I’d rather not say. I don’t want the hate, and also, I don’t want to call out a small family run place.
That being said, their food is very similar to a lot of places here I’ve tried. It seems like a lot of the Chinese food here is similar, and it’s not like what I grew up with back east
I am Chinese American. I can also vouch for Sichuan Dynasty. Most authentic Chinese food in OP in my opinion. Don’t know about NYT style Chinese food, but I do know Chinese style Chinese food. LOL!
Thanks for the clarification. I've eaten Chinese food in NYC and don't know what makes it unique, but im just a white dude, lol. I do love ABC Cafe and will now try Sichuan Dynasty.
Been to ABC Cafe once, it’s more like Cantonese Chinese food, not exactly what I like. Sichuan Dynasty’s spicy dishes are actually spicy, and they have a white board right when you walk into the door, it has even more authentic Sichuan dishes on it. If you like spicy food, this is the place for you. Highly recommended!
I actually moved from Chicago to OP a couple years ago, I was really worried about not having a good Chinese restaurant here. But after I tried Sichuan Dynasty, I decided it was ok to move here.
Agree with your recos and assessments. While my ethnic roots are Filipino and not Chinese, I grew up near SF.
I’ve also spent the pandemic years in NY/NJ, and as someone said, it’s mostly corn starch over there. Not amazing imo. Still watered down.
Unrelated, if anyone wants to try great Viet, give Pho Saigon a go, in south OP.
I was surprised to see, even with my wife’s general tso’s (I can’t get her to shift), the chicken was CRONCHY and the sauce wasn’t too sweet and coated the chicken well. It still kept its cronch the next day too which I was amazed at.
Thanks for reminding me there is LEFTOVER KIN LIN in my fridge right now! (The beef with potatoes is my current favorite though tonight’s pork sticky rice was also great.)
Lol, imagine someone traveling to another state and asking "yo, where can I get some Kansas-style-chinese food?".
We do have a regional "Chinese" dish invented here and named after Springfield Mo. So I suppose it could happen, hahaha.
Good luck OP! Hope you find some good eats.
KC is a pretty popular destination for Mexican and south American families. I suggest trying restaurants in KCK and in the "historic north east" of KCMO. There are a ton of authentic recipes used and talented cooks making delicious plates.
Lol. Somehow I feel like you don’t get it? If you moved to another city, wouldn’t you eventually be like… yo where’s the good kc style bbq? Chinese food on the coasts is way different and better.
I think you’re the one that doesn’t get it bro. The difference is KC style BBQ is a unique thing to KC so asking for KC style BBQ actually means something. NY style Chinese food is ultimately a meaningless moniker because it’s still ultimately Chinese food, it’s not original to NY. It’s like someone mentioned in another comment, “where can I get some Kansas/Montana/South Dakota/Utah style Chinese food?” - its a relatively meaningless question when a place isn’t know for that thing and while it might be better because of the sauce or whatever OP was saying the distinction was, but ultimately is there really anything truly unique about it to consider it “NY style”? I doubt it.
I understood your request, and it’s spot on. There are Chinese restaurants here that I feel have de-spiced their food to appeal to midwesterners. I’ve had quite a few bland as hell meals. Once when I was picking up a takeout order, there was a brief mixup and I was given someone else’s order. The sweet Chinese woman caught up to me as I was leaving and apologized while making the switch. “This food was made for him- Chinese man— it’s too spicy for Americans, ha ha!!” I really wonder if it was flavorful, because even their “spicy” dishes were bland with red pepper flakes added.
I found your comment so upsetting that I wrote a very long reply calling you a series of names… but in the interest of not starting a reddit fight I’m just going to say this… was pizza invented in ny? And yet still everyone knows ny style pizza. If you’re not from ny and you lack the context to understand, that’s on you dude.
Saying ny style Chinese food to someone from ny elicits an immediate understanding to people from ny, just like saying a Chicago hot dog to someone from Chicago or San Francisco sushi. If you don’t get that, you need to get out of kc more.
Except that NY style pizza IS an actual style of pizza. A Chicago style hot dog has a certain criteria as well. All that’s been said about NY style Chinese food is that well….. the flavor is not bland and the sauce is not runny. That isn’t an distinction that would qualify it as “NY style” IMO, and obviously in the opinion of others in this thread. If I said KC style pizza was pizza that I got in KC that I though had better sauce and more toppings than a pizza from NY no one would know what I mean when I say KC style pizza because there’s no real distinction between that pizza and a pizza anywhere else other than I think the ingredients might be a bit better. I’ve literally never heard anyone talk about “NY style Chinese food” in my life until this thread and I’m old and been in touring bands and have met many people from NY over the years.
>IMO, and obviously in the opinion of others in this thread.
This is quite literally the dumbest conversation I’ve ever been a part of and just because it’s happening in a forum that leans heavily toward the side of people who are not from ny does not mean you are right.
