Who we are

To our new guests, welcome. To our longtime friends, welcome back.

Hwa Yuan first opened in the 1980s, founded by the legendary Chef Shorty Tang, whose bold flavors and warm hospitality helped shape New York’s love for Sichuan cuisine. What began as a family restaurant in the heart of Chinatown quickly became a citywide favorite, drawing locals, travelers, and icons alike, including Steve McQueen, Peter Falk, Paul Newman, and acclaimed food critic Mimi Sheraton. Chef Tang’s Cold Sesame Noodles became a New York staple and introduced generations of diners to the depth, balance, and heat of authentic Sichuan cooking.

Today, Chef Chen Lien Tang continues his father’s legacy with the same dedication to craft and hospitality. Under his direction, Hwa Yuan has been reimagined for a new era while remaining true to its roots. Guests can expect refined “Sichuan-world” cuisine that blends tradition with modern creativity, honoring both the history of the restaurant and the energy of the city it calls home.

Across three floors, Hwa Yuan offers an atmosphere that is both elegant and welcoming, from intimate dinners to lively gatherings. Each meal celebrates the ingredients, technique, and care that have defined the Tang family’s cooking for decades.

Hwa Yuan invites you to experience the flavor, heritage, and warmth that made it a New York classic.