When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Cheong Fun Cart
Why Cheong Fun Cart is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Located in the heart of New York City's vibrant Chinatown, Cheong Fun Cart offers a delightful street food experience centered on traditional Chinese rice noodle rolls, known as cheong fun. This charming food cart serves breakfast and lunch, perfect for quick and satisfying gatherings with friends. The cart's specialties include smooth, springy rice rolls filled with options like pork, fresh shrimp, ham (Spam), cilantro, and dried shrimp, which provides a pleasant crunch. The menu is straightforward—guests choose their preferred protein, size, and optional add-ons like extra meat or egg—keeping the ordering process simple yet satisfying. With prices ranging from $1.50 to $6, it offers one of the most affordable and authentic tastes of Chinatown's culinary culture. The cart encourages socializing through quick service and sidewalk dining, which many customers pair with a short walk to nearby Sara D. Roosevelt Park for a relaxed outdoor meal. Accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible parking, make it convenient for all visitors. Cheong Fun Cart's rich community roots and consistently fresh offerings make it an excellent venue to meet friends for casual, flavorful street food.
Here's what people think of Cheong Fun Cart
As of recent, Cheong Fun Cart holds a 4.6-star rating based on 270 reviews.
User reviews highlight Cheong Fun Cart's popularity and high rating of 4.6 across 270 reviews, reflecting overall customer satisfaction. Positive feedback frequently praises the cart's flavorful, smooth-textured rice rolls and the quality of fillings such as fresh shrimp, pork, and ham. Customers appreciate the affordable pricing, with many noting the small portion sizes that still provide a satisfying snack or light meal. The quick-moving line is another commonly mentioned plus, especially for those grabbing a fast breakfast or lunch on the go. Friendly service and the convenience of outdoor dining contribute to a pleasant experience. On the downside, some users feel the portion sizes may be too small for larger appetites, and the limited vegetarian options can be restrictive. The reliance on cash only is occasionally inconvenient for some patrons, and there is some uncertainty about closing times since the cart often closes once it sells out. Nonetheless, the positive reviews outnumber the negatives, making Cheong Fun Cart an enduring favorite for authentic, affordable street eats in Chinatown. The cart's simple yet delicious menu and efficient service continue to attract a steady stream of loyal customers.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sapphira Bella
For my taste, I am big on sauce and texture. The rolls for me are too soft and squishy, and they did not give enough sauce. Fortunately enough, I had brought my own. I got a dried shrimp and egg, it was OVERALL OK, nothing special. With the added sauce, made everything better. Price wise, this place was the most affordable and you can choose between small and large. A small would have been just fine for me.
Cassia A
How they churn this out in that space is truly so impressive. One lady to take the money and one to make all the rice rolls lol. Absolute queens. Very solid rice rolls with lots of sauce. I liked the bbq pork a lot. The rice rolls aren’t the thinnest or silkiest in the world (or city), but they’re really solid. And well priced. There are some benches around to eat if you wander. Cash only.
Wichayamas “Gift” Paekul
We got one fresh shrimp and one bbq pork rice rolls, both in a small size. The sauce was not a lot in the shrimp bowl, so some parts were no special taste (just a taste of plain rice rolls). We liked the bbq pork better as it was more flavorful. If you want to add some spice to it, ask them to add sriracha sauce to your bowl. There was a line when we were there (around 11 am ish on Saturday), but it moved rather quickly. I think they only accept cash, so don’t forget to bring some (please correct me if I’m wrong)
Leslie T
I got the fresh shrimp one and thought it tasted great. You can tell that rice roll was made fresh from scratch. This is one of the best 腸粉 that I've ever had.
Stephanie
Super cheap eats but a bit bland. Somehow even with the soy sauce, it tasted flavourless. We tried the BBQ pork (char siu), fresh shrimp and beef. All of the toppings tasted the same and were indistinguishable from each other. The noodles were really soft and fresh though. Practically melted in your mouth! The portion was generous (we got the small size). You can’t beat the price but I don’t think it’s worth the line up unfortunately.
