Hong Kong Rice Rolls in Chinatown NYC at Chang Lai

Chang Lai started as a street cart and now serves its Hong Kong style rice rolls from a storefront at 55 Bayard Street in Chinatown. The silky, chewy noodles get hot sauce and peanut sauce, while curry fish balls bring another signature order. Beef tripe and pork rice bowls extend the menu beyond those two staples. Add sweet Hong Kong milk tea to drink.

A handful of stools makes this primarily a grab and go setup. The crowd can shift quickly from empty to packed. Around the shop, the owner appears alongside customers in the wall displays. Bring cash for payment, as credit cards carry a 3.5 percent fee. Keep the peanut allergy alert in mind when choosing your order.

The shop opens Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Sunday from half past seven AM to half past five PM, and stays closed on Thursdays.