Han Dynasty
Sichuan restaurant · East Village ·
Spicy Sichuan numbing & peppery dishes; dan dan noodles, wontons
Spicy Sichuan numbing & peppery dishes; dan dan noodles, wontons
"Han Dynasty’s food is exactly as good as the hype around this East Village restaurant suggests. As much as we’ve enjoyed everything we’ve had here, we typically order the same three things on repeat: the dan dan noodles, garlic-heavy wontons, and dry pot fish that arrives in a small, sizzling wok. This location gets very busy, and it’s walk-in-only, but the food comes out quickly. There are also locations in Downtown Brooklyn, LIC, and the UWS." - neha talreja, hannah albertine, diana kuan, molly fitzpatrick
"The Sichuan wontons (called “wontons in chili oil” on the menu) are the first thing you should order at Han Dynasty. Although the spiciness of the sauce can range from pretty mild to numbingly hot, depending on who’s cooking that day, there’s a slight sweetness that helps to balance out the heat. The smaller East Village location tends to be more crowded and usually requires a longer wait, while the spacious Downtown Brooklyn restaurant at Dekalb Market has plenty of seating and is better for groups." - diana kuan
"Of the many Han Dynasty locations, the one we frequent most is probably the one in the East Village. But the UWS outpost of this Chinese restaurant is roughly 10-times the size, and it’s a much more impressive space that looks kind of like an old ballroom with lots of tables and big fish tank. If you want to share a big round table with nine other people, you can absolutely do that - just be sure to get at least one order of dan dan noodles for every two people." - bryan kim
"Aside from serving delicious, not-too-expensive Chinese food, Han Dynasty on the UWS is pretty reliable for getting a table. So if, hypothetically, you totally forgot to plan something until 30 minutes ago, it’s a great idea. Unlike the East Village Han Dynasty, this location also takes reservations. Just make sure you order the wontons in chili oil and some dan dan noodles to start." - hannah albertine
"We typically order the same six-ish things from Han Dynasty on repeat - mostly because we’d be too sad eating here without them by our side. The more you order from this excellent Chinese restaurant with locations on the UWS and in the East Village, you’ll come to see what we mean. The dan dan noodles and wontons in chili oil are both essential sharing items. As for mains, we suggest trying the excellent and numbing mapo tofu as well as dry pepper-style chicken draped in chiles." - hannah albertine, nikko duren, matt tervooren