Nestled in the heart of New York’s Chinatown at 98 Mott Street, Mott Street Eatery is a vibrant and authentic food court experience that feels like a well-kept secret among locals and adventurous food lovers. Unlike the polished and trendy eateries that dominate the city, Mott Street Eatery brings the raw, bustling charm of an Asian hawker center straight to Manhattan. Its unassuming exterior and no-frills setup invite you to dive into a world of diverse and soul-satisfying flavors.
This food court is a treasure trove of culinary delights that spans a rich array of dishes, predominantly featuring Chinese cuisine with some surprising fusion twists. Hungry guests can embark on a flavorful journey from delicate, perfectly steamed dim sum and succulent shrimp dumplings to heartwarming bowls of wonton noodle soup and rich beef stew. The duck and rice cooked to perfection is a highlight that locals rave about, while the Hainanese chicken rice offers a fragrant, comforting taste of Southeast Asia.
Mott Street Eatery doesn't just stop at traditional dishes. Their inventive menu surprises with standouts like the House Burger that masterfully blends lobster and Angus beef, delivering a decadent twist on an American classic. The pizza selection also commands attention: from the uniquely flavorful Peking Duck Pizza to a creamy and indulgent Lobster Pizza Flatbread, each pie is crafted to satisfy both adventurous palates and familiar cravings.
Dumpling enthusiasts will find themselves spoiled for choice with options ranging from classic gyoza and chive dumplings to spicy versions and shrimp-filled parcels, all served in generous portions. Every bite bursts with freshness and balanced seasoning, bringing a comforting homestyle feel to every mouthful.
The atmosphere thrives on its authentic, unpretentious vibe—there’s an undeniable sense of community with plenty of seating that accommodates groups large and small. Guests like Mike Lee appreciate the casual comfort of having a calm spot to relax, even when the air conditioning isn’t blasting — a testament to the down-to-earth nature of the space. It’s the kind of place where you sit back, relish your meal, and soak in the energy of Chinatown without feeling rushed or crowded.
Many reviewers echo the sentiment that Mott Street Eatery stands out for its variety and value. Anthony P calls it one of his favorite Chinatown food courts for the sheer variety and especially singles out their dim sum for being some of the best in New York. Meanwhile, Gabriella Henriquez highlights the satisfying and generously portioned pork dumplings, and the warm wonton soup perfect for braving the city’s colder months.
Beyond just the food, there’s a palpable sense of goodwill and community spirit permeating the eatery. Fiona Lin's experience with the helpful staff making good on a missed order with a free drink reflects the attentive, customer-first attitude that’s rare in larger food venues.
In essence, Mott Street Eatery is a captivating mosaic of flavors, cultures, and stories — a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and affordable Asian cuisine in an inviting, down-to-earth setting. Whether you’re chasing unbeatable dim sum, craving a lobster burger with an Asian twist, or looking for a refuge to savor hot noodle soup on a chilly day, this culinary bazaar delivers pure awesomeness with every bite.
Mott Street Eatery – A True Chinatown Hidden Gem That Keeps Evolving Let’s be real—this place looks cracked down, inside and out. No fancy signage, no trendy vibes. But once you step in, it feels like a hidden Asian hawker center tucked away in the middle of Chinatown. And honestly? That’s the charm. The food here is insanely cheap, surprisingly good, and most stalls now accept credit cards—a huge win in a neighborhood where cash is usually king. What makes it even better is that you’re not just getting great value—you’re actually supporting real family-run businesses that cook with passion and care. And hey—corporate chains and social media spots aren’t necessarily bad, but this place? It’s different. It’s special. It’s raw, low-key, and full of heart. There’s one roast pork stall that deserves a huge shoutout. It doesn’t just serve BBQ meats like roast pork, soy sauce chicken, and garlic chicken—it also has dim sum-style dishes like steamed buns and dumplings, the kind you’d usually only find at a full-service dim sum restaurant. And if you’re thinking, “But Wah Fung though…”—yes, Wah Fung is good. But these days, the lines there are insane thanks to influencer hype. You can easily end up waiting 30+ minutes, which is rough if you’re on a tight NYC schedule. Not to mention, the flavor profile is different. Wah Fung leans more American-style—sweet, heavy BBQ sauce, glazed roast pork. This stall goes for saltier, more traditional Cantonese flavors, with less sauce and more focus on the meat itself. No line. No fuss. Card accepted. Just solid food that hits different. When I first wrote my review, there was a stall called Stellar Chinese Cuisine, and their beef mushroom lo mein was amazing—packed with generous portions of beef for just $10, with crunchy bean sprouts that tied it all together. Sadly, Stellar has since closed, but new stalls have opened up in its place, and the whole mall feels more alive than ever. Now, the highlight for me is the 东北 (Northern-style) restaurant. They make incredible hand-pulled flat noodles and lamb, beef, and pork burgers at very affordable prices (around $12–$16). The flavors are bold and authentic, especially the dry cumin-spiced lamb noodles—it’s that kind of spice that builds slowly, warming you up bite by bite. The taste is homemade yet professional, deeply flavorful, and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. The food court itself has transformed—it’s now full almost all the time, buzzing with people and energy. It really feels like Chinatown’s version of an indoor night market—casual, authentic, and always cooking up something good. Don’t miss the savory Chinese crepe stall (煎饼果子) either. It’s crispy, flavorful, and super nostalgic—hard to find even in other U.S. Chinatowns. These are the kind of street food snacks you’d only see back in China, and having them here makes the place feel even more special. Over time, some stalls close, others open—but that’s part of what makes Mott Street Eatery so real and alive. You never know what’s coming next, and that sense of discovery is half the fun. No frills. No hype. Just real food, real people, and a taste of home in the heart of Chinatown. Try it once, and you’ll get it.
One of my favorite food courts in New York’s Chinatown. So much variety! Excellent dim sum. Went to the Dumpling Eatery in the food court and they by far have the best dim sum and shrimp dumplings in New York. So tasty and delicious. All the food stalls there are delicious.
Various food stations, individually owned and each with its own distinct flavors and a diverse group of mainly chinese dishes. Plenty of tables and round tables for big groups! The AC isn't on so it could get a bit hot inside but still comfortable than roaming around outside. A great pace to take a break where no one will bother you so long as you support one of the restaurants! Get a drink at least if you plan to hang out for a little while, it's the least you can do! Bathrooms are located in the basement towards the front next to the handicap entrance. A beautifully well maintained (100 gallon?)Tank full with healthy coy and goldfish at the entrance corridor makes this place unmissable!
There are a lot of restaurants there that serve different food like Dim Sum, Boba, Kimbap, Ramen and Jianbing. I tried the jianbing restaurant and it was great the other day they forgot to give me my Taiwan sausages in my takeout so today I went back and they gave me my sausage as well as a free drink for my inconvenience. The jianbing was great with prices ranging from $8-$12. They also had noodles and more.
Sanmiwago has the best pork dumplings! Left me so full for $8. My husband got the wonton soup from Mott eatery and ate every bit. Great place to escape the cold and sit down and eat during the holidays.
This is my second time visiting Bei Fang Famous Foods! So happy the chef and cashier lady remember me! They are quite a wonderful team! Been dreaming of the same Shang Xi style northern Mutton Rice Noodle bowl! This is authentic as it gets! I really thought I was in China while I was eating this delicious bowl today! Also what made the experience even better was my full conversation in mandarin about the restaurant history and the chef journey from Shang Xi China to America and opening shop here in Chinatown! Gotta order on Fantuan next time! My favorite! Don’t miss out a real authentic Chinese meal!