Write More Than Reviews

It’s now easier than ever to share your unique travel experiences, too.

New York

My favorite ethnic restaurants

by jim

A travel journal

Last Updated: September 7, 2001

Journal Usefulness Rating 4 out of 5
Journal Usefulness Rating
8
Reviews

I really love the restaurants in New York City, particularly the range of choices. If you are looking for Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Thai or Ethiopian check out the following journal entries.

My favorite ethnic restaurants:

Chinese
Joe's Shanghai
Grand Sichuan
Shanghai Cuisine

Thai
Rain
Kin Khao
Pongsri

Japanese
Nobu

Ethiopian
Ghenet

Korean
Natural Tofu
Han-Bat

Quick Tips:

Try the lunch specials. You can sample some great food for a fraction of the price.

Don't be afraid to go into Chinatown and Koreatown for the best restaurants. Consider the immersion part of the experience.

Best Way To Get Around:

Rain

Restaurant

If you don't mind spending a little more for your Southeastern Asian food for the sake of atmosphere, then you will like Rain. The atmosphere is very nice and it is a good place to impress a date. I would never order takeout from here because the food isn't any better than cheaper alternatives, but I do enjoy the dining experience. The bar area provides a nice place to hang out before dinner and the service is pretty good.

The food itself is quite nice, particularly if you don't eat Asian food all the time. You can get a nice combination of Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian. It is not the best you will find, but is always solid.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by jim on April 13, 2001

Rain
100 West 82nd St New York, New York 10024
+1 212 501 0776

Ghenet

Restaurant

If you have ever been curious about Ethiopian, this is a great restaurant to try. This is some of the best Ethiopian food I have ever had. I sat with the vegetarian portion of our group and was pleasantly surprised that meat was not required to have some really tasty food...although I did manage to taste some of the fish and meat dishes which were great. The injera bread was a treat (once you get past the spongy texture) and the seasoning of the dishes was very interesting.

The atmosphere is pretty uninspiring, but the waitstaff made up for this with their attentiveness. Plus, the food was very reasonably priced and we all left completely satisfied.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by jim on April 13, 2001

Ghenet
284 Mulberry St New York, New York 10012
+1 212 343 1888

Grand Sichuan

Restaurant

If you really want great Chinese food without going to Chinatown and without spending a fortune, go to Grand Sichuan. The atmosphere is nothing worth mentioning, but the food can't be beat. You get authentic Chinese cuisine that will leave you wanting for your next trip here. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian, you will find many excellent choices. In fact, I love meat but always order at least one tofu dish and several vegetable dishes when with a large group. Try a combination of dishes and trust the recommendations of the waitstaff. They have always been right on no matter how discriminating a group I've gone with. Although not the cheapest Chinese restaurant you will find, the value is excellent for the quality of food you get.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by jim on April 13, 2001

Grand Sichuan International Midtown
745 Ninth Ave New York, New York 10019
+1 212 582 2288

Joe's Shanghai

Restaurant

It isn't much to look at, but if you want some great food check out this restaurant. In particular, I really liked the soup dumplings! The dumplings are filled with soup and pork and are very tasty. The other choices were fantastic as well and I go here on a regular basis. It is a little tricky to get to (as are most restaurants in Chinatown) but well worth the trip.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by jim on April 18, 2001

Joe's Shanghai
9 Pell Street New York, New York 10013
(212) 233-8888

Han Bat

Restaurant

After living in Korea for a year, I have a pretty high threshold for how I judge Korean food. Having said that, I really enjoy Han Bat. It is very popular with Koreans (which is a good sign) and all of my favorite dishes have been wonderful. I recommend the Bibimbap or the Beef Kalbi. The atmosphere is relaxed and the decor is tasteful (not fancy but pleasant). I have never had to wait to be seated although it seems to be busier at lunch than dinner. I recommend this restaurant for both first timers looking to try Korean food and for hard-core Korean food fans.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by jim on April 18, 2001

Han Bat
53 West 35th St New York, New York 10001
+1 212 629 5588

Natural Tofu

Restaurant

If you want some really good Korean food at a good price, and don't care as much about the atmosphere, check out Natural Tofu. Don't get me wrong, the decor is tasteful and the service is always solid. But this isn't like a date place. It is better for group. Anyway, I go for the food. The Beef Kalbi is very good as is the Jap Chae and the Bibimbap. Plus, you always get a nice assortment of kimchi with the meal.

The restaurant is a little hard to find because it is on the second floor and the sign outside is easy to miss. This contributes to why I like this place because you feel like you are in the know. But anybody who really likes Korean food will eventually try this restaurant.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by jim on April 18, 2001

Natural Tofu
34 West 32nd Street New York, New York
(212) 736-9002

Woo Lae Oak

Restaurant

I love Korean food and really enjoyed this restaurant...not because it was the best or the most authentic Korean food I have had, but because I enjoyed the whole experience. The restaurant itself has a very cool, sleek interior. It could easily be turned into an art gallery or trendy bar...which is usually not true of most Korean restaurants. Another amusing thing, the waiters all look like they are models (tall, white, good looking and with a little attitude). But most importantly, the food is very good. I had some of my favorites such as Kalbi and really enjoyed the meal. Also, some of the other dishes are creative and not necessarily constrained by authenticity. In fact, this is a good restaurant for someone who is not sure they will like Korean food because of all of the effort put into the atmosphere and packaging of the food. Plan on staying awhile (and waiting awhile to get in) on busy nights. Have a drink and the bar and enjoy the scene.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by jim on September 7, 2001

Woo Lae Oak
148 Mercer Street New York, New York 10012
(212) 925-8200

About the Writer

jim
jim
Charlotte, North Carolina

Travel Deals

$179/nt+: NYC theater disctrict hotel near airport
$179 - Paramount Hotel
One free night: Top luxury hotels across the world
Leading Hotels of the World
$270/nt+: Chic NY hotel w/central Midtown address
$270 - Affinia Manhattan
All New York Travel Deals

Subscribe to IgoUgo Deals Newsletters

Get our handpicked Top 10 Deals every Wednesday.