The clear winner in the "chive off" (we compared the various pork and chive dumplings in several Chinatown favorites) This is a hole in the wall, blue collar establishment, that has a rotating menu, we had the fried pork buns, that were delicious, but beware they are JUICY and will squirt! But they are crave worthy delicious, so much so we went the next day to get more, but they didn't have them, so we had to "settle" for the pan fried dumplings, and these too blew us away, they are $7 for 10, the dumplings themselves were pre prepared that morning and pan fried by request, and as I started with are so far our favorite pork with chive dumplings! If I lived or worked nearby I would have been here constantly read more

This is a no-frills, hole in the wall takeout spot where you can get a whole combination rice platter and a soup for under $10. The place is called Carol's Bun, but don't let the name fool you because they actually sell a variety of traditional Cantonese style dishes for a great value. We got a box of tomato and eggs, pork belly, and a radish tripe beef combination over rice. For their $9 lunch combo, you can choose either rice w/ 3 items or noodles w/ 2 items. The dishes rotate daily, and this is a great place to eat at if you want a variety of food for a low price. The food is fresh, hot, quick, and will for sure leave you with a full stomach! (139 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002) Open Thurs-Tues 9am-7pm (closed Wed) $9 lunch combo - rice w/ 3 items or noodles w/ 2 items read more

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Carol's Bun is a hidden gem in Chinatown. It's a small hole in the wall shop that's a great lunch/dinner takeout spot. They have a good variety of different Cantonese dishes and prices are very reasonable. I've gotten food from here several times, along with ordering specialty dishes like their soft shell crab and it's delicious. Every time I come, I have to order some of their freezer items to bring home too! Some of my favorite freezer things to get from here are their stews - curry beef brisket, lamb, oxtail. All delicious. read more

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This place was like a food hug for me. It was just the right price, and I've been dying to eat dumplings. Absolutely dying. And their rice cakes are actually like rice mochi patties. Their chili oil isn't too hot and it's amazing to eat each bite. I got fish shumai, chili oil dumplings, and the rice cake dish with came with mushrooms. I have leftovers and I'm guarding them with my life. I made songs about the dumplings because I'm so emotionally attached to them. There's a tiny sitting area outside, you order ahead, I was sad they ran out of steam pork buns for the day but alas - that shows how legit they are and also I ordered too much food anyway. Carol's Bun will forever be the One that got away. read more

Carol's Bun - Fish Shumai - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

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NYC 豬腳薑 坐月必食 廣東美食 New York Chinatown 豬腳薑 坐月必食. Large container for $22 at Carol Bun. Adress is 139 E Broadway New York NY 10002. It was so difficult to find restaurant that sell 豬腳薑. Highly recomended because its freshly made, delicious, and save me time to cook it. 豬腳薑 坐月必食 廣東美食 纽约 唐人街 坐月子 read more

Carol's Bun - Store front Carol Bun - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

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It's a typical to go Chinese place. The price did increase making it less attractive to me. I do love the string beans from here. I think overall it's just okay. Wish either it was cheaper or the portion size was bigger. Not much service since it's just a grab and go. Will I come back, maybe esp there are so many affordable and delicious food in Chinatown! read more

Hands down the best dumplings in Chinatown!! Cooked foods to go are really good and reasonably priced!! On occasions, I had called ahead to order their blue crabs Cantonese style, portion enough for four crab lovers, but I would have it all to myself in two meals, it's just absolutely delicious and you can't find another place that would prepare it this way!! On another occasion when I was only picking up the frozen dumplings, there was no parking in the area, I called Carol, and she brought the dumplings out to my car with the exact change for the cash amount!! She is so good!! read more

A really good steam table serving no frills traditional Cantonese style cuisine. They also do specials like soft shell crab, albalone, etc if you call ahead or order ahead. read more

