The White Bear is a well-known restaurant that specializes in delicious dishes, especially their legendary spicy wontons, which are a must-try for any food lover. The restaurant operates on a takeout-only and cash-only basis, which may be inconvenient for some customers. Despite this, the #6 wontons in chili oil are highly praised and considered worth the effort—they are spicy, flavorful, and full of taste. Customers also enjoy their dan dan noodles, which are more Northern style rather than traditional Sichuan. The restaurant is a small, hole-in-the-wall place, served through a slit in a door, adding to its unique charm. The vibrant food scene nearby shows the diversity of cuisine available, from Chinese to Indian, Mexican, Jewish, African, and Tibetan. Many visitors recommend eating the food in the street or at the park just down the block. Overall, the White Bear offers a satisfying experience for those seeking authentic Chinese flavors and spicy dumplings.
Hot chili oil dumplings…so delicious I will think about them everyday
April 2026
Fresh, hot, delicious. Got the #6 chili wontons as with most of the recommendations. Pay in cash through the small window - no seating but there’s a park area around the corner.
March 2026
I loved that the chili oil was actually spicy. Was a tad bit too salty for me but the dumplings were delicious and flavorful. I ordered the spicy ones and plain ones. Total was $20.
Dumpling aficionados trek to this closet-size eatery to order the No. 6: A dozen pork wontons ($7), doused in roasted chili oil and topped with a smattering of diced pickled vegetables, arrives on a Styrofoam plate. Despite more than 30 items on the menu, it?s the only dish everyone seems to order?and for good reason. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things do in NYC