You won't find wontons quite like the ones in Flushing, Queens. Melia Robinson/Business Insider New York City contains the largest ethnic Chinese population outside of Asia. And while Manhattan's Chinatown gets most of the hype — with its cheap wontons and cheaper knock-off designer purses — many would argue it's not the most authentic enclave.

Flushing, Queens, has emerged as New York's bigger and better Chinatown. Home to more than 30,000 people born in China, the out-of-the-way neighborhood boasts mouthwatering street food, bubble tea cafés on every corner, and entire stores dedicated to ancient herbal remedies.

I set out to explore Flushing's culinary offerings during a recent visit. I won't soon forget it.