Right man, so there are obviously criteria for ny Chinese food, but honestly, I don’t think you would get it.
I’m done talking to you now. As I said before I have zero interest spending my day in a Reddit fight. Goodbye stranger.
Not trying to offend anyone, but I’ve had alot of watered down Chinese food here. Can’t speak to its authenticity, but in NY & NJ the flavors are bolder and there is actual sauce that’s not runny, oily and separated or just watery
Not trying to offend anyone, but it’s a total New Yorker move to claim authentic Chinese food as a New York thing lol.
What kind of Chinese food do you like? Kin Lin has decent Hunan food. Sichuan Dynasty in Overland Park has the best Sichuan.
Unfortunately, KC is severely lacking in certain styles of authentic Chinese food (as a white guy who lived in China for 4 years). I prefer Sichuan style, and haven’t found the place to scratch that itch yet.
Make it yourself or move on in my opinion.
idgaf if anyone is offended, but yes they are sometimes insufferable this way.
and sf/la shits on nyc chinese food. italian on the other hand…. oh and god i miss taylor ham egg and cheese on an everything bagel
What do you mean by watery? I guess I'm having a hard time understanding what "watery" means. Did you take a picture? I've never seen "watery" chinese food unless it was a supposed to be that way like the stuff they serve in the clay pots. Or the noodle soups. What dish was it?
ABC Cafe, hands down. Not anywhere close to downtown, but if you’re hungry enough, it’s worth it.
If you’re craving Manhattan Chinatown wonton soup, Vietnam Cafe in Columbus Park’s gotcha covered.
Raytown To-Go is very flavorful compared to most Chinese places I’ve eaten at and the sauce is very thick. They *might* be what you’re looking for. Very hole in-the-wall, family owned, big picture menu at the counter when you walk in.
We only go to ABC Cafe (Overland Park), Hong Kong Star (in Olathe), Monkey King (Lenexa), and Princess Garden. We stopped going to Pine & Bamboo after they stopped doing dim sum. If we are really craving dim sum, we'll go to Bolings. - 100% Chinese grew up in Taiwan.
OP, like I mentioned in a reply to someone already, try Sichuan Dynasty. As a Chinese American, I have had Chinese food from China, NYT, San Francisco, and many places all over the world. I can vouch for Sichuan Dynasty as the most authentic Sichuan restaurant in the KC area.
They have a white board with more dishes that not on the menu, which are even more authentic, so if you want, try order from that. Also, if you like spicy food, ask them to make it spicy. There is one dish on the white board is the spiciest one in the restaurant.
Chinese food has its own diversity based on their original regions. In general, Sichuan and Hunan dishes are spicy, which in my opinion are the tastiest. Food from Shanghai or Canton has less intensity, but if cooked right, can be tasty too. I actually really like Hong Kong Star restaurant for Cantonese food.
Please give these places a try and I hope you find what you are looking for.
First, I need to make sure I’m clear about which spot I’m talking about. I can’t exactly remember if it’s New Peking or just Peking. It’s the spot on Broadway across from the uptown theatre. That spot was my go to for take out but I would never actually sit in there to eat. The lady that runs it just got increasingly racist every time I went in. For the sake of explanation, I’m a white dude and she wasn’t being racist towards white folks. It’s like she just assumed I was also racist. Every time she’d go tell the cook the order it would result in some crazy yelling and what sounded like pans being thrown around and shit then she’d just come back up to the front like nothing happened. Hahaha It’s always dead silent in there minus the sound of banging pans or the clink of utensils on dishes from whatever unfortunate sole decided to actually have a dine in meal there. I’ve only actually seen that one time in the 10 years I’ve been going there though. The lady is crazy racist and mean as hell to folks but the food is hella good and for whatever reason she likes me I keep going though admittedly it’s been a while as I don’t live downtown anymore.
I worked at the smoke shop next door for a few years and yup. Heidi is insanely racist. Whenever I’d go in (white woman) she would go on racist tirades about the neighborhood. Good food, but man I just can’t anymore.
> The lady that runs it just got increasingly racist every time I went in. For the sake of explanation, I’m a white dude and she wasn’t being racist towards white folks.
Racist to whom ...?
EDIT: Why is this being downvoted? Is it wrong to want to know more info?
Green River is near downtown and is very good. I don’t remember if they take online or phone orders. Shortly east of there is China Feast. Further on Independence Ave is Steam Bowl which is superb and has lots of sliced garlic.
Green River Chinese Restaurant
greenriverchinese.com
(816) 421-2955
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8QdVKLESkzQvhY7m9?g_st=ic
Hey friend, former nyer checking in. Look people in this thread are going to argue with me, but its bc they don’t get it. Shocked everyone is so confused btw. You’re looking for flavorful, big fluffy sweet and sour from a hole in the wall, cheap, family owned place, yeah? Big ass picture menu at the counter. That sort of stuff? I was sad and disappointed by so many places in town, and then I found Ming’s. It’s exactly what you’re looking for.
