Guide to Asian Culture in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
Published 12/14/2021
Sometimes referred to as the “Little Italy” of Brooklyn, Bensonhurst actually holds the largest Asian population within the borough. Led by a desire for space outside of Manhattan’s Chinatown, Chinese Americans gradually migrated into the neighborhood in the 1980s, opening small businesses, food markets and restaurants on and around the blocks of 86th Street, Bay Parkway and 18th Avenue. Other Asian groups—Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese and more—have also made Bensonhurst their home.
Come to the bustling neighborhood to grab a bowl of noodles, sip some bubble tea and do a bit of shopping. Take a brisk walk afterward to Bensonhurst Park for your outdoor activity, and stroll along the shoreline to catch the breezy waters of Gravesend Bay.
1
Bensonhurst Park
1
Cropsey Avenue
Bensonhurst Park, also known as Cropsey Park, is one of the larger green spaces on the Brooklyn waterfront. Recent upgrades include the addition of a cooling fountain for the warm months, more spaces to sit and new playground equipment. At the right morning hour in nicer weather, you may see people practicing tai chi; the park is also popular with basketball and handball players. Walk along the Shore Parkway Trail for a picturesque view of the Verrazzano Bridge.
2
Characters KTV/Yuki Sushi & Bar
2
6117 20th Ave.
At Characters KTV, you’ll find a fun combination of sushi and karaoke. The restaurant side offers the option of all-you-can-eat sushi, though there’s also à la carte sushi and the option to get a karaoke room. Choose from the abundance of songs in English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean on their playlist.
3
Chikurin
3
2362 86th St.
Bensonhurst is not known for its sushi, but this neighborhood spot is reliable in its raw-fish quality and presentation. Opt for their lunch bento box or, if fish is not in the cards, perhaps a hibachi plate or chicken yakitori.
4
Em Vietnamese Kitchen
4
1702 86th St.
Come to see where Em, which recently opened the Em Vietnamese Bistro in Dumbo, had its humble beginnings. Headed by chef Ly, Em offers tropical smoothies and Vietnamese-style beverages alongside its signature dish, hu tieu, a traditional Vietnamese bowl with noodles, pork bones and herbs, served dry or in a broth. Craving a sandwich? Get the classic banh mi or try the Brooklyn-influenced flavors such as the banh mi Bensonhurst (a cheeseburger and banh mi hybrid) or a banh mi bacon, egg and cheese.
5
Gotcha Cafe
5
1712 86th St.
Gotcha Cafe is a neighborhood gem—a local, indie bubble-tea nook that’s great for snacks, a light meal and afternoon tea. Located just west of busy 18th Avenue but right by a B1 bus stop, this is a delightful to-go spot. Order their teas, white rabbit ice cream (the flavor of a popular and nostalgic Asian candy) or rice balls.
6
Hot Spot Nabe
6
7204 18th Ave.
Hot pot, with its fresh a-la-carte ingredients and choices of soup base, is one of the best ways to warm the body and soul. Hot Spot Nabe serves the Cantonese version, brimming with flavorful broth and plenty of meat, fish and vegetable options—including some unusual organ meats. Come for a romantic date or a large family gathering; the contemporary decor elevates your experience above casual dining.
7
Ipoh Kitchen
7
6415 20th Ave.
Though fairly new to the neighborhood, Ipoh attracts New Yorkers from across the boroughs for Malaysian cuisine, full of flavorful spices. Traditional Malay dishes include roti canai, satay tofu, and nasi lemak, plus popular Southeast Asian dishes such as Hainanese chicken, Indian mee goreng and Singaporean mei fun. If you dine in, you'll notice the owner's penchant for art of the Italian coast.
8
Jmart
8
8121 New Utrecht Ave.
Originating in Flushing, Queens, Jmart has a second location on New Utrecht Avenue, with the convenience of parking space. You can find seafood, meats and produce, with products from American, Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Filipino and Vietnamese cuisines. Jmart’s entrance into Brooklyn in 2017 quickly filled the neighborhood’s demand for Asian produce and meats, a sign of the area’s changing demographics.
9
King’s Kitchen
9
2051 86th St. #3203
Along the streets of Bensonhurst, you’ll find displays of spit-roasted meats (colloquially known as Cantonese barbecue) in glass windows. King’s Kitchen does not disappoint with their selection of crispy roast pork, chicken, roast duck and more. Popular Cantonese-style comfort foods such as congee with pork and preserved egg, wonton noodle soup and beef chow fun are also available.
10
Mr. Bun
10
2048 86th St.
Don’t be fooled by the exterior of Mr. Bun. On the other side of the anime-action-figurine window display are some of the best soup dumplings in South Brooklyn. The skin is just thin enough to hold the soup within, filled with pork or a pork-crab combo. Other popular dishes include scallion pancakes, crispy noodles and hot and sour soup.
11
New Golden Bay
11
2144 86th St.
Dim sum translates to “touch the heart,” which is what each little dish does with every bite. The Cantonese dishes can be eaten for breakfast, as a snack or at lunch— though their popularity has extended to dinnertime. Try shrimp har gow, pork shumai and, for the daring, chicken feet feng jiao. There are also delicious entrees like crispy garlic baked chicken and pan-fried whole flounder.
12
Pad Thai Kitchen
12
6218 18th Ave.
Pad Thai Kitchen is brought to you by the Kumsiri sisters, their fourth Northern Thai restaurant in Brooklyn. Overseen by chef Nid, the menu is shaped by her remembrance of her family’s mix of comfort-food and street-food cooking. The restaurant promotes regional types of pad Thai, though there are less-familiar dishes too (a salted egg and seafood stir-fry, for example).
13
Prince Tea House
13
8510 21st Ave.
Mini chain Prince Tea House is well known for its Instagrammable decor, but the tea and desserts deliver. This location has a high-tea parlor vibe when you waltz in and a peaceful greenhouse feel in back. Sip your choice of tea, have a sandwich and end your meal with a tasty crêpe cake.
14
Teso Life
14
2159 86th St.
One of the (many) advantages of New York City is the ability to find international items in numerous locations—including here in Bensonhurst. Step inside to discover your favorite Japanese beauty, food, fashion, kitchen and home products.
All photos by Fuxuan Xin except for following entries: (1) Courtesy, NYC Parks; (4) Courtesy, Em Vietnamese; (10) Courtesy, Mr. Bun; (14) Courtesy, Teso Life
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