Everything You Need to Know about Visiting Chinatown
Chinatown is a historic neighborhood in New York City that is full of surprises, wonder, and excitement. Whether you are visiting Chinatown for the first time or whether you are on a return trip, Chinatown has a lot to do and a lot to see! Here is Ahoy New York’s everything you need to know visitor’s guide to Chinatown, New York City. If you don’t get out there yourself take a tour of Chinatown New York with us!
Where to stay in Chinatown?
There are actually a few large hotels currently under construction in Chinatown; however, you can’t go wrong with any of these hotels.
Hotel Mulberry – 52 Mulberry St
Hotel 91 – 91 E Broadway
Wyndham Garden Chinatown – 93 Bowery
Best Western Bowery Hanbee Hotel – 231 Grand St
Comfort Inn Manhattan Bridge – 61- 63 Chrystie St
The Leon Hotel – 125 Canal St
Mayor Hotel – 79 Division St
Where to eat in Chinatown ?
Nom Wah Tea Parlor – 13 Doyers St
Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the oldest dim sum parlor in Chinatown. Like their restaurant, their menu reflects their storied history. One of their many highlights is the original egg roll and it is probably unlike any egg roll that you have had in the past.
Cutting Board – 53 Bayard St
Cutting Board is a fusion restaurant with Asian twists on classic comfort dishes. For example, one of their more intriguing dishes is their pasta with pink creamy sauce and sea urchin aka uni. There aren’t many restaurants with both cheeseburgers and teriyaki chicken udon on the menu and we love it!
Hop Kee – 21 Mott St
If you are looking for something more authentic and traditional, you can beat Hop Kee. It is a neighborhood favorite that serves all the classic Chinese dishes from fried rice to stirred fried lobsters with ginger and scallions.
Pongsri Thai Restaurant – 106 Bayard St
Craving Thai? Pongsri has scrumptious pad thai and pad see ew so it is a great option for lunch.
Thai Son – 89 Baxter St
Thai Son is our pick for pho aka Vietnamese soup noodles. Make sure you get the big bowl with all the fixins!
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory – 65 Bayard St
If you are looking for dessert, we recommend the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. They have a huge selection of yummy flavors including more unusual Asian flavors like red bean and lychee.
Here are more of our favorite lunch spots, noodle shops, bakeries and some of the best dim sum NYC has to offer!
If you looking for a good bar in Chinatown, we suggest:
Apothéke – 9 Doyers St
Asia Roma – 40 Mulberry St
Whiskey Tavern – 79 Baxter St
Le Baron – 32 Mulberry St
What to see and what to do in Chinatown?
Stroll down Mott St and Pell St
Whether you are looking to shop or whether you are looking for a quick bite to eat, Mott St and Pell St makes the heart of Chinatown and it is always vibrant and full of energy. You will see, bakeries, bubble tea shops, restaurants and much more.
Check out Columbus Park
Columbus Park is rich in history and now it is a popular park and gathering spot for locals. At any time of the day, you will see everyone from basketball players to traditional Chinese musicians here. Be sure to try some fried dumplings from Tasty Dumpling (42 Mulberry St) across the street!
Go on Ahoy New York’s signature food walking tour
Ahoy New York’s food walking tour is a great way to experience everything Chinatown and Little Italy has to offer. We have a number of exciting tastings from the oldest cheese shop in American to the oldest dim sum parlor in Chinatown.
Looking for more fun things to do in Chinatown? Check out our guide on the top seven things to do in Chinatown and our guide to museums nearby and to Chinese New Year.