Although not a store, when you step out of Grand St. Station, you might come across a woman sitting on a stool selling zongzi--Chinese rice dumplings. Her English is limited, but she has a very thorough menu with the ingredients of each of her zongzi. There are both sweet and savory options. I ended up choosing her classic Cantonese one and loved it. Lots of filling and generous portion for only $3. Please come out and support this small business! read more

Zongzi lady - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

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Sweet old lady selling Zhongzi on a busy street corner in bustling Manhattan. She offers all different varieties from several regions of Asia. I got the Taiwanese, Cantonese and Shanghai ones. The larger Taiwanese & Cantonese ones are $4 and the smaller Shanghai ones are $3. I didn't find much of a difference between the Taiwanese and Cantonese ones except the Cantonese ones have the duck egg yolk inside. The Shanghai ones have a pork only filling but the rice is darker because it's seasoned with soy sauce. Overall, her Zhongzi are all solid, homemade and a good value. Tasting them reminded me of the ones my grandma use to make. Plus always happy to support hard working street vendors who don't get nearly as much attention and exposure than restaurants. Give her a try! read more

Zongzi lady - Taiwanese (left with the red/white string), Cantonese (back with the white string) and Shanghai (front with the red/white string) - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

I can't tell you how many times I have tried to find Zongzi Lady. I always came too early. On this day I finally found her - at 4:15 pm. She's such an amiable lady. We had conversation as if we were old friends. She was surprisingly receptive to having her pictures taken also, in addition to my selfies. I could tell she's a contented person. She limits how many zongzi she sells and how many hours she works, like this was just a hobby. Since we were travelling and can't stock up, we only bought 2, the Taiwanese kind for about $3 each. They had fatty pork, shitake mushrooms and peanuts (and dry shrimps I think) in them. The sticky rice had definition, wasn't soggy and the taste was on point. The only ingredients I would have loved was raw garlic and a few drips of Sriracha sauce because that was how I would eat one if my Mom made it at home. But that's out of scope. I would advise that you try to find her early, especially on a hot summer day if food safety is your concern. Anyways, I am very glad to have finally got this one checked off from my NYC bucket list! read more

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Still the best zongzi in Chinatown, sold weekday afternoons (and possibly other times) right outside the entrance of the B/D subway stop at Grand and Chrystie Streets. This woman (a little older now, walking with a bit of a limp... my heart really goes out to her) is as kind, sweet, and humble as ever... and despite all the inflation, her zongzi are still a jaw-droppingly low price of $2 and $3. I wondered if perhaps quality might be lower given that prices have remained static for quite a while, but no... these zongzi are still absolutely perfect, with moist, tender, flavorful rice, generously filled with high quality ingredients. We like the Shanghai style ($2) for the kiddos, especially, since the stewed pork filling and perfectly fragrant, soy sauce seasoned rice are accessible and hard to dislike (if you eat animal protein anyway). The Taiwanese style ($3) is the everything-but-the-kitchen sink version with pork, peanuts, dried shrimp, shiitake mushrooms. It's full of umami. I'm pretty anti dried shrimp, but love the other ingredients so much, I end up with at least one of these zongzi every visit. The only sign of these inflationary times is that she uses a bit less of the dried shrimp ingredient nowadays -- and that's a good thing in my book. I used to love the zongzi at Sun Ming Jan, the famous sausage store on Hester near Eldridge. These days, they are still pretty good -- and of course their sausages and other preserved meat products remain famous / insanely popular for good reason. But SMJ doesn't hold a candle to the Zongzi Lady.* Hers are without a doubt the best you can find in Manhattan's Chinatown and perhaps anywhere. Michelin and James Beard folks take note! * This article identifies her as "Mrs. Soo." https://www.mottstreetgirls.com/chinatown/zongzi-lady read more

I was looking for the Zongzi lady about a month ago but didn't see her (but I did go in the afternoon and seems like she comes later in the day). But on Sunday, I was passing by not expecting to see her and she was there! She was very friendly and gave me a little menu in English that explained all the zongzi flavors. I think the Tainan and the Guangzhou zongzi are $3 each and the rest are $2. I got a Shanghai one to try for $2. I would say it's a medium sized zongzi. I went home and I steamed it. First thing I noticed was the rice was fragrant and the flavor was so good. Usually when I eat zongzi, I tend to just eat the filling and leave the rice but this rice was so good. Inside was a simple filling of just pork but it was generous and felt like the perfect ratio of rice to meat. Since hours aren't set, it's a hit or miss looking for her but it's worth it. The zongzi are delicious and affordable. read more

Zongzi lady - Shanghai zongzi - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

