"Chinatown's classic cart dim sum hall — Golden Unicorn has rolled trolleys of dumplings through its banquet floors since 1989, great value for a group."
About Golden Unicorn
Golden Unicorn opened at 18 East Broadway, on the corner of Catherine Street in New York's Chinatown, in 1989 — the neighbourhood's first upscale Cantonese banquet-style dining room with rolling-cart dim sum. Spread across multiple banquet floors reached by elevator, it remains one of the city's defining dim sum experiences, with the clatter of trolleys threading between big round tables. Its standing is recognised by a place in the MICHELIN Guide.
For more of the city's Chinese cooking, compare the stylish Chinese Tuxedo, the Sichuan Hwa Yuan and the bold Mission Chinese Food. Golden Unicorn belongs to the city's Chinese dining scene.
The Kitchen
By day, the draw is the cart dim sum: trolleys circle the floor with har gow shrimp dumplings, siu mai, barbecue pork buns, rice-noodle rolls and egg tarts, the chefs starting at eight each morning to make the day's batches by hand. Beyond dim sum there is a full Cantonese menu of seafood, roast meats and banquet dishes, and dim sum is served at dinner too. Prices are gentle for the city — a generous spread of carts lands in the mid-range — which makes it a value standout.
The Room
The room is a proper banquet hall: large, bustling and built for big round tables, family gatherings and celebrations, reached by elevator from the East Broadway entrance. It is energetic and functional rather than designed, with the carts and the crowd providing the atmosphere. Weekend dim sum mornings draw a queue, so arriving early or booking for larger groups is wise.
Best for a Team Dinner
Big round tables, rolling carts and gentle prices make Golden Unicorn a natural team dinner or family birthday in New York. The banquet format also suits a celebratory group first date over shared plates.
Not for
Not for an intimate, quiet dinner or a refined tasting menu — Golden Unicorn is a large, busy banquet hall built around carts, crowds and big round tables.
Frequently Asked
What is Golden Unicorn in New York known for?
It is a Chinatown banquet hall, open since 1989, known for rolling-cart dim sum, a full Cantonese menu and a place in the MICHELIN Guide, at 18 East Broadway.
Does Golden Unicorn still do cart dim sum?
Yes — trolleys circle the floor with har gow, siu mai, barbecue pork buns, rice-noodle rolls and egg tarts, and dim sum is served at dinner as well as during the day.
Where is Golden Unicorn located?
At 18 East Broadway, on the corner of Catherine Street in Chinatown, New York; the dining floors are reached by elevator from the East Broadway entrance.
How much does dim sum cost at Golden Unicorn?
It is good value for the city — a generous spread of cart dishes for a group lands in the mid-range, with each cart plate modestly priced.
Is Golden Unicorn good for groups?
Yes — it is a banquet hall built for big round tables, making it a strong choice for family gatherings, celebrations and team dinners.
Is Golden Unicorn in the Michelin Guide?
Yes — it is listed in the MICHELIN Guide, recognising its consistency and authentic Cantonese dim sum.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Golden Unicorn
Weekend mornings draw a queue; arrive early or book for larger groups.
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Practical Information
Address18 East Broadway, Chinatown, New York
NeighbourhoodChinatown
CuisineCantonese / Dim Sum
PriceMid-range; modest per-cart prices
Dress CodeCasual
SeatingMulti-floor banquet hall, big round tables
ReservationWalk-in; book for groups
