To update my post earlier in this thread, the Grand Sichuan at 50th and 9th has indeed closed. I still stand by the one on 9th around 26th being good, though. I've never been to the east side ones, but would trust that they're decent, too.

I now live on the edges of Chinatown so I've had a little more time to explore, although still not to the degree I'd like.

I'm a big fan of Congee Village on Allen between Broome and Delancey. Their American-style Chinese isn't all that great (I'd go to Shun Lee if it's great sesame/lemon/general tso that you're after). But their congee (rice porridge) is delicious and their menu is filled with interesting things most Americans have never tasted before. It's also very reasonably priced and is a crazy fun atmosphere (think a Disneyland ride done in poor taste). If you're really lucky, it'll be somebody's birthday and they'll play their birthday song recording (on which the word "birthday" is pronounced "birsday" as the singer apparently can't make "th" sounds).

On the far more down-home front, in addition to all the dumpling places on Eldridge (and scattered throughout Chinatown) that are mentioned earlier in the thread, there's China North Dumpling on Essex just off Hester that is wonderfully tasty and amazingly cheap. I'm not sure if it's truly better than all the other dumpling places, but it's the closest to my apartment so we go there a fair amount.

You might also try the Ling Kee jerky store on Canal right by Ludlow for a tasty home-made meat snack. And of course stop by the produce stands on Grand around Eldridge St to pick up some interesting fruit for dessert. They have great pummelos this time of year.