The Zongzi lady is a grand street gem! I don't know if she's has a specific hour but if you do see here definitely go check out her zongzi collections. I always get the Taiwanese one because that's the one I'm most familiar with. I also prefer savory over sweet leaf rice! It's quite delicious and closely resembles the ones I've had in Taiwan. read more

The Zhongzi lady sells delicious zhongzi for an amazing price (around $3 max). They are filling and scrumptious! On our short trip to NYC, we made several trips to this corner in the attempt of getting some! She is a very sweet lady overall as well, and all of her zhongzi are artistfully crafted ~ and it shows in the taste! Ordered several savory and sweet zongzi. The red bean zhongzi stood out to me and 100% would say this was the peak of dessert in Chinatown! I am still thinking about it ~ She appears to arrive around 2 pm in the afternoon. We made the mistake of coming very early in the morning to find her, but we just spent the rest of the day in Chinatown before enjoying our Zhongzi. read more

Zongzi lady - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

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Delicious! We tried the Taiwanese and Cantonese zongji. They're authentically made and of quality ingredients. What a bargain for $3! read more

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Incredible deal. Authentic and, though her ingredients aren't as generous as the zhongs my grandma used to make, these definitely hit that hankering for Toisan style Zhongs. Glad I hunted her down! She has both Tue peanut and mung bean options. Wished she put in dried shrimp and Portuguese sausage. I'd pay more for those. read more

Picture a badass, Fujianese grandma setting up shop on the corner of Grand and Chrystie. She don' speak much english, and her mandarin accent is thick, but you gotta respect that hustlin' energy she got. For $2 each zongzi, with about 8 different flavors to select from, you can't be beat. The rice is sticky, the zongzis are big, and the meaty ones are piping hot. In fact, I'd like to know where else in the city can you get zongzi, please do send me a DM if you found anywhere cheaper than this. Imagine if this was your grandma hustlin' on the street, you heartless if you give anything less than a five star to her. read more

Zongzi lady - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

賣粽啊婆? We all know who she is. Even if you don't know what she looks like, you probably know what she sounds like. People tell me they wouldn't trust her food. She probably prepares everything in a large bathtub or out in the open with god knows what. Well, I think her zhong is great. To be honest, I didn't try it for the longest time and only had it while I was pregnant and was craving for some zhong. No regrets. I just wished they were slightly bigger. But what do you expect for $2? It's already a bargain. I even got my dad into it. He's currently staying with my sister in NJ, and every once in a while, he'd ask me to get some for him. Most recently, he'd asked me to get him 6 green bean zong, but she had just run out. She told me she had help coming with some more in 10 minutes. When they arrived, the zong was still fresh and hot! I'd highly recommend anyone to go give her some business! You won't regret it. read more

Every time I pass by the Zongzi lady, I tear up. Hearing her voice soar through the streets of Chinatown, I can't help but wonder if she is living a good life for herself selling the zong as low as $3. Does she get rest? Does she spend her nights wrapping them till late? Does she have family to take care of her? She works so hard. I love getting the Taiwan and Shanghai Zongzi. I personally like savoury ones better than sweet. It's wrapped beautifully, she is generous with the fillings. I like to steam it till it's smoking hot before eating it, tastes so wholesome and full of love. Please support her. read more

Zongzi lady - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

I tried the Cantonese, Taiwanese, and red bean joong and all were fantastic. Highly recommend stopping by if you see her!

We got the Shanghainese zongzi with two different versions, they tasted just like homemade ones. Sometimes I got them on the street corner and other times I picked up from their door step. I called the day before the zongzi festival and was told they would sell out fast on the day of the festival, the old guy put aside the ones I requested and asked me to pick up the zongzi earlier during the day. read more

My favorite is the TAINAN ZONGZI! Stick with this one and you would he happy. $2 only.... Zongzi lady!!! read more

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I love the Zongzi lady! Delicious and affordable zongzi with a variety of options. She recently updated her menu and now it has a really helpful description and drawing of all the contents of the available zongzi. I've had the Cantonese style, Shanghai style, and red bean zongzi, all are fantastic. She's the best place to get zongzi year round and snagging a couple for a last minute meal or snack is always a highlight to my Chinatown visits. You can steam it to reheat, but I normally heat mine up in the microwave by wetting/dampening a paper towel, wrapping the zongzi in it, and heating it for 2-3 minutes. read more

Zongzi lady - Menu with description of items - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

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I always try to buy zongs (粽) from this grandma and another woman from Elizabeth Street when I can if I am in Chinatown. I always had it as a lunch / dinner. My favorites are always the non-sweet ones like a Shanghainese / ones with peanuts in them. She and many old time vendors really make up the breath and souls of the Chinese community. Every time I passed by the corner of Chrystie and Grand street, she always served as as a reminder for me of relentless and the strengths of human beings. I have a lot of respect for her as she reminded me of my own grandmother. read more

