"We’ve been ride-or-die for the Hainan chicken at Pearl River Deli since day one. But if 2022 proved anything, it’s that this new-wave Cantonese spot in Chinatown is more than a one-trick pony. With equal passion, we love their sweet-sticky glazed char siu, the plump wontons, and the fried Macau pork chop bun brushed with a delicious layer of crystallized sugar that would make any dentist wince. Those dishes alone warrant a high rating, but Pearl River Deli keeps things interesting by mixing in unique specials (spicy mungbean jelly salad) and seasonal desserts (kabocha cheesecake) that we track on Instagram like a hypebeast following a sneaker drop. Basically, we’ll find any excuse to grab lunch and/or dinner at Pearl River Deli and think you should do the same. " - brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins, garrett snyder
