Comforting congee (rice porridge) made with stock, topped with tender pork pieces and chunks of century egg (preserved egg). The century egg provides a savory, umami-rich contrast to the mild congee base. A classic comfort food that's hearty without being heavy.
Tips from diners
The century egg adds a unique flavor—if you haven't had it, this is a good introduction.
A variation on the classic using fresh shrimp and dried shrimp (providing briny umami depth). The cilantro and egg round out the flavors. The dried shrimp adds a concentrated seafood note that elevates the roll. At $7.50, this is one of the best seafood preparations under $10 in the city.
Tips from diners
The dried shrimp adds umami depth—order this if you want something more complex than the pork version.
The house specialty: a delicate, thin rice roll made fresh to order using stone-ground flour. Filled with tender pork, plump shrimp, soft egg, and bright cilantro. Drizzled with soy sauce. The rice roll skin is silky and absorbs the sauce without becoming heavy. This is the most popular order and worth the 25-30 minute wait.
Tips from diners
Rice rolls are made to order and take 25-30 minutes. Order first, then explore Chinatown and come back.
Silky thin noodles in a clear broth with melt-in-mouth beef brisket that's been simmered until tender. The broth is light but flavorful, allowing the beef quality to shine. A warming, satisfying dish that regulars specifically return for.
Tips from diners
The beef brisket is tender and the broth is light—this rivals broth houses charging double.
For those who don't want to wait 25-30 minutes, Yi Ji keeps pre-made rice rolls on hand for $5. These are made earlier in the morning but still fresh and steaming. A great option for quick lunch. The selection of fillings varies throughout the day.
Tips from diners
If you're in a hurry, grab a pre-made rice roll for $5 instead of waiting 25 minutes.
Opened in 2019, this tiny cash-only Chinatown spot at 88 Elizabeth Street grinds rice flour fresh each morning on a stone mill and steams rice rolls to order. The cook makes massive sheets of cheung fun right behind the counter. Most rice rolls cost under $10 and are made to order (25-30 min wait). No seating, but the quality justifies the wait.
Cash-only. No cards accepted. Bring bills or hit the nearby ATM.
Takeout only—zero seating indoors or outside. Eat at nearby parks or take back to your hotel.
Open Tuesday–Saturday, 7am–4pm only. Come early for the best selection. Monday and Sunday are closed.
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