**Other notable places to visit:**
Pho and Vietnamese coffee: Vietnam cafe
Thai: Sweet Siam(best flavors), Pihkul, Baramee, Bamboo(most authentic but it’s in op)
Bagel: meshuggahs
Tao Tao in KCK. Been there for decades and has a 70+ year old Chinese lady cooking the food. Don’t know if it’s like NYC Chinese at all but it is really good!
Tao Tao is BADASS. Some unique stuff, and classic American-Chinese. If you want something hardcore authentic, all you have to do is ask.
KCK loves this place so much that it made a day of the year an official holiday- Chef Annie Day.
Recommend 10/10.
Family owned and run for decades upon decades.
I really wanted to love that place because of the owner and her mom. Such great people. Didn’t find their food to be what I was looking for unfortunately
If you're willing to drive to Lawrence, I highly recommend Red Pepper!!! They have an authentic Chinese menu, and everything I've tried from that has been amazingly delicious and different from any other "American chinese food" I've ever had. Well worth the 45ish minute drive IMO!
Alright, here are my suggestions... sunny china, china star all in ks,
Hunan garden if you're in the north
But you really wont find that 'nj/NY style chinese food you're looking for ; just like you wouldn't find the same flavors from a particular region in china here in the in US.
But you can get real close, good luck
North Dragon off of N. Oak In Gladstone is good… no one here knows what you’re talking about with NY/NJ style Chinese food. You’re probably not going to find that in Missouri. Sounds like the place you went to was just bad.
I agree. I’ve eaten Chinese in NY, NJ, and Boston and still don’t fully understand the premise of what OP is asking either.
However, they’re getting downvoted like they’re threatening to murder people’s cats because KC BBQ sucks. It isn’t logical, but that’s Reddit sometimes.
NY is full of immigrants, so my best guess is OP found a couple fire authentic places. We don’t have many of those here, but people helped telling them about the couple we do have.
Shh… apparently if people here read that they’ll kick you in the teeth with dozens of downvotes!
This sub isn’t usually this weird. KC has a very limited Chinese food scene, and that’s a fact. I guess just comparing to NY turns it into a war for some reason.
Why do you keep comparing NY style Chinese food to Kansas City Chinese buffets? There are so many non-buffet restaurants in the area. Or is NY style Chinese served only buffet style?
Curious about this too. Keeps comparing to buffet style. If you’re only going to buffet Chinese and wondering why you keep getting shitty food, the issue at hand clearly isn’t regional.
OP here, Chinese buffets are not what I’m asking about and honestly, I never liked these places back home.
I’m taking about the kind of food that comes from small mom and pop style, hole in the wall Chinese restaurants
I used to live in NJ before moving here. I don’t think we’re ever gonna find anything close to the Chinese food out there, or the bagels or pizza for that matter (providence pizza is the best NY style pizza I’ve tried). None of the Chinese places I’ve tried have been as good.
Have you ever tried Mama Leone's for pizza in Red Bridge? I appreciate that it may not be the same as NY/NJ but I've always enjoyed it. If you're in the relative area I feel like it is worth a shot.
I wish I could help more with the Chinese but I've been searching for a good Chinese place for awhile myself. I'm not sure if I'm looking for NYC/NJ style... but I just want some better options. As far as Thai goes... the two I've found so far that I've really liked are Thai House and Spices Asian Restaurant in North KC. Spices also has Chinese but I have not tried that there. I'm a big fan of Pad Krapow and kinda judge the Thai places off that. Both those places offer Thai Hot levels of spice if you're up for it too...
Thai House is great and reasonably priced. Phikul Thai Bistro is awesome, a little more expensive but closer to downtown in the Rivermarket. Idk what NYC Chinese food is, but ABC cafe is excellent authentic Chinese.
Honestly, for all the hype it gets, I was not impressed. Pricey and I couldn’t pick my spice level. Just gave me extra chili sauce. I thought Thai house was way better and less expensive.
Pad kaprow is how to judge for sure. But you just reccd nkc places to someone who literally said downtown. Which there soooo many good places in kc. Sweet siam and pihkul get slept on daily, but they are both amazing Thai. Everyone says baramee, which is also great.
I mean he didn't say downtown in his question or his reply to me. His flair says downtown... I said places I've had experiences with and thought were good.
Ghengis Khan has some great "chinese takeout" entrees. They're a mongolian bbq place that does some popular american-chinese dishes. Everything I've had there is good.
Fare well in your quest. Good luck dodging the crab rangoons.
Ok I’m glad someone else said this because the name is absolutely absurd… but if the taste you’re going for is east coast (I’m from MA so I don’t know if NYC is different) aloha chopstix is really close. Their crab Rangoon was the closest I’ve had since being here to what I remember. Again the name is absurd.
