My wife and I will be in NYC next weekend--staying near Union Square. We're looking for some "authentic" Chinese food. While we prefer the spicier regions--Szechuan, Hunan--we're open to all suggestions. Hey New Yawkers--waddayasay?

Authentic? The closest you will get is in Chinatown. But after walking by a few restaurants with whole, dead animals in the windows, you might be turned off a bit. And, as my Asian friends have told me, "Chinese eat everything". So if you want authentic, you may be surprised what shows up on your plate.

Yeah, personally I hate Chinese food, but love Thai, Vietnamese and Korean. If you haven't tried these yet, there'd be no better time than while you are in NYC. They are spicier, more flavorful and less greasy than Chinese food.

I recently stumbled upon an incredible Chinese restaurant in the heart of Chinatown. NEW EASTERN VILLA RESTAURANT, 66 Mott Street. I've been for lunch twice in the past month (including this past Monday) and both times have been the only non-Asian in the very crowded restaurant (besides my guest). That's a strong endorsement of both quality and authenticity in my thinking. The Peking duck is incredible -- $12 for half, $19 for whole portion. The decor leaves MUCH to be desired, but that's to be expected I guess. Great food and much fun! Enjoy NYC

If you like soft-shell crabs and/or shrimp, I don't think you can do better than Famous NY Noodletown on the Bowery in Chinatown.

Big-Wong. Yes, that really IS the name. On Mott Street. Great food, crappy decor (like most of the better Chinatown spots.)

For a more "upscale" experience, Canton on Division Street is good. Pricey, but good.

Shun Lee Palace on E55th is also very good/pricey.

Shun Lee Palace on East 55th St. is indeed the best...expensive, yes...but the best! Great food, great service.

For Szechuan, try Big Szechuan in Chinatown (on Canal Street between Bowery and Chrystie, at the foot of Manhattan Bridge. reasonably priced. There is a good Szechuan restaurant on Lexington and 86? Street. There is another good one in the 50's.(both are more pricey).

From Union Square, take the M103 bus on 3rd Ave south to HSBC Bank on the corner of Canal and Bowery. You are in Chinatown. Walk up one block. You are in Big Szechuan. The bus ride should take 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Enjoy!

why not hang u in the window. open your mind.

I like Wong Kee at 113 Mott St, at Hester, and also Funky Broome.

And yes, for a fancy Chinese dinner, Shun Lee Palace can't be beat, you ca imagine yourself to be in a Hong Kong movie.

Although I love going to Chinatown. A chinese friend of the family took me to Grand Sichuan International in Chelsea on 9th Avenue/24th Street. The Sichuan food is delicious and hot! It doesn't have much in the way of ambiance, but it gets very crowded, especially on Sunday nights! They have also opened up another restaurant in the 50's, but I've never been.

FWIW:

In Manhattan, AUTHENTIC Chinese food, regardless of the style, can ONLY be had in Chinatown. Restuarants outsde of Chinatown have their dishes altered to suit caucasian tastes. A good indicator of whether a Chinese rstaurant is authentic is how they make their fried rice. Authentic Chinese fried rice NEVER, I repeat NEVER contains soy sauce to make it that brown color. It is always white. also, authentic chinese restaurants NEVER have both 'egg rolls' and 'spring rolls' on the menu. What most people consider 'egg rolls' are made for caucasians. 'Spring Rolls'is the actual translation of the chinese words for that food item; there is no such thing as egg roll in chinese. (Actually, that's not entirely true, an 'egg roll' in the true chinese sense is a flakey, rolled biscut/cookie)