Cha Cha Tang, a new restaurant in New York City, offers one of the best Chinese duck dishes in the city. The restaurant is a collaboration between owner John McDonald and partner Wilson Tang. Wilson Tang is known for his work in the revival of the Nom Wah Tea Parlor in 2010. Cha Cha Tang is a Cantonese-inspired restaurant that brings tradition with a few modern touches to the bustling block where Sixth Avenue meets West Houston Street. The 80-seat location was previously McDonald’s Hancock Street, which was an American restaurant that did not achieve the success he had hoped for.
Wilson Tang, a New York-born Chinatown native, partnered with John McDonald to create Cha Cha Tang. McDonald also owns popular restaurants like Lure Fish Bar, Bowery Meat Co., and Mexican Bar Tulix. He previously owned Chinatown Brasserie, which closed in 2013, and has been eager to open a new Chinese restaurant ever since. The success of a pop-up event at Hancock Street inspired them to transform it into Cha Cha Tang full-time.
Cha Cha Tang has made some subtle changes to the dining room to enhance the ambiance without overwhelming patrons with a theme. The menu includes familiar dim sum items, but the focus is on large-portion chef’s specials. The Cantonese roasted duck is a must-try dish that stands out for its intense flavor and generous portions. The duck is marinated in Chinese five-spice, licorice root, and ginger overnight, creating a deeply gamy taste that is different from traditional Peking duck.
The restaurant usually has eighteen ducks available daily, but they often sell out due to high demand. Other menu highlights include XO jasmine fried rice, Macao-style chicken curry, and original egg rolls. Brunch is also offered at Cha Cha Tang, featuring griddled Hong Kong French Toast with condensed milk and sweet cream butter. The restaurant aims to deliver excellent Chinese cuisine in a welcoming and comfortable environment, offering a unique dining experience for guests in New York City.
Overall, Cha Cha Tang has quickly become a popular spot in the city, offering high-quality Chinese dishes in a vibrant setting. The collaboration between John McDonald and Wilson Tang has resulted in a successful dining experience that merges tradition with modern touches. The Cantonese roasted duck is a standout dish that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to exceptional flavor and generous portions. With subtle changes to the dining room and a focus on chef’s specials, Cha Cha Tang has established itself as a top destination for Chinese cuisine in New York City.