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This hole in the wall eatery has been a reliable lunch/dinner spot by the F train for yeaaars. When I was younger my fam would always pick up an order of the general tso's chicken for dinner. I finally got to try a Too Good To Go box here this weekend, and it was pretty decent! A jam packed box for only $4.99 got me fried rice (though I would've preferred white rice), veggies, chicken, general tso's, and steamed minced pork. Definitely enough for two to share! I have to say there must be some msg in the food as I felt pretty thirsty after this meal. Still, a really solid option a casual, affordable lunch box. read more

Carol's Bun - Too good to go box ($4.99) - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

This spot earned my loyalty and future visits with one meal. The workers treat customers differently yet consistently meet commitments. The cooking is wonderful and the service matches. They prioritize their expertise strategically. I'll make this place a regular destination. read more

This place is so out of the way and I only know about it because of my cousin. She said I have to try their tripe and scallion pancakes. I had been craving for scallion pancakes but never found a good place so I was really excited to give them a try. I finally had the chance when I had to run some errands for work and went to the post office right across the street. Here is what is funny...I went in and placed my order for scallion pancakes only to realize that I only had $1 in my pocket!!! I had left my wallet at the office. I was so embarrassed and asked them to cancel my order but they were so nice and told me its OK, that I could just come back another day to make my payment. This was very surprising to me because it was my FIRST time ever here but they were so willing to believe that I would be back (or maybe they are just THAT confident in their own foods). I don't like the feeling of owing people anything so I immediately went back after work to pay off my debt. While I was there, I ordered some tripe and fried fish. When I was waiting for my food, a homeless man came in and begged for food. I offered to buy him a meal and this is where I can once again feel the kindness of the people in the store. In light of the meal being purchased for the homeless, the lady seemingly gave me a discount on his meal. Very sweet of her! Now onto the food. I enjoyed the tripe, fried fish AND the scallion pancakes oh so very much but they were all so greasy. I feel like everything was made on point but the grease made me feel full very quickly. I will definitely be visiting this place more often. read more

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A hole in the wall place with plenty of food options. The dishes are all around the walls and ready to eat stuff in the warmer. The dry fried noodle with beef is average but the mutton noodle soup is outstanding although I prefer the meat a bit more tender. Will be back for their other dishes read more

Nothing fancy/ cheap food- with a spin. Grab some takeout and eat it in the park nearby. read more

Carol's Bun - Outside - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

Tried out this local takeout spot in Chinatown called Carol's Bun - the name may be misleading, but it's not a bakery! This place serves up plenty of Cantonese-style dishes, and their lunch special definitely allows you to try some of the best of the cuisine! For lunch, their special is $8.50 and you get to pick 3 dishes over a generous portion of rice. I got the Salt and Pepper Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, and the most delicious Stir-fried Eggplant I have ever had! The portions were aplenty and service was great, and it left me with a full stomach for sure. read more

Carol's Bun - a take out container of food and a cup of coffee - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

Very tiny old space. I saw people recommend this place for lunch combo or dish to take out. I got fried shishamo 炸多春魚 $8 and 豬耳 pig ears $7.5 Both dish was amazing. Everything is fresh made everyday. The deep fried fish they cook after I order so I wait about 10 mins there. I ate a few right away, Crispy outside, and seasoning was amazing! definitely worth to wait! While I was waiting, people start to line up to get lunch combo. Only $5.75 ! Goos place to grab quick and cheap lunch! read more

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There was a bit of a line as usual and no parking but I suppose when the menu is extremely affordable and you can still buy a meal for under $5, I shouldn't be telling the whole world. However, i have to give them props for the A grade NYC sanitation grade, the affordability factor and the fact that we need to keep giving them our business so that "Carol" can keep her kitchen open. I should mention, i am assuming the name of this restaurant is that of the owner or the chef but regardless we want to give this place business because they have tasty treats at an affordable price. I bought soy sauce noodles with a little vegetable and it was delicious. The person behind the counter is very nice and willing to accommodate any request. read more

Carol's Bun - Cheap lunch - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

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I got the pig's feet. It wasn't tender, they could cook it longer. It was flavorful though and plenty of sauce. I don't need it to fall off the bone but it was chewy, read more