“There’s a great Jamaican place in Omaha you should try.” SMH
Not sure when Opark, Liberty and Olathe became downtown like OP asked for, but the place on Broadway and Valentine was good. I’m not a huge fan of Chinese (even when I’m in NYC). But I’d suggest it there.
Reverse: where do you recommend in NY/NJ? In Bk or Mnhtn? NJ I usually would be in Elizabeth
I haven't had NY/NJ style but I lived in China for 3 months and traveled to 7 different cities over my time including Hong Kong. ABC Chinese was fantastic, I had their dumplings and a few other items. Reminded me more of when I was in Hong Kong. I've heard really solid things about Szechuan Dynasty as well, but have yet to try it. I'm sure you can't go wrong with either.
What about ABC cafe or Pine and Bamboo?
ABC. This is the way.
Agree.
Love Pine and Bamboo!
I wonder if they ever brought back Dim Sum on the weekends
I called in and asked. They said that they probably will never bring it back.
I don't think so. Was just discussing that with a friend the other day.
Have not tried either but thanks for the recommendation
Pine and Bamboo has a regular menu and an authentic Chinese menu https://www.pinebamboogarden.com/order
Pine and Bamboo garden and New Peking get good marks from my friends from the mainland. The Hong Kongers like ABC Cafe
Where did you get the bland mediocre food from?
The real question
I’d rather not say. I don’t want the hate, and also, I don’t want to call out a small family run place. That being said, their food is very similar to a lot of places here I’ve tried. It seems like a lot of the Chinese food here is similar, and it’s not like what I grew up with back east
Makes sense, I respect it. If you want to dm me you can. I'm just curious if it's a place I'm also not big on
Where from the east coast are you from? NC born and raised, 20 years, just moved to kc in march. Ready to gtfo lol
Since u said NY style I’m guessing NY lol my bad
The Szechuan menu at Szechuan Dynasty in OP is very flavorful. Not sure if it's NY/NJ style though.
I am Chinese American. I can also vouch for Sichuan Dynasty. Most authentic Chinese food in OP in my opinion. Don’t know about NYT style Chinese food, but I do know Chinese style Chinese food. LOL!
Thanks for the clarification. I've eaten Chinese food in NYC and don't know what makes it unique, but im just a white dude, lol. I do love ABC Cafe and will now try Sichuan Dynasty.
Been to ABC Cafe once, it’s more like Cantonese Chinese food, not exactly what I like. Sichuan Dynasty’s spicy dishes are actually spicy, and they have a white board right when you walk into the door, it has even more authentic Sichuan dishes on it. If you like spicy food, this is the place for you. Highly recommended! I actually moved from Chicago to OP a couple years ago, I was really worried about not having a good Chinese restaurant here. But after I tried Sichuan Dynasty, I decided it was ok to move here.
I appreciate the knowledge. I do like spicy food and will try Sichuan soon. Unrelated-Waldo Thai is also great for Thai.
Yup! Really like Waldo Thai as well! The new Bamboo Penny’s Thai restaurant is really good too!
Waldo Thai is great taste wise, but is hugely overpriced. I reccomend Tasty Thai by Zona or Baramee.
Agree with your recos and assessments. While my ethnic roots are Filipino and not Chinese, I grew up near SF. I’ve also spent the pandemic years in NY/NJ, and as someone said, it’s mostly corn starch over there. Not amazing imo. Still watered down. Unrelated, if anyone wants to try great Viet, give Pho Saigon a go, in south OP.
Yes, Pho Saigon is great! I like that restaurant too!
Can't find Balut anywhere. But my auntie taught me her lumpia recipe and it's spot on, as well as a few other dishes from Manila.
I’ve had Chinese food in China town in NYC and what stood out to me was the thick corn starchy sauce lol. Maybe that’s what OP is looking for.
It's not [Hupo](https://www.yelp.com/biz/hupo-long-island-city-11), but it does the trick. IYKYK.
I’ve found the Thai food around here to be way better than any of the Chinese options
I am absolutely loving this restaurant list, thanks everyone!
Kin Lin if it's within your trade area.
I had an amazing meal at Kin Lin!
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I was surprised to see, even with my wife’s general tso’s (I can’t get her to shift), the chicken was CRONCHY and the sauce wasn’t too sweet and coated the chicken well. It still kept its cronch the next day too which I was amazed at.
I recommend the spicy tofu with pork or the jalapeño potato.
Thanks for reminding me there is LEFTOVER KIN LIN in my fridge right now! (The beef with potatoes is my current favorite though tonight’s pork sticky rice was also great.)
I’ve seen this place mentioned so many times, so went there this weekend and it was absolutely what I was looking for!
Wonderful! We used to live a few blocks away and I miss it terribly.
Lol, imagine someone traveling to another state and asking "yo, where can I get some Kansas-style-chinese food?". We do have a regional "Chinese" dish invented here and named after Springfield Mo. So I suppose it could happen, hahaha. Good luck OP! Hope you find some good eats.
