Chinatown: Culture, and food in New York City
Chinatown is a primary destination for visitors looking to experience different cultures, shop and eat while in New York City. Easily accessible via three subway lines, Chinatown sits next to Little Italy and encompasses a large shopping area including Canal Street.
New York’s Chinatown is home to a large group of people from China or of Chinese descent. Chinatown became roughly established during the 19th century. At that time, some Chinese immigrants were exploited for illegal labor, while others decided to settle in New York City and find work. As a result of exclusionary laws, Chinese immigration was banned from the early 1900s until World War II era. The lack of female immigrants created an imbalanced population proportion in Chinatown at that time.
During this era, underground industries began to flourish. Immigrant workers remained undocumented and were paid less than the legal minimum wage granted to documented workers. Despite this, the cost of living remains comparatively high in Chinatown, which has since expanded into former parts of Little Italy.
For tourists and locals alike, Chinatown offers a popular shopping district. Along Canal Street and beyond exist hundreds of legitimate and underground boutiques. Shops offer jewelry, wallets, hair accessories, scarves, shoes and a variety of apparel. Some stores (specifically those on Mott Street) offer traditionally-inspired clothing that is Asian in design.
Chinatown is also home to multiple grocery stores. Here, local New Yorkers can purchase fresh ingredients at a lower cost than available in other areas of the city. Many of the local grocers and fisheries also supply the local Chinese restaurants. For a decent selection of restaurants, head to Pell and Doyer Streets.
Cultural resilience and pride are exemplified in Chinatown. To learn about the history of Chinatown, visitors can check out the Museum of Chinese in America. (Note: This museum is difficult to find, but it is located at 70 Mulberry Street on the second floor.) At Canal and Bowery Streets, respectful visitors can view the Mahayana Buddhist Temple and its large golden Buddha.
To maximize your time in Chinatown, arrive early and do your shopping first. Chinatown gets incredibly busy during the lunch hour. Suggested itinerary includes shopping from 10:15-11:50 a.m., then heading into a local restaurant to wait out the busy mid-day crowds.
Posted by Tara M. Clapper
