New York City is a food lover's paradise. With an endless array of cuisines and flavors to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to eat.
However, if you're a fan of sweet & sour chicken, you're in luck. This classic Chinese-American dish can be found all over the city, from small neighborhood takeout spots to high-end restaurants.
Sweet & sour chicken is a dish that is beloved by many. The combination of crispy fried chicken, tangy sauce, and colorful vegetables is hard to resist.
But not all sweet & sour chicken is created equal. Some versions are too sweet, others too sour, and some just don't have the right balance of flavors.
If you're on the hunt for the best sweet & sour chicken in New York City, you're in for a treat. We've scoured the city to find the top spots serving up this delicious dish. From Manhattan to Brooklyn, we've tried it all, and we're here to share our favorites with you.
Whether you're in the mood for traditional takeout, upscale dining, or something in between, we've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the best sweet & sour chicken in New York City.
1. Wah Fung No.1 Fast Food
Looking for affordable and delicious sweet & sour chicken in New York City's Chinatown area, look no further than Wah Fung No.1 Fast Food.
This cash-only establishment offers street-style Chinese dining with a focus on roasted pork, but their chicken dishes are equally impressive.
The food is consistently delicious and filling, with a good amount of food for the price. The wait can be long during peak hours, but the line moves quickly.
There is no seating inside, but a nearby park offers a great spot to enjoy your meal. For a quick and satisfying meal, Wah Fung No.1 Fast Food is definitely worth a visit.
2. Shanghai 21
Shanghai 21 is a Chinese restaurant that offers a variety of dishes beyond the basics. The restaurant is small, so it's recommended to arrive early.
The sweet and sour chicken is a must-try, along with the shrimp dumplings and pork soup dumplings.
The staff is friendly and provides excellent service. Prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous.
If you're looking for a no-frills environment with authentic Chinese food, Shanghai 21 is definitely worth a visit.
3. Uncle Lou
Uncle Lou is a lively Chinese restaurant that serves up some seriously delicious sweet & sour chicken.
The food is fresh, hot, and cooked to perfection. The menu offers a variety of dishes to choose from, and the staff is friendly and attentive.
The restaurant itself is clean and well-decorated, with plenty of space for dining. While it can get busy, the atmosphere is festive and inviting.
If you're in the mood for some great Chinese food, Uncle Lou is definitely worth checking out.
4. Excellent Dumpling House
If you're looking for great sweet and sour chicken, Excellent Dumpling House is a must-visit.
This Shanghainese restaurant offers a variety of dim sums and classic Chinese entrees in a tranquil atmosphere.
While the hot and sour soup tasted strange, the fried pork dumplings and crab Xiao lung via soup dumplings were fantastic.
The professional service only added to the dining experience. Don't miss out on this dumpling restaurant that's perfect for seafood lovers.
5. Wo Hop Next Door
Wo Hop Next Door is a no-frills Chinese restaurant that serves up delicious dishes, including their sweet and sour chicken with wontons.
Their menu offers a variety of authentic Chinese cuisine, with generous portion sizes and affordable prices.
The service is good and the staff is friendly. The restaurant is cash-only, but it's worth a visit for the tasty food and cozy atmosphere.
6. Deluxe Green Bo
Deluxe Green Bo is a small restaurant that specializes in Shanghai cuisine. They offer a wide variety of dishes, including sweet & sour chicken, pork soup dumplings, scallion pancakes, and more.
The portions are sizable and the prices are fair. The restaurant only accepts cash, so be sure to bring some with you.
The food is delicious and authentic, making it a must-try spot for anyone looking for great Chinese food. The atmosphere is simple and unassuming, but the quality of the food more than makes up for it.
Whether you're looking for a quick takeout meal or a sit-down dinner, Deluxe Green Bo is definitely worth checking out.
7. Cheong Fun Cart
Cheong Fun Cart is a food cart that serves up some of the best sweet & sour chicken in the city. While the menu is all in Chinese, the friendly staff is always happy to help non-Chinese speakers.
The portions are large and the prices are cheap, making it a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.
Be prepared to wait in line, but trust us, it's worth it for the delicious and authentic flavors.
Don't forget to bring cash, as they don't accept credit cards. If you're in the mood for some tasty Chinese food, Cheong Fun Cart is a must-visit spot.
8. Pig Heaven
Pig Heaven is a Chinese restaurant with a focus on pork dishes.
The menu is divided into "pig" and "no pig" sections, and the food is made with high-quality ingredients. The service is attentive and the atmosphere is welcoming.
The sweet & sour chicken is a standout dish, but the restaurant also offers other delicious options like soup dumplings and spare ribs.
Prices are fair for New York City, and the portions are generous. Pig Heaven is a must-visit for anyone looking for quality Chinese food.
9. Silky Kitchen
Silky Kitchen is a Chinese fast food restaurant that serves authentic Hunan cuisine.
The food is flavorful and delicious, especially the sweet and sour chicken. The staff is friendly and the service is quick.
The restaurant is clean and has a nice atmosphere. The prices are reasonable, but the portions could be bigger.
They also offer delivery with nice packaging. The restaurant is a great place to hang out with friends or grab a quick bite to eat.
10. Pinch Chinese
Pinch Chinese is a Chinese restaurant that serves up some of the best sweet and sour chicken around.
The menu is diverse and offers a range of dishes that are sure to please any palate. The atmosphere is lively and the service is top-notch, making for a great dining experience.
The soup dumplings and kung pao tiger prawns are highly recommended, as is the 8 vegetables dish. The cocktails are also noteworthy and pair well with the food.
If you're looking for delicious Chinese cuisine in a fun and welcoming environment, Pinch Chinese is definitely worth a visit.
11. Forever Taste
Looking for a cheap and delicious Chinese takeout spot in the city that won't disappoint your taste buds or your wallet – look no further than Forever Taste.
This unpretentious and modest counter-serve spot offers a variety of Chinese and American eats, but their sweet & sour chicken takes the cake.
The chicken is extra crispy, and the fried rice is anything but generic, making for a perfect meal.
The staff is friendly, and the prices are unbeatable, making this the perfect pit stop for a quick lunch or late-night craving. Don't let the small storefront fool you; Forever Taste is a hidden gem you won't want to miss.
12. Han Dynasty
Han Dynasty is a popular spot for those seeking spicy and authentic Sichuan cuisine.
With a variety of options on the menu, including sweet & sour chicken, this restaurant has something for everyone.
The food is consistently good and reasonably priced, making it a great choice for a casual night out.
The atmosphere is lively and the service is friendly, although the small space can get crowded during peak hours. If you're looking for flavorful Chinese food in a casual setting, give Han Dynasty a try.
13. Hop Lee
Hop Lee is a bustling Cantonese restaurant that serves up delicious sweet & sour chicken.
The food is made to order and is always fresh and well-seasoned. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the service is quick and efficient.
The atmosphere is typical of Chinatown fare, with a busy and lively vibe. The restaurant is a great spot for a casual dinner with friends, and the prices are reasonable.
For anyone in the mood for some authentic Cantonese cuisine, Hop Lee is definitely worth checking out.
14. The Bao
The Bao is a chic Chinese restaurant that serves amazing sweet & sour chicken. The star of the menu, however, is the soup dumplings.
They are epic and definitely worth trying. The wontons and scallion pancake with beef are also highly recommended.
Although the pricing is on the high side, the food is absolutely perfect. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making the dining experience enjoyable.
If you're in the mood for Chinese cuisine, The Bao is a must-visit spot.