How to reach Cheong Fun Cart
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Why Cheong Fun Cart may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Cheong Fun Cart with your friends? Imagine a place that effortlessly combines the lively buzz of Chinatown with the comforting warmth of traditional Hong Kong-style street food. Cheong Fun Cart, with its strong 4.6-star rating from 270 reviews, is that rare gem where friends and family can gather for a casual, fun, and flavorful experience. The cart's reputation for simple yet delicious rice rolls — delicately steamed, chewy, and filled with savory ingredients like pork, shrimp, and even ham — makes it a unique culinary destination. Beyond the food, the cart’s location at the bustling intersection of Hester and Elizabeth streets in New York City’s Chinatown adds to the vibrant atmosphere, turning a quick meal into an engaging social event. The combination of affordable prices, fresh flavors, and the ease of eating outdoors on a sunny morning or lunch break creates the perfect environment for a relaxed meetup. Whether it's a spontaneous breakfast or a planned outing, Cheong Fun Cart provides a memorable spot to rally your crew, indulge in hand-held comfort food, and soak in the authentic city vibe.
What activities make Cheong Fun Cart an ideal spot for group meetups? Although small and casual, this cart is a hub for several group-friendly activities. First, the fast-paced, friendly service encourages a quick flow of orders and a lively queue, naturally sparking conversations among friends as they decide which fillings to try. Sharing is part of the fun here; the ordering system lets each person pick their favorite rice roll — pork, shrimp, ham, or dried shrimp — and sizes range from small to large, with add-ons like egg and extra meat to customize the meal. This interactive ordering experience turns eating into a mini food adventure. After ordering, groups can gather around nearby benches or head to nearby Sara D. Roosevelt Park just two blocks away, perfect for picnicking, chatting, and enjoying the city’s outdoor energy. This transition from street food cart to park bench adds a layer of versatility to group outings, turning a quick meal into an extended social gathering with both culinary and outdoor pleasures.
Why is Cheong Fun Cart perfect for breakfast meetups with friends? Cheong Fun Cart operates mainly in the morning hours, serving fresh rice rolls from early in the day until they sell out. This makes it especially appealing to morning meetups, offering a budget-friendly alternative to pricier breakfast options like cafes or fast-casual chains. For groups aiming to grab a quick and flavorful breakfast, the cart’s pricing is unbeatable, with items starting around $1.50 and topping out near $6, keeping the outing affordable yet satisfying. The rice rolls come ready with a savory soy-based sauce, scallions, cilantro, and hot sauce, ensuring every bite bursts with balanced flavors. The cart’s proximity to other local spots such as Hong Kong Supermarket gives groups the chance to grab complementary snacks or specialty drinks. Plus, standing or sitting outside in the morning light stimulates conversation and social energy — the perfect way to start a day together. Overall, Cheong Fun Cart offers a no-fuss, delicious, and sociable breakfast experience tailored to busy urban lifestyles.
What makes the food at Cheong Fun Cart so special for gatherings? The charm of Cheong Fun Cart lies in the mild yet satisfying textures and flavors of their signature dish: cheung fun, or steamed rice rolls. Each roll is made fresh, featuring a soft, springy, and chewy texture that serves as an ideal canvas for a variety of savory fillings. The popular choices include succulent pork, juicy fresh shrimp, sweet ham (similar to Spam), and dried shrimp that adds subtle crunch. These rolls come dressed in a signature soy-based sauce that is both slightly sweet and umami-rich, accented by scallions, cilantro, and spicy hot sauce. This straightforward, authentic flavor profile appeals broadly and suits groups with diverse tastes, ensuring everyone can find a favorite. The option to size the orders and add extra meat or eggs adds flexibility, making it easy for groups to mix and match plates and share bites. This sharing culture combined with well-executed traditional flavors promotes a warm group dynamic around the food. It’s food that unites through taste and the tactile joy of pulling apart the soft rolls together.
