It's Christmas Eve. That means that all over the world families are gathering together around dinner tables to celebrate.
But here in New York, we have our own tradition: eating at a Chinese restaurant.
In the beloved tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas, we've found the best Chinese restaurants in Manhattan.
Grand Sichuan
There are several branches of the local Grand Sichuan chain, but the one on St. Marks Place is arguably the best one in the city.
The menu of traditional Sichuan dishes is so extensive that you may have trouble choosing.
Hot Kitchen
Hot Kitchen serves spicy Sichuan cuisine in a low-key spot in the East Village. The menu features lots of seafood dishes, like soft-shell crab and steamed whole fish with hot bean sauce.
Dishes are served family-style, so this place is best for groups.
Joe's Shanghai
Joe's Shanghai is famous for its soup dumplings, called Xiao Long Bao or "Little Dumplings in the Basket."
They come in either pork or crab meat varieties, served in a bamboo basket. Bite the edge of the dumpling and carefully slurp up the soup, being careful to avoid spilling the piping hot broth all over you.
Some people say Joe's Shanghai is overrated and expensive with long lines. Others swear by it. Love it or hate it, this place is an institution.
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