Dim sum is exciting for everyone, but speaking Chinese (or trying to) will help you fill your tummy with delicious trifles faster. Seriously, folks, drag your Chinese blockmate downtown to help you navigate your way through the mouthwatering offerings at China Pearl. Show up early (before 11:30am) on weekends to avoid a long wait in the glitzy mirror-lined staircase. Standard dim sum dishes, such as BBQ pork buns (cha siu bao), shrimp dumplings (har gau), and chicken feet run $2-7 a dish, but don't think about the cost—it's the rare visit that ends with a bill that's more than $10 per person. Save room for yummy, intriguingly textured desserts like the spoonable melon jellos and black bean buns. Dinner ($9-15) on weeknights is a whole other world; China Pearl feels like a deserted ballroom the night after the party.

The best Chinese fondue restaurant in Chinatown, hands down. Heaping plates of veggies, seafood, or meats are brought to the table for you to indulge in. Great prices and always busy. Beware, you might have to wait for a table! The restaurant is obviously not fully vegan/vegetarian, but makes a tasty meal if you are either of those. The fruit shakes are also a treat.