TLDR
A legendary Cantonese spot perfect for large groups, BYOB celebrations, and iconic wonton soup. Famous for its roast meats and impressive whole-crab feasts.
Reddit Sentiment for WU'S WONTON KING(based on 137 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
Wu's Wonton King is hailed as the top choice for a sit-down meal in Chinatown, particularly noted for its fresh seafood options, including large crabs.
Details
A popular destination on the Lower East Side, this Cantonese staple is widely celebrated for its traditional dishes such as wonton soup, roast duck, and suckling pig [1], [2]. The restaurant is frequently lauded as an ideal venue for large groups and birthday celebrations, thanks to its BYOB policy and capacity for family-style dining [1], [2]. While the food is generally well-regarded, some patrons emphasize the quality of their signature seafood, specifically the king crab, which serves as a center-piece for many celebratory meals [1].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Cantonese classics, with standout items including wonton soup, crispy half chicken, and various roast meats like duck and pork [1], [2]. Diners consistently recommend the live king crab, though it can be a significant investment [1]. While most dishes are praised, some diners suggest avoiding a starch-heavy order and opting for a diverse selection of traditional Cantonese stir-fries and seafood instead [1].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended dishes include the wonton soup, Cantonese roast duck, and the live king crab prepared three ways [1], [2]. Other notable suggestions are the crispy garlic chicken and various BBQ pork preparations [1]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •wonton soup(5)
- •salt and pepper squid(4)
- •steamed flounder(3)
- •crab(2)
Customer Sentiment
Overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with diners frequently recommending the establishment for its lively atmosphere, group-friendly accommodations, and excellent value [1], [2]. While some diners have raised concerns regarding food consistency or health ratings, these are typically outliers in an otherwise highly praised dining experience [1].
Caveats
The restaurant is known for its high-volume, no-frills service and occasionally has a 'C' health rating, which may concern some diners [1]. Additionally, it does not participate in delivery apps due to its focus on large wholesale orders and in-person banquet service [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About WU'S WONTON KING
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Whats The Best Gingerforward Food Or Drink Youve
"Suggests Wu's Wonton King for their lobster noodle dish, noting that Cantonese restaurants often use a lot of ginger in seafood preparations like steamed fish and lobster."
PositiveFrom post: Asian Restaurants In Manhattan That Might Fit 150
"Explains that Wu's Wonton King doesn't offer delivery app services because they handle a large volume of wholesale orders, including whole pigs, piglets, and ducks."
NeutralFrom post: Asian Restaurants In Manhattan That Might Fit 150
"Commenter expresses frustration that Wu's Wonton King is not available on delivery apps."
NegativeFrom post: Asian Restaurants In Manhattan That Might Fit 150
"Wus Wonton King is recommended for groups with many Asian attendees, and it allows BYOB."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find Good Seafood Preferably Seafood
"Wu's Wonton King is included in a list of general seafood recommendations for NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Les Group Dinner Recommendations Near The Gutter
"This commenter noted that Wu's Wonton King is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) establishment."
NeutralFrom post: Les Group Dinner Recommendations Near The Gutter
"This user is a big fan of Wu's Wonton King for group dinners due to the variety of options available on the menu."
PositiveFrom post: Les Group Dinner Recommendations Near The Gutter
"This commenter recommended Wu's Wonton King for a group dinner, highlighting its family-style service and good value for the price."
PositiveFrom post: Where Would You Go In The Les If It Was Your
"Wu's Wonton King is listed as a great dining option in the LES."
PositiveFrom post: Planning A Weekend Trip In The City With My Mom
"Wu's Wonton King is recommended for Cantonese food. The user specifically suggests their char siu, a steamed fish, a green vegetable, and bitter melon egg (off-menu)."
PositiveFrom post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With
"This user recommended Wu's Wonton King in Chinatown as a fun group dinner spot, highlighting its large tables with lazy Susans, BYOB policy, and standout dishes like live Alaskan king crab, shrimp + pork wonton soup, and honey walnut shrimp."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"Wu's Wonton King is listed as a frequently visited restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Chinatown Seafood
"This commenter suggests Wu's Wonton King as a place that does solid versions of Cantonese seafood dishes and great roast meats, potentially similar to what the original poster experienced."
PositiveFrom post: Chinatown Seafood
"This commenter suggests Wu's Wonton King as a place that does solid versions of Cantonese seafood dishes and great roast meats, potentially similar to what the original poster experienced."
PositiveFrom post: Ordering Off Menu At Wus
"This user describes how steamed flounder and stir-fried bitter melon with beef are typically prepared at Wu's Wonton King."
PositiveFrom post: Ordering Off Menu At Wus
"In response to a query about the Cantonese preparation of steamed flounder at Wu's Wonton King, this user recalls it being prepared with ginger, soy sauce, and scallions."
PositiveFrom post: Ordering Off Menu At Wus
"This user notes that while steamed flounder is a regular menu item at Wu's Wonton King, bitter melon might not be available if it's not featured in any existing dishes."
NeutralFrom post: Ordering Off Menu At Wus
"This user has successfully preordered dishes at Wu's Wonton King over the phone, and they were prepared as requested."
PositiveFrom post: Ordering Off Menu At Wus
"This commenter suggests that ordering in English should be possible at Wu's Wonton King, as long as the restaurant has the necessary ingredients for the desired dish."
PositiveFrom post: Where Would You Go As Your Last Meal In Nyc
"Disagreeing with the positive sentiment for Wu Wonton's King, this commenter stated the food is not good, including the wontons, and that even mediocre Asian food elsewhere would be better."
Negative