Oy vey, has it been another year already? It feels like just yesterday we were debating the merits of spare ribs versus boneless ribs for our 2024 wrap-up. But here we are, the chopstick wrappers have been cleared, the fortune cookies cracked (and hopefully not too many “Bad Luck” ones for 2026), and it’s time to look back at the year in chow mein, dumplings, and the never-ending search for the perfect General Tso’s.
2025 was a year of “The Quest” digging deeper. We ventured further into the boroughs, revisited some old faithfuls on the Island, and even argued about whether “authentic” Szechuan is too spicy for a Tuesday night.
Here is The Chinese Quest’s Official 2025 Year-End Review.
The “People’s Choice” Reign Continues: Kwong Ming
Let’s get the big one out of the way. For yet another year, the good people of Long Island have spoken, and Kwong Ming in Wantagh has taken the crown (again!) as the Best Chinese Restaurant on Long Island for 2025.
We get it. It’s consistent. It’s comforting. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold Nassau County night. Is it the most “authentic” experience that will transport you to a Chengdu street market? Maybe not. But when you need that classic, old-school Cantonese fix—the kind that defines the Jewish-American Christmas tradition—Kwong Ming delivers. The ribs are still meaty, the egg rolls are still crispy, and the line is still out the door. Respect the King.
The 2025 Standouts: Where We Ate Good
While the public loves the classics, The Quest is about finding the hidden gems. Here were a few spots that made our chopsticks dance this year:
Sweet Wonton House (Little Neck): This was a delightful surprise we reviewed earlier this year. If you haven’t been, the name isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a promise. The delicate skins and savory broths here reminded us why we drive past five other takeout joints to get to the good stuff.
Kings Kitchen (Flushing): We took a field trip to the “Motherland” (Queens) this fall, and Kings Kitchen did not disappoint. The Roast Pork here is the stuff dreams are made of—sweet, charred, and tender. It’s worth the traffic on the LIE.
Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings (Westbury): We are thrilled to see high-quality soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) becoming a staple on the Island. No longer do we have to trek to Flushing for that explosion of hot soup and pork. Nan Xiang in Westbury has solidified its place in our rotation. The crab and pork dumplings? Mee-licious.
Mee Musings: The State of the Plate
2025 saw a trend of “Fusion” trying to sneak its way back in. We saw some menus offering “Cheeseburger Egg Rolls” and other abominations. We say: Stop it. Stick to what works.
We also noticed a rise in “Szechuan” spots that actually bring the heat. To the brave chefs at O Mandarin and Spice Workshop: thank you for not watering it down for us. We might sweat, we might cry, but we will keep eating.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we turn the calendar, our resolution remains the same: To eat. To critique. To find that elusive “Perfect 5” restaurant that brings a tear to Mee Magnum’s eye.
To our loyal readers, thank you for riding shotgun on this gastronomic journey. May your 2026 be filled with good fortune, great friends, and even better food. And remember, if you’re hungry an hour later, you did it right.
Based upon the Quest’s recommendation for a szechuan restaurant in Suffolk County, I set out to eat at the Spice Workshop in Centereach,After driving for an hour, I arrived at the address 2503 Middle Country Road.
All I could see was construction inside, not a soul around and the sign hanging lopsided from above the window. A glance at my phone provided a website with a phone number. I called and the person who answered said,” I don’t speak English.”I gave up and returned to an old standby The Green Tree Restaurant,and had a perfectly delicious meal which saved the day but it wasn’t szechuan.
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The Chinese Quest Finding the best Chinese restaurants on Long Island and NYC
Based upon the Quest’s recommendation for a szechuan restaurant in Suffolk County, I set out to eat at the Spice Workshop in Centereach,After driving for an hour, I arrived at the address 2503 Middle Country Road.
All I could see was construction inside, not a soul around and the sign hanging lopsided from above the window. A glance at my phone provided a website with a phone number. I called and the person who answered said,” I don’t speak English.”I gave up and returned to an old standby The Green Tree Restaurant,and had a perfectly delicious meal which saved the day but it wasn’t szechuan.