A Day in Chinatown
Columbus Park
Just a few minutes inside of Columbus Park your (physical and cultural) senses will be woken. It’s a small park, customarily frequented by Chinese musicians who perform traditional Chinese songs. You’ll also find a number of groups of people doing tai-chi, and many older Chinese gents playing the traditional Chinese card game of mahjong. Interestingly, Columbus Park is also the converging location of the Five Points (remember Martin Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York?”)
Church of the Transfiguration
One the most multi-cultural spiritual places in NYC is located in Chinatown. The Church of the Transfiguration was erected in 1801 as a Lutheran congregation. It soon turned Roman Catholic, with the emergence of Irish and Italian families in the area. Today, the church remains intact, and also is considered to cater to one of the largest congregations of Chinese Roman Catholics in the Western World.
Quong Yuen Shing General Store
The history of Chinatown beings with two landmarks: Quong Yuen Shing General Store and Chinese Theater at Doyers Street. Having opened in 1891, the general store is the longest continuously family-operated store in the area. The store was a place where immigrants could converge and share stories, and where illiterate immigrants could receive assistance in writing to loved ones back home. But two years after 9/11, the store couldn’t continue to function, unable to recover from the damage of the attacks. Today, the spot has reopened as a gift shop. The former Chinese Theater is located at 57 Doyers and was also known as the Chinese Opera House. This was the very first Chinese-language theater in the country east of San Francisco.
Pell Street
There’s one street in Chinatown – beside Canal – that you can’t miss walking down. The narrow, yet colorful Pell Street is lined with 100-plus year-old tenement buildings. With a strong influx of Chinese storefronts, awnings and flags, the stretch has become one the most photographed streets in the city as it personifies Chinatown.
Lung Moon Bakery
The Chinese culture isn’t high on breakfast, but you’ll be amazed at the baked goods at Lung Moon Bakery on Mulberry Street. The shop bakes everything on premises and features probably the tastiest morning treat in the form of their egg tart. Also enjoy the Chinese treats such as Sachima (butter cookie) and pineapple buns. No wonder this understated Chinese bakery has been the staple of the neighborhood for many years.
Great NY Noodletown
In the era of great noodle shops, the best still remains in Chinatown. at the Great NY Noodletown. The owners continue to churn out a product that is far superior to anyone else’s, including crunchy pan-fried noodles and softer selections. The deliciousness comes with your choice of roasted pork, duck, chicken, ribs, or a suckling pig.
Aji Ichiban Candy Store
Despite the Japanese name, the Aji Ichiban Candy Store is all Chinese. The sweets shop is easily the most enjoyable experience you will find in Chinatown. The store carries many interesting Chinese treats, candied baby crab or preserved rose petals – to name but a few. They also specialize in an impressive collection of gummy treats, and an array of dried fruits, nuts, and jerky – all excellent candidates for today’s exploration.
A Night in Chinatown
Royal Seafood Restaurant
Even within the dim sum-dominated neighborhood, the Royal Seafood restaurant stands out. The restaurant dishes out incredible and authentic Chinese food such as dumplings, pork fried rice, braised short ribs and chicken feet. The best part is that meals are served family style so you could all share your dumplings or turnips. If the wait is too long, hit up Oriental Garden or Lalito.
Whiskey Tavern
There’s nothing better after a long day of eating delicious foods – than having some whiskey. In Chinatown, the Whiskey Tavern has become the perfect place for locals to sip on affordable yet great drinks. In fact, the bar has become so successful that it has five other locations. Whiskey Tavern carries more than 100 whiskies and selected spirits. There’s also a strong beer list that features local craft beers such as Six Point Sweet Action.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Easily the best tea spot in Chinatown is the Nom Wah Tea Parlor. This was, in fact, Chinatown’s first tea shop as it opened in 1920. Today, the shop is very much like a regular coffee shop, offering baked goods such as almond cookies, lotus paste and red bean filled treats.