Carol's Bun - Pig's feet reheated - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

I grew up on these combination rice boxes so I was excited to come across this spot. I used to call them the "three dishes, 1 soup rice box" (in Chinese) How does it work? They fill your box with a hefty portion of rice and you select from a variety of warm pre-made dishes. The combination rice box would come with a complimentary soup as well. You don't see a lot of places offer these affordable combination rice boxes anymore. I've had my fair share of these dishes for the duration of my life. I went from very excited to just content, just okay. Love the concept, the quick service, the affordable prices but don't expect superb quality. Example: the fried anchovies made earlier in the day would probably be soggy and cold by the afternoon. I might or might not be back depending on my combination rice box cravings. From my most recent visit, the curry chicken portion came with 5pcs of potatoes and 2pcs of chicken, the beans were bland, the anchovies were slacking. read more

Finally visited the infamous Carol's Bun after hearing about all the rave reviews among the Chinese community. And yes it definitely did not disappoint. Price was decent , food tasted good and portion was more than reasonable for the price. However damn, the woman that answered the phone and took my order was very rude! Not sure if she was having a rough day since it was New Year's Eve and they were busy but come on! I couldn't communicate with her in English so I spoke with her in mandarin. I wished I can speak Cantonese but unfortunately no. You got to cut me some slack here instead of yelling on the phone Orders took way longer than they promised given how busy they were. People were lining up outside. This is a hole in the wall kind of place. Anyhow, I got the sautéed crab with mined pork and that was excellent. The crabs were big and meaty. They also cleaned out the crabs very well and you can taste how fresh it was. The salt and pepper fried shrimps were really good as well. We didn't get to eat it right away after getting our food until 2 hours later and it was still crispy and very tasty Also got an order of the small crispy fried fish and that was great. A great dish to eat while having some beer Overall, everything we got here was delicious. I can see why they have good business. I'm hoping the woman that answered the phone was just in a bad mood. Definitely have someone who speaks Cantonese order ahead for you if you want something prepared fresh or go in person and point and get their lunch combos read more

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What a great, local, scrumptious place with plenty of options on a quiet street. I am a big fan

We tried various items including mini fried fish (my kids love these), pig ears (my oldest sons loves these) , sweet and sour spare ribs (my fav), made to order soft shell crabs (all of our favorites) and faux shark fin soup (very good). The crabs were tasty and good size. Portions are great and prices are very reasonable. Over, this place kept a family of 6 very satisfied. Customer service was friendly and was good. read more

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Our family continues to be a fan of Carol. She now has new dishes like lamb casserole 枝竹羊腩煲， deep fry pig intestines 炸大腸 on top of all time favorites. Ask Carol what she recommends. Many of the time she has dishes that's not on the menu. She has frozen dishes you can take home to freeze and enjoy days later. I like her frozen beef stew, regular or curry, 滷水牛腩或咖喱牛腩，salted pork belly 梅菜扣肉， and 滷水牛雜beef organs. Don't forget to ask her for free peanuts on top of your dishes and her free homemade hot oil! read more

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早幾日我都有食過Carol 姐嘅好嘢㗎，豉油王大蝦啦、軟殼蟹啦、炸魚仔啦、豉油王炒麵、勁多薑蓉嘅白切雞、甚至係三餸嘅菜，都係超有愛，絕對靠得住～ -- at Carol's Bun. read more

Carol's Bun - 豉油王大蝦啦、軟殼蟹、炸魚仔、豉油王炒麵、勁多薑蓉嘅白切雞、三餸嘅菜。 - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

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Compact Chinese hot food takeout restaurant. They offer lunch special $8 for three hot dishes on rice or two hot dishes on noodles. Quite a bargain for a cheap and filling meal. They have over 20 choices with fish, vegetables, meats, chicken leg, etc. Got their shumai ($9), turns out it's fish paste steamed shumai. Got their imitation shark fin soup too. All okay. Not blown away but really nice to have in the neighborhood. There's usually a short line. Cash only I believe. Food tastes homemade. read more

