glass noodles — all soaking up that glorious spicy flavor. The Spicy Boiled Beef (Shuizhuniurou) was equally impressive — juicy, flavorful beef in a numbing chili oil broth with plenty of veggies. Perfectly executed.

Drinks: Matcha Latte & Osmanthus Latte After the heat, we cooled off with two surprisingly good lattes — the Matcha Latte had a strong green tea aroma and was topped with a beautiful matcha leaf design, while the Osmanthus Latte was lightly floral and soothing, with delicate dried osmanthus sprinkled on the frothy top. Both were creamy, balanced, and a perfect match for the spice.

Ambience & Service: The three Michelin plaques on the wall immediately set the tone. The space is modern with tasteful Chinese elements, clean and cozy, and the staff were friendly and attentive.

Verdict: If you’re a spice lover or a fan of authentic Sichuan cuisine, this place is a must. The Pickled Chili Sea Bass alone is worth the trip. Add in great drinks and a solid atmosphere — it’s easily one of my new...

JiangNan – An Absolute Gem in NYC! I’ve been to JiangNan so many times, and it never disappoints! If you’re looking for a restaurant with amazing atmosphere, great service, and high-quality food at a reasonable price, this is the place to go.

For the price you’re paying—around $30 per person (or up to $50 if you go all out)—the experience is incredible. At just $30, you’ll already leave feeling satisfied. Compared to most other restaurants in NYC, I’d consider this a great deal—either cheap or at least standard pricing for the quality you get.

The food presentation is top-tier, making every dish not just delicious but visually stunning. You’re getting beautifully plated food that looks high-end—without the crazy price tag. And let’s talk about the taste—it’s fantastic, definitely above average compared to most places.

The staff is insanely friendly and attentive, always making sure you're well taken care of. Their professionalism and well-dressed appearance add to the restaurant’s high-end feel—without the high-end price tag.

The atmosphere is really something special, making it an ideal spot for both casual outings and special occasions. It’s elevated yet welcoming, which is rare to find at this price point.

And if you're still on the fence—just look at my photos! You know you want it. Doesn't that look delicious? 😆

Definitely recommend a visit if you’re in...