Chinese New Year begins on Friday, February 16, which means there’s plenty of celebrating to be done. So, what’s our favorite way to ring in the lunar New Year? With an over-the-top family-style feast, of course! Here are our top picks of Chinese food spots and Korean joints in Bergen County guaranteed to send you and your tastebuds over the moon. Make your reservations now, folks!
Offering truly cosmopolitan Cantonese cuisine, this Chinese palace has some of the most adorable dim sum and dumplings around. So when heard they would be serving not one but THREE special New Year’s menus ($588 to $1188, think oysters, shark fin soup and pig; HINT: save up to $200 by paying in cash), we had to know more. All their hits are here, including their seafood stir fry with XO sauce, deep-fried crispy chicken, lobster and shrimp specialties, and, we’re guessing, more than a few surprises.
230 Main St., Fort Lee (201) 592-8338 Reservations recommended
Dim Sum Dynasty
Its loyal customers keep coming back for the countless carts of exquisite dim sum that seem to never stop rolling out of the kitchen, but you’ll also find plenty of other super-affordable Cantonese-style classics here to pique your interest. Book one of their many extra large round tables (trust us, the plates will pile up fast) and let the family feast begin.
T.S. Ma Chinese Cuisine
Haven’t made good on your resolution to eat better starting January 1? Snag a second chance this Chinese New Year at this awesome Asian restaurant in Wyckoff. Following a “Fresh, Healthy & Authentic” philosophy that has made its original Upper Montclair location so successful, you’ll find an extensive menu of mouth-watering Chinese food favorites, all made using the freshest ingredients available (nothing canned here!).
Golden Dynasty
Get your Szechuan on in style at this award-winning, upscale spot specializing in classic Chinese delicacies. But it’s not just the food that has had fans flocking to this family owned and operated restaurant for more than 25 years—it’s also the outstanding service. Their list of tropical-style specialty cocktails certainly doesn’t hurt either.
With 2018 being the Year of the Dog, this Cliffside Park restaurant’s name is right on theme, but it’s their soup dumplings that really get our tails wagging. Quite simply, they’re the best in town! Not big on broth? There’s plenty of other sweet and savory Shanghainese plates to whet your appetite. The dining room might leave something to be desired, but your stomach is sure to leave happy.
607 Gorge Rd, Cliffside Park (201) 313-1666
Mandoo Cafe
Even more dumpling goodness—both Taiwanese and Korean style—awaits at this Tenafly pot-sticker palace. Everything here is handmade fresh daily, from the soups to the specialty sandwiches to Mandoo’s signature Korean Bulgogi on a Chinese flower roll. Be sure to imbibe in one of their refreshing and fruity Boba Teas before you leave (or grab one to go!)
Gayeon
If you haven’t gotten your fill during Chinese New Year, keep the culinary celebration going during Korean New Year (February 19!) at this upscale Korean BBQ spot that was just named one of the 25 Best New Restaurants of 2018 by New Jersey Monthly. While Korean BBQ is arguably the star here (just ask your kids), the sleek and sophisticated dining room is equally impressive, with warm wooden tables and a stunning photo mural hovering over the open kitchen giving off ambiance for days.
(201) 944-2056
