A Day in Chinatown with Comedian and Actor Ronny Chieng (@ronnychieng)
Welcome to a new mini series “A Day in Chinatown with…” where our favorite New Yorkers, part-time New Yorkers and/or New York fanatics share with us their favorite Chinatown spots. There is so much to explore and love about Chinatown; every corner of the neighborhood has its gems.
Our first guest is Ronny Chieng, comedian, actor and correspondent of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Ronny was one of the stars of worldwide film hit, “Crazy Rich Asians,” and came out with his own Netflix standup special, “Asian Comedian Destroys America” in 2019. Throughout the pandemic, Ronny has also been a major voice in Asian American awareness, especially in the face of combating xenophobia and anti-Asian hate and the impact it has had on Chinatowns / Asiatowns throughout the globe.
QUICK BITES
Kuih Cafe (46 Eldridge Street) is a little taste of home that always provides a pleasant surprise for me, as I never know which type of hard-to-find Kuih (Malaysian dessert) and mains is on rotation. But I can always be assured of a familiar authentic taste and my beloved Malaysian Milk Coffee or Tea.
Bánh Mì Saigon - (198 Grand St) Satisfy your Vietnamese Banh Mi cravings at this traditional spot that also sells familiar Vietnamese and Chinese treats.
Greecologies - (379 Broome St) Before they renovated, this place had an amazing backyard oasis that was a welcomed break in the middle of a Chinatown adventure. Either way, their handmade Greek Yogurt with fresh toppings is still just as thick and delicious.
CHINATOWN BAKERIES
46 Mott Bakery
Go for what the selfless community work manager, Patrick Mock, is doing from this bakery, stay for the delicious traditional Chinese snacks!
Mei Lai Wah (64 Bayard St)
An old school Chinatown institution! Come in for a hot Hong Kong Milk Tea (Lai Cha) and their world famous cocktail bun.
CANAL STREET MARKET
Okay, I’m cheating a little here. There are so many shops and restaurants at this location, but I always appreciate the tastefully curated modern local small business vibe. The Canal Street Market that acts as a contemporary cultural piazza for the neighborhood. Here you’ll find art, fashion, and home goods, and also a mini-food court for a sampling of New York Chinatown food, as well as the occasional live event like the Hack City stand-up comedy show. (265 Canal St)
LUNCH & DINNER
Dimes - (49 Canal St) Maybe not a traditional Chinatown joint, but this California brunch spot has certainly earned my respect with its healthy and delicious menu and calm ambiance.
Wayla - (100 Forsyth St) This modern Thai restaurant is fast becoming a must-visit place for impressing out-of-towners. The absolutely delicious boneless chicken wings are a highlight on an outstanding menu of items!
99 Favor Taste - (285 Grand Street) Why isn’t it called 99 FLAVOR Taste, we’ll never know. But for a great group hotpot location, you can’t go wrong with 99 Favor Taste. Your clothes smelling like delicious hotpot after will be a reminder of your great night and an enticement to everyone else on the train back.
A TASTE OF CHINATOWN
Hop Kee - (21 Mott St) Another O.G. Cantonese restaurant in New York Chinatown! It’s worth visiting for the clean and familiar decor and vibe alone. But them having lasted so long in this neighborhood is proof that they know what they are doing when it comes to food.
Congee Village - (100 Allen St) Familiar Cantonese taste and experience at this beloved New York institution. Of course the congee is on point, but for everyone craving this style of Chinese food, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.
Wok Wok - (11 Mott Street) Went with the one-time New York City food and Singapore expert Mr Kevin Kwan himself to this location, and I have to tell you: this place is a great representation of Singaporean food in NYC. Ask the Aunty for the off the menu Teh Tarik, and she might even hand-pull it for you.
EXPLORE THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Wing On Wo & Co. - (26 Mott St) For an infusion of traditional Chinese art and culture tied with a strong connection to the neighborhood, pay a visit to the oldest store in Chinatown for a tastefully curated collection of Chinese porcelain that made me question why nothing in my parent’s home looks this good.
Relax Station - (185 Hester Street) For a no frills, clean and welcoming, leave your shirt on, beat down back and foot massage by surprisingly friendly people who know what they’re doing, this place is a must visit for everyone after a long week surviving in New York City. Make sure you tip generously!