How accessible and convenient is Cheong Fun Cart for groups? Located in the heart of Chinatown, on a prominent corner by Hester and Elizabeth streets, Cheong Fun Cart is extremely easy to find — a crucial factor when planning group meetups. The cart is next to well-known landmarks like the Hong Kong Supermarket, making it a staple destination surrounded by other boutique shops and eateries. While it's primarily a grab-and-go cart with limited seating, the nearby urban parks and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks expand the available social space. The cart accepts cash only, so groups should come prepared to streamline ordering. It operates mostly in the morning until early afternoon, meaning groups planning a meetup should arrive early to ensure the best selection and avoid the cart running out of food. The fast-moving line typically encountered also means wait times are short, even for larger parties. Its wheelchair-accessible location and friendly, accommodating staff further enhance its suitability for varied groups. The combination of convenience, location, and efficiency makes Cheong Fun Cart a practical and attractive choice for meetups.
Why is the atmosphere at Cheong Fun Cart perfect for casual meetups? The vibe at Cheong Fun Cart is energetic yet relaxed, defined by the street-side setting in a vibrant Chinatown neighborhood. The lively urban sounds, the sight of steam rising from the freshly made rice rolls, and the aroma of the soy-based sauce create an authentically sensory experience. This environment contrasts with formal dining and invites casual mingling and spontaneous conversations. Standing together in line or gathered around with food in hand encourages easy, informal interaction. The limited menu and quick ordering process minimize decision fatigue and keep the focus on the social experience, allowing groups to connect without distractions. Moreover, the outdoor setting, especially on pleasant days, adds a fresh-air element that promotes longer hangouts, making it easy to extend the meetup by wandering the nearby streets or heading to a nearby park. This atmosphere is ideal for groups looking to relax, catch up, and share a taste of authentic street food culture.
What do reviews say about their group experience at Cheong Fun Cart? With over 270 reviews and an outstanding 4.6-star rating, Cheong Fun Cart enjoys a strong reputation among customers for its quality and value. Many reviews praise the consistent freshness and texture of the rice rolls, often highlighting how the cart handles crowds efficiently and keeps the line moving swiftly — a key factor for group visits. Customers mention that the cart’s portion sizes, while modest, are perfect for sampling multiple flavors when in a group, encouraging sharing and trying new combinations. Some reviews emphasize that the location’s convenience and affordability make it a top pick for casual outings, especially breakfast meetups. While a few reviewers note the simplicity of the offerings and occasional waits during peak times, the overall sentiment applauds the authentic taste and communal feel. Such feedback reinforces Cheong Fun Cart as a reliable and enjoyable spot for friends or family planning a casual, fun gathering centered around great food.
How can groups maximize their visit to Cheong Fun Cart? To make the most of a meetup at Cheong Fun Cart, arriving early is essential, ideally before mid-morning, as popular items tend to sell out later in the day. Since the cart operates on a cash-only basis, groups should ensure everyone has cash ready to streamline ordering. Encourage group members to choose different fillings and sizes, enabling everyone to share and taste a variety of rice rolls. Consider pairing the visit with a stroll to nearby Sara D. Roosevelt Park for seating and relaxing, transforming a quick snack into a memorable outdoor picnic. Additionally, take advantage of nearby shops to pick up complementary treats like frozen scallion pancakes or exotic snacks from Hong Kong Supermarket to round out the tasting experience. Planning for flexibility and a relaxed pace allows groups to savor the flavors and the vibrant Chinatown atmosphere without rush or fuss.
Why is Cheong Fun Cart a memorable choice for friends and family gatherings? Beyond its delicious menu, Cheong Fun Cart offers an authentic encounter with Chinatown’s street food scene, a cultural experience as flavorful as the cheung fun itself. Its blend of tradition, affordability, and bustling city energy makes it a gathering place that’s more than a meal — it’s a shared adventure. The cart simplifies meal prep and decision-making, allowing groups to focus on each other and the moment. Its location encourages exploration and extension of the meetup beyond just eating. For friends and family seeking a genuine taste of New York City’s diverse culinary tapestry in an informal, approachable setting, Cheong Fun Cart delivers both quality and atmosphere. That’s why this humble street cart stands out as a top destination to rally, reconnect, and enjoy good food and company in the heart of Chinatown.