No notes this was fabulous had the Taiwanese pork and the mung bean one and they were fantastic

Incredibly flavorful, filling, and inexpensive zongzi ($2-3 each)! I hadn't tasted a good zongzi in nearly a decade before finding zongzi lady and was losing hope on finding any in the US, but hers are as good as my grandmother's, if not better. I had the meat-filled Shanghai-style one, and it was especially wonderful heated up a minute in the microwave--I would have bought twenty more to freeze if I hadn't had to leave town the next day. I don't know how this lady has the energy to make dozens of zongzi to sell each day in all kinds of weather, so please please please support her if you get the chance!! You won't regret it! read more

Zongzi lady - Shanghai-style zongzi with soy sauce and meat filling -- wonderfully wrapped - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

She's usually there until five, sometimes a little bit later. 3 to 4 of the buns makes a decent meal. Just take them home. Microwave it on low low for about two minutes to warm it up a little bit. You can add some soy sauce if you want to. It's delicious. If you're in the area, definitely grab a few to take home and you can always put them in the fridge for snack later read more

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A culinary celebrity in Chinatown for those who have a craving for Zongzi (ie sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves). The Zongzi lady is a grandma street vendor operating out of a Coleman cooler on the street. We canvased the neighborhood to find her on a street corner. The Zongzis were $2 each?! I bought bagfuls to bring home for the freezer. read more

Zongzi lady - The famous Zongzi Lady - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

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You'll find this cute Fujianese woman at the corner of Christie and Grand St, yelling "baaaa zhaaanggg", which is the Minnanese name for these delightful sticky rice balls wrapped in bamboo leaves. These things are amazing, and I love to always keep a few in my freezer as a backup for a quick, delicious meal when I don't have time to cook. Best way to reheat is to steam them (I recommend getting a cheap $1-3 steam basket from any Chinatown grocery or kitchen supply store), or you can just wrap them in a wet paper towel and throw them in the microwave. I always like to add a sweet chili sauce to them. Cash only. She has an English menu if you want to read descriptions. Hope everyone can go out and support her! read more

Delicious and affordable zongzi! I bought the Shanghainese, Cantonese and Taiwanese zongzis. If you don't know how to read Chinese, she has an English menu with a full list of ingredients. Each zongzi was $3-4. I bought a few and froze them when I got home. Preheating was super simple: just steam for half an hour or thaw before microwaving for 2-3 minutes. read more

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I'm skeptical of eating anything on the street but was insanely surprised to see how much fresh ingredients were used. I had quality dried shrimp, mung bean, peanuts and tender chunks of pork in a savoury and genuinely stick rice! She absolutely put effort and love into making these zhongs. Highly recommend. It's now $2.50-$3.00 because you know inflation and covid times. She's there everyday from 9AM - at least 6PM I want to say. She's hustling and eventhough she can't say much English she's so lovely and grateful to see people buying her beloved food. Don't make my mistake and only get one - get five!!!! read more

Zongzi lady - Authentic sticky rice wrap - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

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**CASH ONLY** $2 for a Zongzi! Great variety and handmade by a very sweet lady. I can't speak Chinese, but thank you to the Yelp world for posting the English menu online and she also has one with her too. Fortunately, she speaks Mandarin and Cantonese, so my very limited Cantonese was able to get me what I wanted. I got 3 Shanghai Style Zongzi. I didn't eat mine right away, but I did eat it later on and it was still amazing. I grew up eating Zongzi because my grandmas would make them and so I've always loved them and really hope to make them one day! This woman and her Zongzis are truly gems. The amount she makes it's incredible for one woman. I wish I had my Dad with me so we could talk to her and learn her story. I went on a Sunday (of Labor Day weekend) around 2:00PM ~ and she was there. Based on the number of Zongzi she had, it looked like she just set up shop. If you're in the area, I'd get a moment to see if she's there and get some because they're great. I'll definitely buy many many more (and totally should have when I was there) the next time I'm there and see her. read more

Zongzi lady - Shanghai Style Zongzi - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

Ahahah holy shit she has a yelp? That's amazing and insane. You will hear her shouting by the subway on grand, can't miss her.

