Joan SchneiderChinatown offers tastes you can only find in the East, without the hefty plane ticket.
Chinatown is home to over 150,000 Asian immigrants. Many are from the Toisan and Fujian provinces in mainland China, as well as Hong Kong. These Chinese started their migration around the 1800’s looking for a brighter future in America. Looking at present day, walking down Chinatown’s busy, narrow streets reveal hidden gems most tourists overlook. Doyers Street is iconic. Artist Chen Dongfan created a ground mural titles, “The Song of Dragons and Flowers,” which expands over 200 feet long. Along this picturesque elbow shaped street lies what Chinese food dreams are made of.
Missing Taiwanese Style Eats?
One of the first restaurants you’ll find on Doyers street is the “Taiwan Pork Chop House” and despite its no frills appearance, it’s home to one of the best spicy wonton noodle soups. You’ll find their most popular pork chop over rice dish, as well as a plethora of soups that are essential for NY’s frigid winters. I’d recommend the beef stew noodle soup, a Taiwanese staple, comparable to Din Tai Fung.
Name: Taiwan Pork Chop House
Address: 3 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
Calling All Dim Sum Lovers
Dim Sum has always been popular among the Asian communities, but just over the past couple decades has the word got out. Now, you’ll find every wok of life waiting in line to get a taste of Nom Wah’s dim sum. Nom Wah opened in 1920 as primarily, a bakery and tea parlor. For most of the 20th century, Nom Wah served as a neighborhood staple, offering fresh Chinese pastries, dim sum, buns, and tea. Now, be prepared to wait 30 mins for a table on the weekend. Don’t forget to pair your dim sum with scallion pancakes and jasmine green tea.
Name: Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Address: 13 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
The Best Post Massage Nightcap
After an enjoyable day eating your own weight in food, it’s recommended to get a foot massage at one of the numerous foot massage shops illuminated with florescent signs. After you hit the $25/hr massage, you might want a little snack, because why not? Restaurants are open late. The best place to indulge in, probably your fifth meal in the last five hours is 456 on Mott Street. I’d recommend the pork and veggie dumplings (don’t forget to ask for the ginger) as well as the chicken and egg drop soup. Another must order is the scallion pancakes covered in egg and beef. Now, you are ready for bed with a stomach that thanks you to pieces!
Name: 456 Shanghai Cuisine
Address: 69 Mott St., New York, NY 10013