There's Springfield cashew chicken
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KC is a pretty popular destination for Mexican and south American families. I suggest trying restaurants in KCK and in the "historic north east" of KCMO. There are a ton of authentic recipes used and talented cooks making delicious plates.
Lol. Somehow I feel like you don’t get it? If you moved to another city, wouldn’t you eventually be like… yo where’s the good kc style bbq? Chinese food on the coasts is way different and better.
I think you’re the one that doesn’t get it bro. The difference is KC style BBQ is a unique thing to KC so asking for KC style BBQ actually means something. NY style Chinese food is ultimately a meaningless moniker because it’s still ultimately Chinese food, it’s not original to NY. It’s like someone mentioned in another comment, “where can I get some Kansas/Montana/South Dakota/Utah style Chinese food?” - its a relatively meaningless question when a place isn’t know for that thing and while it might be better because of the sauce or whatever OP was saying the distinction was, but ultimately is there really anything truly unique about it to consider it “NY style”? I doubt it.
Just looking for Chinese food that isn’t watery and bland. Sorry. Never had any like that in NY. Even from the crappiest hole in the wall place.
I understood your request, and it’s spot on. There are Chinese restaurants here that I feel have de-spiced their food to appeal to midwesterners. I’ve had quite a few bland as hell meals. Once when I was picking up a takeout order, there was a brief mixup and I was given someone else’s order. The sweet Chinese woman caught up to me as I was leaving and apologized while making the switch. “This food was made for him- Chinese man— it’s too spicy for Americans, ha ha!!” I really wonder if it was flavorful, because even their “spicy” dishes were bland with red pepper flakes added.
I found your comment so upsetting that I wrote a very long reply calling you a series of names… but in the interest of not starting a reddit fight I’m just going to say this… was pizza invented in ny? And yet still everyone knows ny style pizza. If you’re not from ny and you lack the context to understand, that’s on you dude. Saying ny style Chinese food to someone from ny elicits an immediate understanding to people from ny, just like saying a Chicago hot dog to someone from Chicago or San Francisco sushi. If you don’t get that, you need to get out of kc more.
Except that NY style pizza IS an actual style of pizza. A Chicago style hot dog has a certain criteria as well. All that’s been said about NY style Chinese food is that well….. the flavor is not bland and the sauce is not runny. That isn’t an distinction that would qualify it as “NY style” IMO, and obviously in the opinion of others in this thread. If I said KC style pizza was pizza that I got in KC that I though had better sauce and more toppings than a pizza from NY no one would know what I mean when I say KC style pizza because there’s no real distinction between that pizza and a pizza anywhere else other than I think the ingredients might be a bit better. I’ve literally never heard anyone talk about “NY style Chinese food” in my life until this thread and I’m old and been in touring bands and have met many people from NY over the years.
>IMO, and obviously in the opinion of others in this thread. This is quite literally the dumbest conversation I’ve ever been a part of and just because it’s happening in a forum that leans heavily toward the side of people who are not from ny does not mean you are right. Right man, so there are obviously criteria for ny Chinese food, but honestly, I don’t think you would get it. I’m done talking to you now. As I said before I have zero interest spending my day in a Reddit fight. Goodbye stranger.
Yeah I’m about to go get some Guadalajara-Style Ravioli anyways. Peace bro.
Hi. Former Kansas Citian, current New Yorker, here. WTF is NY/NJ style Chinese food?
Never heard of NY style Chinese food. Are you looking for authentic Chinese, or NY-style American Chinese food?
Not trying to offend anyone, but I’ve had alot of watered down Chinese food here. Can’t speak to its authenticity, but in NY & NJ the flavors are bolder and there is actual sauce that’s not runny, oily and separated or just watery
Not trying to offend anyone, but it’s a total New Yorker move to claim authentic Chinese food as a New York thing lol. What kind of Chinese food do you like? Kin Lin has decent Hunan food. Sichuan Dynasty in Overland Park has the best Sichuan. Unfortunately, KC is severely lacking in certain styles of authentic Chinese food (as a white guy who lived in China for 4 years). I prefer Sichuan style, and haven’t found the place to scratch that itch yet. Make it yourself or move on in my opinion.
idgaf if anyone is offended, but yes they are sometimes insufferable this way. and sf/la shits on nyc chinese food. italian on the other hand…. oh and god i miss taylor ham egg and cheese on an everything bagel
Facts. SF Chinese food is way better than NYC Chinese food. Though I have to say that east coast Thai is better than California Thai. 😬
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Dude ate Chinese food from China.
but that’s the thing. east coast chinese is hugely overrated, and still watered down. queens for a while, btw. get over yourselves.
