A benchmark version of the Cantonese staple. The wontons are large and plump, filled with a mixture of seasoned ground pork and a whole, snappy shrimp. The wrapper is thin and delicate, and the broth is clear, intensely savory, and seasoned with yellow chives. It is widely cited as the best wonton soup in Chinatown.
Tips from diners
The 'No. 1' means it's the largest size wonton. One bowl is a perfect light lunch or a great starter for a larger meal. The shrimp are remarkably fresh.
The restaurant's absolute signature. The pig is roasted until the skin is shatteringly crisp and the meat is succulent and fatty. It's served with traditional sweet bean sauce and fluffy buns. While a whole pig is a celebration centerpiece, smaller portions are available for everyday dining. Reviewers consistently name it the best suckling pig in Manhattan.
Tips from diners
A whole pig needs to be ordered 24 hours in advance and is best for groups of 8-10. If you're a small group, the individual portion is excellent but goes fast—order it as soon as you sit down.
The required vegetable side at Wu's. The pea shoots are remarkably young and tender, quickly sautéed in a hot wok with a significant amount of smashed garlic. It's a bright, fresh contrast to the rich roast meats and salty soups.
A textbook execution of Cantonese roast duck. The skin is rendered and glistening with a sweet honey-soy glaze, while the meat remains tender and juicy. It's served bone-in to preserve the moisture. Reviewers highlight the consistency of the roast and the balance of the sweet-salty flavors.
Wu's Wonton King is a temple to traditional Cantonese cooking in the heart of the Lower East Side. It is a large, high-energy space known for its expert roast meats and its status as a favorite for chefs and food-media veterans. While the wontons are legendary, the restaurant is most famous for its whole roast suckling pig, which is a centerpiece for large group celebrations.
Wu's is one of the best spots in NYC for a large group dinner. They have massive round tables with Lazy Susans, and the menu is designed for sharing. It's high-energy and very festive.
It is BYOB with no corkage fee. There is a wine shop and several liquor stores nearby—bring a couple of bottles of Riesling or a crisp beer to pair with the roast meats.
It gets very loud and crowded on weekends. Weekday lunch is much more relaxed and you can often walk right in without a wait.
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