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MISSION CHINESE/BASEMENT

Last Updated: ~1 month ago

Phone: (917) 794-7388

Address: 45 MOTT STREET 10013

TLDR

Iconic for its legendary spicy Mapo Tofu and unforgettable Wings, this Chinese spot delivers bold, memorable flavors.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 13 Reddit comments)

92% Positive8% Neutral

Tags

chinese 9sichuan 6tofu 3View All

Neighborhoods

Chinatown

Details

This Chinese establishment is celebrated for its unapologetically spicy and flavorful dishes, particularly its renowned Mapo Tofu and signature Wings. Diners recall the original basement location fondly for its

Food Overview

The Chinese cuisine here is renowned for its bold flavors and significant heat, with the Mapo Tofu and Wings being frequently highlighted as must-try dishes. While the spice level is a signature, some diners recall an even more potent iteration of the Mapo Tofu from the past.

Highlights / Recommended

"The Mapo Tofu is a standout, frequently cited as a must-try, with many also recommending the uniquely spicy and flavorful Wings."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • mapo tofu(5)
  • wings(3)

Customer Sentiment

Customers consistently praise the restaurant's flavorful and notably spicy dishes, with specific mentions of the mapo tofu and wings. Some feedback suggests a past version of the mapo tofu might have been even more intensely spicy.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

Multiple users recall the intense spice of dishes like Mapo Tofu and Wings at this restaurant, with one user even describing a crying-inducing experience from the wings. The original basement location is remembered for its exceptionally spicy offerings.
One user highly recommends this Chinese restaurant, noting its return to NYC and describing it as "so fucking good once again."
Several users specifically recommend the Mapo Tofu, with one calling it a favorite and another noting its deliciousness despite questioning its authenticity. The dish is consistently praised for its flavor and spice.
The restaurant is recommended as a great Chinese option, with a user specifically mentioning that it's back in NYC and very good.

Recent Mentions

From post: Whats The Spiciest God Damn Dish In Nyc Make Me

"This user states that the recipe for the wings at Mission Chinese has remained unchanged since the beginning."

Neutral
Jul 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats The Spiciest God Damn Dish In Nyc Make Me

"This user expresses nostalgia for the original Mission Chinese location on Orchard Street, calling it "special.""

Positive
Jul 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats The Spiciest God Damn Dish In Nyc Make Me

"The user recalls a highly impactful spicy experience eating the wings at Mission Chinese, which made them cry but is still memorable."

Positive
Jul 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats The Spiciest God Damn Dish In Nyc Make Me

"The user praises Mission Chinese's Mapo Tofu (both mushroom and pork versions) as the best they've ever had, comparing it favorably to dishes in Asia."

Positive
Jul 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats The Spiciest God Damn Dish In Nyc Make Me

"This user recounts an intense memory of Mission Chinese's Mapo Tofu, noting the spice level was so high it prompted a humorous reaction, and mentions newer versions are less spicy."

Positive
Jul 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats The Spiciest God Damn Dish In Nyc Make Me

"This user specifically praises the Mapo Tofu and wings from the original Mission Chinese, stating they are still sought after."

Positive
Jul 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Going To Spend 2 Weeks In Ny In August Recs

"Mission Chinese is back in NYC and is described as being "so fucking good once again," making it a highly recommended Chinese restaurant."

Positive
Jul 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats The Spiciest God Damn Dish In Nyc Make Me

"The user recalls the original Mission Chinese, particularly in its basement location, as serving exceptionally and "irresponsibly" spicy food."

Positive
Jul 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Upscale Chinese Food Thats Actually Good

"Mission Chinese is recommended."

Positive
Jul 6, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Mapo Tofu To Try

"Seconds the recommendation for Mission Chinese."

Positive
Mar 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Mapo Tofu To Try

"Enthusiastically recommends Mission Chinese's mapo tofu, calling it a favorite dish and disregarding authenticity concerns."

Positive
Mar 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Mapo Tofu To Try

"Considers Mission Chinese to have good mapo tofu."

Positive
Mar 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Mapo Tofu To Try

"Likes Mission Chinese's mapo tofu but has heard it might not be authentic."

Positive
Mar 31, 2025View Comment →