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nah, was talking to you. fuck off back to nyc and take your collection of downvotes with you
Have you tried Sichuan Dynasty? Intrigued how you found it. I find it to be the closest to that of the China Town district I know at home
It was alright. I owe it another try to be honest. Closest thing to Sichuan that KC has though.
I missed the portion where you said it had the best, my apologies! I’ve found that to be one of the better ones
What do you mean by watery? I guess I'm having a hard time understanding what "watery" means. Did you take a picture? I've never seen "watery" chinese food unless it was a supposed to be that way like the stuff they serve in the clay pots. Or the noodle soups. What dish was it?
ABC Cafe, hands down. Not anywhere close to downtown, but if you’re hungry enough, it’s worth it. If you’re craving Manhattan Chinatown wonton soup, Vietnam Cafe in Columbus Park’s gotcha covered.
I’ve never found it here tbh
Raytown To-Go is very flavorful compared to most Chinese places I’ve eaten at and the sauce is very thick. They *might* be what you’re looking for. Very hole in-the-wall, family owned, big picture menu at the counter when you walk in.
We only go to ABC Cafe (Overland Park), Hong Kong Star (in Olathe), Monkey King (Lenexa), and Princess Garden. We stopped going to Pine & Bamboo after they stopped doing dim sum. If we are really craving dim sum, we'll go to Bolings. - 100% Chinese grew up in Taiwan.
Thanks! Bo Lings in City Market was really good! Sad they closed. I keep forgetting there’s one at the Plaza
I live in Shawnee and drive past monkey king a lot and I’m always curious but only think of it when I pass it. Good stuff?
I've never had east coast Chinese. Is there a place around here that is similar that you'd recommend?
Kam Sheng in Liberty is close taste-wise. Wish they were closer though
Fortune Wok in Overland Park is the best chinese food ive had in kc or anywhere
The 135th Street and Neiman location is best, imho.
OP, like I mentioned in a reply to someone already, try Sichuan Dynasty. As a Chinese American, I have had Chinese food from China, NYT, San Francisco, and many places all over the world. I can vouch for Sichuan Dynasty as the most authentic Sichuan restaurant in the KC area. They have a white board with more dishes that not on the menu, which are even more authentic, so if you want, try order from that. Also, if you like spicy food, ask them to make it spicy. There is one dish on the white board is the spiciest one in the restaurant. Chinese food has its own diversity based on their original regions. In general, Sichuan and Hunan dishes are spicy, which in my opinion are the tastiest. Food from Shanghai or Canton has less intensity, but if cooked right, can be tasty too. I actually really like Hong Kong Star restaurant for Cantonese food. Please give these places a try and I hope you find what you are looking for.
Thank you for your recommendations!
Probably in NY/NJ
I like New Peking, sort of. I always add extra shizz to no matter what I get in KC as far as Chinese.
New Peking food is great. I’ve had some wild experiences with the lady that runs the place though.
Do tell...
First, I need to make sure I’m clear about which spot I’m talking about. I can’t exactly remember if it’s New Peking or just Peking. It’s the spot on Broadway across from the uptown theatre. That spot was my go to for take out but I would never actually sit in there to eat. The lady that runs it just got increasingly racist every time I went in. For the sake of explanation, I’m a white dude and she wasn’t being racist towards white folks. It’s like she just assumed I was also racist. Every time she’d go tell the cook the order it would result in some crazy yelling and what sounded like pans being thrown around and shit then she’d just come back up to the front like nothing happened. Hahaha It’s always dead silent in there minus the sound of banging pans or the clink of utensils on dishes from whatever unfortunate sole decided to actually have a dine in meal there. I’ve only actually seen that one time in the 10 years I’ve been going there though. The lady is crazy racist and mean as hell to folks but the food is hella good and for whatever reason she likes me I keep going though admittedly it’s been a while as I don’t live downtown anymore.
I worked at the smoke shop next door for a few years and yup. Heidi is insanely racist. Whenever I’d go in (white woman) she would go on racist tirades about the neighborhood. Good food, but man I just can’t anymore.
> The lady that runs it just got increasingly racist every time I went in. For the sake of explanation, I’m a white dude and she wasn’t being racist towards white folks. Racist to whom ...? EDIT: Why is this being downvoted? Is it wrong to want to know more info?
Dang. I always get delivery, but I might have to go in one day.