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Okay, this is absolutely amazing!! So this is a typical fast-food Chinese lunch place where you come in and select the dishes. you would like to accompany your rice/noodle. They talk fast/curt and may come off rude so definitely gather your bearings before you walk into the very very small store. Everything is laid out buffet style, so you point and they will add if to your lunch tray - so they have 2 sides or 3 sides option. I had the pleasure of trying a number of dishes and honestly, they were all delicious, even the egg with scallions!! So if you are just trying it out, I would recommend (if they have it) a chicken, small fried fish, and maybe a vegetable of your choice. If you call ahead, you can order full entrees and dishes as well - if the open buffet bar is too overwhelming! If so, I would recommend the soft shell crab, fried anything here is amazing, and maybe their fried rice/noodle dish!! read more

This spot has been around forever I feel. Cheap, no freaking frills food. Just trays of random hot Chinese dishes. 3 items for $5 plus a cup of soup. This place is beloved by hungry locals that are either on a tight budget or simply just want cheap food and nothing else. I've come here at least 50 times. The place looks like it's 100 years old and the chairs and tables are old and greasy but ya know what? The food here is good. I will continue to come here for lunch for as long as they're around. read more

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Came here once on my way to catch a bus to depart from the city. This place is small, has 1 table if you do want to eat outside. The food was sooo good. I got a lunch special where you could choose from a few different options- i declined the white rice but got crispy chicken, the glazed looking chicken and bokchoy. Amazing all around. Your to go bag comes with utensils in a bag, soy sauce and chili sauce. Chili sauce was actually spicy and brought out the foods flavors even more. I can't wait to go back!! I def want to buy the frozen dumplings, try the scallion pancakes and buy more chicken. CASH ONLY read more

I basically love everything Carol makes. My favorite things a la carte to get include the beef tripe, fried softshell crab (so good when she has them in), pig ears, fried anchovies and the stir-fried noodles (geez, I just like fried stuff don't I). It's always a treat when my mother in-law brings back these goodies for me! read more

One of the best beef tripe, stomach, weird intestine stuff that you'll find. I thought $16 a quart was a hefty price but after it slowly defrosted I realized how much intestine was in there and it was well worth it. The intestines can get tricky being that it has to be cleaned very well and to wash out the particular sense of smell. I've also had their curry fish balls and mock shark fin soup which is not bad, but I would stick with the beef intestine. read more

I will live and die for Carol's Bun $7 soft shell crab. It's perfectly done, perfectly crisp, umami salt and pepper style and made to order with fried peanuts and green chili peppers. Honestly the best place I've had soft shell crab at and worth the wait. Honorable mentions is their pick menu: either 3 choices with rice or 2 choices with fried noodles. There is a wait time if your ordering things from their menu. Choose/pick items are a quick grab and go. read more

Came here the third time to pick up food. It's been a few months since last time I came. But you don't be disappointed! Food here was so tasty, and authentic to the place where it came from. We have ordered a lot of dishes so far: lobster lo Mein, fish ball with radish, beef brisket, soy sauce fried noodle, fake shark fin soup, salty fish fried rice, all are soooo good! My favorite would definitely b the bean curd wrap with minced pork! So crispy on the outside and juicy inside! And most importantly, it's inexpensive! I m lucky that I got free small dishes to try every time I come. It's a real gem in a wall! Will definitely come back for more! read more

Great cheap eats! $8.50 for dinner- 3 sides and rice. Huge portions, I could've eaten it for 2 meals. A little on the salty/ heavy side, so I don't frequent this place often. Tip: the chicken sides are always tasty read more

Carol is the best! Food never disappoints. They even brought it out to my car. Our must have every time is the HK soup. read more

