New Spicy Village
Asian restaurant · Lower East Side ·
Spicy chicken, hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, oxtail soup
Spicy chicken, hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, oxtail soup
"This expanded spot in Chinatown has drawn controversy for appearing to be a copycat of the popular Spicy Village — run by the brother of Spicy Village’s co-owner — and features items like the big tray chicken associated with the original restaurant." - Emma Orlow
"Opened in early December at 118 Eldridge Street at the corner of Broome Street, this competing outpost is run by Wendy Lian’s brother, Zeng Xin Lian, and highlights Henan regional fare in a slightly larger space; it sells nearly all of the same items that put the original Spicy Village on the map — including the popular big tray chicken and a range of hand-pulled noodle dishes — while adding items such as a beef brisket in casserole. The newcomer occupies the former Shu Jiao Fu Zhou location and has used nearly identical branding (similar font and the same chili pepper logo) and even displayed a banner with the original Spicy Village’s website, phone number, and address, which Spicy Village’s team says risks confusing customers." - Erika Adams
"Wendy Lian’s big-tray chicken is a cult obsession for those who know it. The huge pot is filled with a teeming, aromatic stew of chicken braised with potatoes, chiles, chile oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and cilantro. Despite the restaurant’s name, it’s not terribly spicy. Do be sure to add in the chewy and tender hand-pulled noodles." - Alexandra Ilyashov
"Opened the week of the report on Eldridge Street, this larger space closely mimics the Forsyth menu and presentation — offering the same spicy big-tray chicken and hand-pulled noodles — and lists the spicy big-tray chicken at $18.95 (about $1 more than at the original). The dining room is noticeably bigger, features a small altar with fruit for good luck, and the website/logo proclaims "since 2021" without mentioning the original location. Staff initially told customers it was the same restaurant and that the other site was closing, but the original owner disputes any affiliation and accuses former employees of copying the concept; the new spot's management gave inconsistent responses when pressed, suggesting a brewing public dispute between the two businesses." - Chris Crowley
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