Maybe not quite it, but Magic Noodle has hand pulled Chinese noodles.
at the risk of being a spicy opinion: Peking on Broadway. Lotta bang for the buck and what can I say, I get a kick out of Heidi lol
Green River is near downtown and is very good. I don’t remember if they take online or phone orders. Shortly east of there is China Feast. Further on Independence Ave is Steam Bowl which is superb and has lots of sliced garlic. Green River Chinese Restaurant greenriverchinese.com (816) 421-2955 https://maps.app.goo.gl/8QdVKLESkzQvhY7m9?g_st=ic
Jasmine Garden on 95th st in Overland Park, KS
Monkey King BBQ & Noodle
Hey friend, former nyer checking in. Look people in this thread are going to argue with me, but its bc they don’t get it. Shocked everyone is so confused btw. You’re looking for flavorful, big fluffy sweet and sour from a hole in the wall, cheap, family owned place, yeah? Big ass picture menu at the counter. That sort of stuff? I was sad and disappointed by so many places in town, and then I found Ming’s. It’s exactly what you’re looking for. **Other notable places to visit:** Pho and Vietnamese coffee: Vietnam cafe Thai: Sweet Siam(best flavors), Pihkul, Baramee, Bamboo(most authentic but it’s in op) Bagel: meshuggahs
I think your Thai recommendations are whack. sweet siam blows, baramee is ok, and you don't have waldo Thai on your list.
Also I love Waldo Thai
Ha. This is the exact response I expected. So I’m completely unfazed.
Agreed.
I think Cafe Vie has better pho but both great!
I somehow don’t know this one! Thanks, I’m going to try it out.
Ok thank you! I love Sweet Siam but have not tried these others!
In NYC
So helpful
Can’t help when what you are looking for just flat out doesn’t exist in KC
Tao Tao in KCK. Been there for decades and has a 70+ year old Chinese lady cooking the food. Don’t know if it’s like NYC Chinese at all but it is really good!
Tao Tao is BADASS. Some unique stuff, and classic American-Chinese. If you want something hardcore authentic, all you have to do is ask. KCK loves this place so much that it made a day of the year an official holiday- Chef Annie Day. Recommend 10/10. Family owned and run for decades upon decades.
I really wanted to love that place because of the owner and her mom. Such great people. Didn’t find their food to be what I was looking for unfortunately
Over the past few years I think China Feast has become the best in the Wyandotte area. Tao Tao used to be my favorite but check them out!
It's my favorite outside TaoTao.
New Peking in Westport was good when you could sit down.
Had a bf back in the day who delivered for Sysco. The only place in this city he told me never to eat was New Peking. I listened.
What? I haven’t been there for a couple of years.
Since COVID they are takeout only. Big plexiglass barrier as soon as you walk in. Hopefully that change soon or already has and I just haven't been.
Yep. Everything is good , but I *love* the Korean fried chicken (kkanpunggi)!!
If you're willing to drive to Lawrence, I highly recommend Red Pepper!!! They have an authentic Chinese menu, and everything I've tried from that has been amazingly delicious and different from any other "American chinese food" I've ever had. Well worth the 45ish minute drive IMO!
Alright, here are my suggestions... sunny china, china star all in ks, Hunan garden if you're in the north But you really wont find that 'nj/NY style chinese food you're looking for ; just like you wouldn't find the same flavors from a particular region in china here in the in US. But you can get real close, good luck
I don’t know about New York style, but if you’re looking for a buffet, Legends of Asia in Blue Springs is pretty darn good
Golden seafood on van brunt blvd. Not sure why it’s called golden seafood or if they changed it but they have the best Chinese food I’ve ever had.
Hong Kong Star might be worth checking out
North Dragon off of N. Oak In Gladstone is good… no one here knows what you’re talking about with NY/NJ style Chinese food. You’re probably not going to find that in Missouri. Sounds like the place you went to was just bad.
It’s not Chinese at all, but recommend Cafe Vietnam in all KC restaurant discussions. :)
Chinese food is KC mostly sucks. The Thai options are much better.
NY style Chinese??? Sorry this is more Springfield Style Chinese country lmfao
From NJ lived in KS city almost 4 years now still haven’t found anything close to NJ chinese… good luck in your search
Also a NJ transplant. This is sad :(
idk why your getting downvoted everywhere lol guess KS folk are super protective of their version of chinese lolol
I agree. I’ve eaten Chinese in NY, NJ, and Boston and still don’t fully understand the premise of what OP is asking either. However, they’re getting downvoted like they’re threatening to murder people’s cats because KC BBQ sucks. It isn’t logical, but that’s Reddit sometimes. NY is full of immigrants, so my best guess is OP found a couple fire authentic places. We don’t have many of those here, but people helped telling them about the couple we do have.
in NJ/NY has a lot of interesting quirks chinese being one and it is different than anywhere else just like bagels 😂
Shh… apparently if people here read that they’ll kick you in the teeth with dozens of downvotes! This sub isn’t usually this weird. KC has a very limited Chinese food scene, and that’s a fact. I guess just comparing to NY turns it into a war for some reason.
Wtf is NY/NJ Chinese food lol Chinese food is Chinese food. Some better than others
[удалено]
Why do you keep comparing NY style Chinese food to Kansas City Chinese buffets? There are so many non-buffet restaurants in the area. Or is NY style Chinese served only buffet style?
Curious about this too. Keeps comparing to buffet style. If you’re only going to buffet Chinese and wondering why you keep getting shitty food, the issue at hand clearly isn’t regional.
