62 Secret Kitchen Is Jersey City’s Cozy Chinese Sleeper Hit
It’s easy to miss 62 Secret Kitchen if you’re not looking for it; it’s nestled into a quiet block of Morris Street in Paulus Hook. The former home of Sky Thai, the storefront is all brick and understatement. A maroon banner printed with Chinese characters and dumpling photos hangs above the door; lanterns glow softly through the window. You’d walk past it on your way to somewhere flashier… and that would be a mistake.
Because this humble space is home to one of downtown Jersey City’s most exciting Chinese restaurants.
Inside, the dining room is warm and composed, bamboo paneling, subtle woodwork, and the hum of a kitchen that takes itself seriously. Tables fill early. Tea flows freely. And the menu? It goes far deeper than what’s printed in English.
The Vibe
If you had been here when the space was occupied by Sky Thai, you’ll be impressed with the number of tables they managed to comfortably fit into the restaurant. The decor has also been much improved. Service at 62 Secret Kitchen is attentive and fluid. Your teapot never runs cold. And if you ask about a dish, expect more than a shrug; the staff knows this food inside and out and is happy to walk you through it. There's pride here, and it's quiet but undeniable.
What to Order
We found the Peking Duck to be a standout though it won’t please every purist. The skin isn’t quite shatter-crisp, but the duck itself is deeply succulent, wrapped in fat and flavor, and served with pillowy bao, cucumber, scallions, and hoisin. It’s a dish that demands attention, even if it doesn’t need to show off.
Next, get into the dumplings. The Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) are handmade and satisfying, with hot broth and a savory pork center. The Scallion Pancake with Beef is flaky and chewy in all the right ways.
Beyond that, your table should look something like this:
Spicy Hot Pepper Chicken – Dry-fried and wildly spicy. Addictive and unapologetic.
Blue Crab with Rice Cake – Chewy, saucy, and ideal for sharing.
Salted Egg Yolk Lion’s Head Meatballs – Big, braised, and rich.
Ham and Pork Belly Soup with Vegetables – Deep, peppery broth with melt-in-your-mouth pork.
Osmanthus Oolong Tea – Elegant, floral, and consistently refilled without asking.
For Locals, By Locals
We’re not here to debate authenticity, and honestly, you don’t need to be either. What matters is that 62 Secret Kitchen has found its audience: Jersey City locals who want more than cookie-cutter Chinese-American takeout (though Chinese-American staples can be found on the menu). This place is a step forward. The room fills with first-timers and regulars alike, and people linger, savoring every dish like they know they’ve found something special.
The VIP Menu (Yes, There’s a Secret Menu)
Ask about the VIP Private Dining Menu and you’ll be handed a gold-lettered page (in Chinese only) filled with next-level banquet dishes. These aren’t everyday meals. Think:
Four Treasures Soup (with sea cucumber, fish maw, and conch)
Double Lobster
Emperor Crab Three Ways – steamed, stir-fried, or served over silky egg custard
Truffle Wagyu Beef
Live Fish (Steamed or Spicy-Sautéed)
You’ll need to call ahead for most of it, but if you’re looking to impress a table of friends or family, this is how you do it.
Final Thoughts
62 Secret Kitchen isn’t loud. It’s not trendy. And it’s not trying to be the next TikTok sensation. It’s something better: a neighborhood gem doing honest, carefully made food, with just enough secrets to keep you coming back.
62 Secret Kitchen 中餐厅·私房菜
📍 62 Morris St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
📞 (201) 333-4311
🕒 Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11:30am – 9:00pm
🌐 62secretkitchen.com