I wasted too many years walking past and missing out. Don't be me. Be better, get zongzi from the zongzhi lady. NW corner of Grand & Chrystie. They're delicious and such a good deal. I added some chili crisp on the side but ate the rest unadorned. It's got so much flavor on its own. I need another one ASAP. read more

Zongzi lady - NW corner of Grand & Chrystie. - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

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She makes the most amazing zongzi. Everything is flavored so well. I recently got her black rice zongzi (the only vegetarian one on the menu). It had generous amounts of chestnut and peanuts mixed with the rice. She also speaks so many languages! I started ordering in Mandarin but when I asked if she had Taiwan style zongzi, she switched to Taiwanese and we started conversing in that language. She was speaking Cantonese with the customer before me. She is really impressive on so many levels! read more

I had no idea there was a review page dedicated to this lady but I'll add my two cents and say these are great, have bought zhongzi from her multiple times and haven't had an issue with quality. Haven't been back in a while and hope she's doing ok! read more

So delicious and brings back so much nostalgia! Absolutely recommend - you can't beat $1-2 per zongzi. The texture of the sticky rice and flavoring of her zongzi fillinga are right on, will definitely be coming back to get my zongzi fix! Found her at her usual spot (at the corner next to Grand station) at 3:30PM. If you text the number labelled English on her name card (it's posted on this Yelp page) ahead of time, she can reserve zongzis for you. I had reserved 7 shanghai pork and 7 red bean paste zongzis and the pick up/payment exchange was very easy. read more

Zongzi lady - Shanghai pork zongzi, Shanghai red bean paste zongzi - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

Just bought three Zongzi from her! Two with red bean fillings and one with peanuts. Just as previous reviewers said, she is usually around 3pm-7:30pm. The lady says she sometimes moves her stand nearby if the spot is occupied by other sellers. So it might be a good idea to walk around and try your luck if you don't see her in her usual spot! read more

Went last Friday at ~3:30pm and she was there! Really delicious and cheap. Especially since we're so close to dragon boat festival, this was a pleasant surprise. read more

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Update: I went back recently to Chinatown and the zongzi lady is back!! Turns out she was only in China for a month. Glad to have her back and finally told her her zongzi are the best. read more

Her zongzi are $2 to $3, are pretty filling, and she's been selling them for years. This lady is a legend. I'm not sure how she's not selling out every day (as far as I know) given how much inflation has affected prices generally in Chinatown today. One downside is while you can eat it right after buying, you want to eat it reheated after a minute in the microwave or steamed. The other downside is her menu's in Chinese only. You'd have to be pretty heartless or unlucky with what you bought to dock a star for these reasons though. read more

Friends! The lovely grandma who sells Zongzi on the corner of Grand and Chrystie is out and about this winter! Please go support her on these cold cold days of February!! Her glutinous rice dumplings are still the M O S T delicious zongzi I've ever had (even better than my mom's--don't tell her I told you). My favorite are the Cantonese style with mung beans, peanuts, egg yolk, and pork. They are HUGE, filled with goodies, and heat up super well in the microwave. Some of you may be wondering how to store and eat these at home: I literally buy a million at a time and store them in my freezer. Whenever I want a delicious lunch or super-filling midday snack, I pop it into the microwave straight from the freezer for 3.5minutes on high. The bamboo leaf wrapper helps seal in the moisture and they reheat beautifully from the freezer. She's cash only, and the dumplings are $2-$3 each. Buy some next time you're at the Grand and Chrystie intersection! Your tastebuds will thank you! read more

This is the only place I'll ever purchase zongzi from in NYC. My mom used to make them all the time at home but I haven't lived at home for many years. I also have never made it myself This place is very authentic. It tastes just like my mom's. Very sweet lady. She has a couple of different flavors ranging from peanuts, pork, red bean, salted egg, mung bean , etc. My favorites are the one it's Mung bean, peanuts, and pork. Cash only of course. Also I typically eat mine room temp or slightly cold. It still tastes great. But if you want it warm, pop it in the microwave with a wet paper towel wrapping around it for a minute or two. read more

I hadn't seen her in a while and was wondering if she was still around.. apparently i just missed her as her hours are 330-8PM. She gave me her card as well which im sharing for all and the google translation Tainan Roasted Meat Wonton, Steamed Wonton in Seasoning, Shanghai Meat Wonton, Shanghai Bean Paste Brown, Peanut Salted Brown, Mung Bean Salted Brown, Black Glutinous Rice Brown read more

Zongzi lady - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

Grandma is killing it with her delicious homemade zongzi. Try them all and you wont be disappointed.

The zongzi lady is an enduring and persistent part of this block, neighborhood, and New York life. She stays until everything sells out, so come early if you want to buy! read more

Zongzi lady - Menu - Street Vendors Near Me - New York, New York

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If you come out of the subway on grand street, you've probably heard her. She's an amazing chef and a gem of Chinatown. Everything she sells is super good, and honestly, you can't go wrong. To reheat, haters say you need a steamer. 90 seconds in the microwave is perfect; 2.5 min if you want it hot. Cash only, obviously read more