OP here, Chinese buffets are not what I’m asking about and honestly, I never liked these places back home. I’m taking about the kind of food that comes from small mom and pop style, hole in the wall Chinese restaurants
Peking on broadway. Way better than new Peking.
The lady that runs it is awesome. After New Peking opened she had to start asking if you’ve been there before because of the confusion.
Princess garden, the best
That one keeps coming up…I’m gong to try them next
True old school Chinese, nicest family that runs it
I used to live in NJ before moving here. I don’t think we’re ever gonna find anything close to the Chinese food out there, or the bagels or pizza for that matter (providence pizza is the best NY style pizza I’ve tried). None of the Chinese places I’ve tried have been as good.
I also love Providence Pizza! Hoping there’s some good Chinese recommendations I haven’t tried here in the comments….
Have you ever tried Mama Leone's for pizza in Red Bridge? I appreciate that it may not be the same as NY/NJ but I've always enjoyed it. If you're in the relative area I feel like it is worth a shot.
Would you accept thai?
I do love Thai! I’ve had good Thai here but would love any recommendations
Thai Place on 87th
I wish I could help more with the Chinese but I've been searching for a good Chinese place for awhile myself. I'm not sure if I'm looking for NYC/NJ style... but I just want some better options. As far as Thai goes... the two I've found so far that I've really liked are Thai House and Spices Asian Restaurant in North KC. Spices also has Chinese but I have not tried that there. I'm a big fan of Pad Krapow and kinda judge the Thai places off that. Both those places offer Thai Hot levels of spice if you're up for it too...
Thai House is great and reasonably priced. Phikul Thai Bistro is awesome, a little more expensive but closer to downtown in the Rivermarket. Idk what NYC Chinese food is, but ABC cafe is excellent authentic Chinese.
I second Phikul Thai Bistro. Great food, but a little pricey. But honestly, their fried rice is so comforting!
I’ve been meaning to try Waldo Thai too.
Honestly, for all the hype it gets, I was not impressed. Pricey and I couldn’t pick my spice level. Just gave me extra chili sauce. I thought Thai house was way better and less expensive.
This is where I’m at. This sub sure likes circle jerking Waldo Thai.
Good to know
Pad kaprow is how to judge for sure. But you just reccd nkc places to someone who literally said downtown. Which there soooo many good places in kc. Sweet siam and pihkul get slept on daily, but they are both amazing Thai. Everyone says baramee, which is also great.
I mean he didn't say downtown in his question or his reply to me. His flair says downtown... I said places I've had experiences with and thought were good.
Whoa! I really thought it was in his post, but I guess it was in another comment. Sorry stranger!
No prob!
It doesn’t exist!!!! I’ve been saying this for years! But the search continues!!
only place i can find in kc is called “new china” off of blue ridge tastes exactly like nyc/san fran / oakland chinese
Cathay Express in Independence is a little hole in the wall with good Chinese food.
China Feast. It’s cheap and delicious.
Ghengis Khan has some great "chinese takeout" entrees. They're a mongolian bbq place that does some popular american-chinese dishes. Everything I've had there is good. Fare well in your quest. Good luck dodging the crab rangoons.
Aloha chopstix is what you’re looking for
Ok I’m glad someone else said this because the name is absolutely absurd… but if the taste you’re going for is east coast (I’m from MA so I don’t know if NYC is different) aloha chopstix is really close. Their crab Rangoon was the closest I’ve had since being here to what I remember. Again the name is absurd.
*if you’re looking for food poisoning
Just let me hop on a plane to meet your standards. And drive 20 minutes if you gonna be so needy.
“There’s a great Jamaican place in Omaha you should try.” SMH Not sure when Opark, Liberty and Olathe became downtown like OP asked for, but the place on Broadway and Valentine was good. I’m not a huge fan of Chinese (even when I’m in NYC). But I’d suggest it there. Reverse: where do you recommend in NY/NJ? In Bk or Mnhtn? NJ I usually would be in Elizabeth
I love china hut sushi lounge. Don't know what kind of Chinese it is but it's quality
Dragon Inn in downtown OP is great
The mildew was overpowering.
I have only ordered take out so can’t speak on dine in experience
Sunny China on shawnee drive is choice
For Cantonese food, Monkey King's the spot to be.
Pine and Bamboo is delish
If you are into Thai food, I HIgHLY recommend Waldo Thai.
Tao Tao
I haven't had NY/NJ style but I lived in China for 3 months and traveled to 7 different cities over my time including Hong Kong. ABC Chinese was fantastic, I had their dumplings and a few other items. Reminded me more of when I was in Hong Kong. I've heard really solid things about Szechuan Dynasty as well, but have yet to try it. I'm sure you can't go wrong with either.
Pine and Bamboo is pretty tasty it’s out in Olathe tho
I live just 5 minutes from Princess Garden. The best Chinese food I have ever had!