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Carol's Bun looks intimidating on some days to the average American with its open buffet of authentic Chinese dishes, but it is my go-to place for some of my favorite Chinese appetizers: collagen-rich pig ear julienned and brightened with fresh jalapenos, and small fish fried to a crisp in chili oil (the trick to avoid the bitter fishy aftertaste is to not eat the heads). The former tastes like salted crisp spiced gelatin and the latter like very savory crispy French fries. Both are great eaten cold. The container I got my take-out in also was compostable! read more

Carol's Bun - Pigs ears and crispy fried fish! - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

Saw the reviews and went to give a try. This is a take out place located in E Broadway, Manhattan where you can get a combo rice with 3 choices of dishes, or you can order dishes from her menu. I got the special order: beef with brown noodle, 4season beans and soft shell crab( $25 for 4). I also got curry chicken, curry pig skin and fish ball, soy source stir fried noodle and stripes. Food taste very good and ppl come in at lunch time is packed. The (fake) shark fin soup was also tasty. I will definitely come back for other dishes. read more

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I've been here twice so far. At first I heard of this place from a facebook foodie group. Quite a number from the group praised the quality and quantity of the food, so my curiosity drove me to have a try. I got to say, this small place here is the most authentic Canto restaurant you will ever find in Chinatown. It also serves different chinese cuisines as well from Shanghai to Sichuan. The first time I tried their buffet-style 3 dishes with rice, I was surprised with the price. Most fuzhounese restaurant also sell buffet-style chinese food for about $4.50 but this place charged me 50 cents extra. Soon I realized it worth the additional 50 cents. The food was packed and weighty. Most importantly, the food are less greasy and salty compared to those restaurants. The second time I ordered the famous fried fish for lunch. I ordered on the phone and still had to wait 10 to 15 minutes after I arrived. Fortunately, it worth the wait. the fish was crispy and savory. I had it for takeout and it was about 15mins walk to my office. By the time I got back to my office it was STILL CRISPY AF! I recommend those fascinated with Cantonese cuisine! read more

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It was a cold, snowy afternoon in Chinatown, and I was in search of dinner to take home. After walking around aimlessly, I saw this place from across the street. It was hard to see inside since there was steam on the glass, but from the outside, I could tell that this place was where I was going to find dinner. I walk inside, and its pretty small, basically a hole in the wall. In the front counter, there is a steam table with over 20+ choices. I glance at the menu, which for the most part is written in Chinese. It may be a bit hard to maneuver the menu in this place, but the lady was nice at the counter, so it was pretty easy to get what I wanted. This is what I ordered: 2 lunch trays (rice, 3 choices, and soup for $3.75!) 1 scallion pancake ($1.50) So for the choices, I got braised pork belly, pig ears with peanuts, green leafy vegetables, chinese radish, fried pork ribs, and a dish that I don't know the name of. Everything was cooked well but I wasn't a big fan of the pork ears. I prefer it served cold. This place is unassuming and likely caters to the Fujianese immigrant population, but, if you are in the area, and you're hungry, I would venture inside and order by just pointing ;-) They also sell frozen dumplings by bulk. But I didn't try any. Next time... Just like love, food has no boundaries. read more

Very amazing hole in the wall spot. I eat here for lunch 4 times a week. Carol is sweet lady. I recommend getting the tomato and egg, they have this crispy chicken sometimes that I love! read more

I like the Cantonese food. Especially the fried prawns and Cantonese stirred fried crab and the sweet and sour pork. Surprisingly good flavor and price is right. The $7.5 combo rice dish is ok because they were cool and not warm enough for me. After heating up, the food is much more tasty. Will come back again. read more

YOU DON'T EVEN NEED TO SPEAK ENGLISH OR CHINESE - POINT AT THE FOOD. Right in the kisser for the hungry, poor, and those that don't like waiting on line for food. Order the lunch box served all day! It comes with rice and 3 sides of your choosing from the trays. All for $5.25! Sure the place doesn't look like a palace but that's the culture of old Chinatown still crusted onto the floors for that authentic old school feel. Food is 10 out of 10 for taste, price, and authentic Southern Chinese food. read more