Exploring Asian Culture in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park
Published 11/22/2021
While many flock to Manhattan’s Chinatown searching for the best dumplings and dim sum, a true contender lies in Brooklyn. Home to one of the largest East Asian communities in the borough, Sunset Park is a lesser-known gem full of history and great food.
Many Chinese families began settling in the area during a 1980s immigration boom, turning it into the vibrant, family-oriented community it is today. Eighth Avenue, in particular, is a lively destination. Once a quiet stretch of land, it has become a symphony of fresh fruit vendors, herbal tea shops, seafood markets and rice noodle carts.
Start your trip on 41st Street and head south—you’ll catch a great view of the Verrazzano bridge—and come extra hungry.
1
The Roast
1
5124 8th Ave. Brooklyn
Roast shops—their instantly recognizable windows feature hanging cuts of roasted pork, chicken and duck—are a staple in any Chinatown, and visiting this no-frills favorite will show you why. Just $6 will land you an order of char siu, or roast pork, over rice with some Chinese broccoli. The pork, marinated in five-spice powder, ginger, brown sugar and other aromatics and cooked until tender, is smoky and sweet. If you’re in the mood for something hot and hearty, the wonton noodle soup is an excellent choice.
2
Xin Fa Bakery
2
5617 8th Ave. Brooklyn
When it comes to Chinese bakeries, it’s hard to make a wrong move. You’ll find cases of jelly rolls, milky soft breads and meat-filled buns wherever you go. But if you’re looking for a classic egg tart—with buttery crust and a sweet custard filling—Xin Fa Bakery is for you. Locals line up for half-dozen boxes, which means the tarts are always served warm and fresh. Note that these are Portuguese-style tarts, via Macau, a former Portuguese colony. Compared with Hong Kong–style egg tarts, these sport a slightly torched top and a flakier shell.
3
Sunset Park
3
Bet. 41st and 44th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues Brooklyn
The neighborhood gets its name from this park, which is a must for its beautiful views and community feel. Spot locals playing chess, grilling around a volleyball game or picnicking under shady trees. Bring your camera for panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline (breathtaking during golden hour), and look out for Lady Liberty in the distance. In the warmer months, visitors can join in with a group of Chinese locals who gather daily to practice traditional dances, their crowd growing as the night goes on.
4
Lunar New Year Parade
4
Bet. 50th and 60th Streets along 8th Avenue Brooklyn
For many Asian communities around the world, Lunar New Year is the most important celebration of the year. The event often falls in late January or early February and is centered around family gatherings and lavish feasts. In Sunset Park, the event blankets 8th Avenue with explosions of shiny confetti, noisemakers and traditional lion dances. Shopkeepers adorn their their entryways with lucky red papers and bowls of oranges and other round fruits, traditional items meant to invite good health and prosperity into the new year.
5
Kulu Desserts
5
806 62nd St. Brooklyn
Head to this modern dessert café for your sweet fix. Try Chinese tong sui, a lightly sweetened warm soup, flavored with red bean or black sesame, or enjoy crepes and sundaes with an Asian twist. The fluffy bubble waffle with matcha ice cream, drizzled in sweetened condensed milk and topped with mochi, is a crowd favorite.
6
Xi Fang Temple
6
5101 8th Ave. Brooklyn
Honoring the cultural beliefs of Buddhism, this sanctuary is a serene escape on an otherwise busy street. Opened in 2000, the temple has become a safe space for locals to gather and practice their faith. Visitors are welcome to step inside and learn more about Buddhist teachings, view traditional prayer beads or dine in the vegetarian-friendly restaurant downstairs.
7
Park Asia
7
6521 8th Ave. Brooklyn
Few things signal the weekend in Chinatown like dim sum. Consisting of both sweet and savory small plates, this traditional Chinese meal dates back to Silk Road days when traders and travelers would break in teahouses for a midday snack. Today, you can enjoy dim sum in ornate banquet halls, like Park Asia, where waiters weave through the dining area pushing carts of various delicacies. Plates usually range from $3 to $7 and include classics like steamed shrimp dumplings, sticky rice wrapped in fragrant lotus leaves and rice noodle rolls filled with roast pork or Chinese parsley.
8
LaoJie
8
811 53rd St. Brooklyn
If you’re craving something warm and filling, try all-you-can-eat hot pot in this cozy neighborhood favorite. Select your desired meats, seafoods and vegetables, which come fresh and ready to be cooked in a hot broth of your choice (including herbal, spicy or a creamy bone broth). Those with a big appetite should order a few sides of barbecue pork belly or beef skewers.
9
Mid-Autumn Festival
9
66th Street and 8th Avenue Brooklyn NY 11220
This annual celebration is based on an ancient legend of Chang’e, the moon goddess in Chinese mythology. Locals hang lanterns to light the way for traditional lion and dragon dances, and visit bakeries to order cases of mooncakes. These pastries, often filled with sweet lotus paste, salted egg or red bean, can be found wrapped individually or in tins to be given as gifts. A single one is rich enough to enjoy with a friend or two, a reminder of the holiday’s call to come together.
10
Japan Village
10
934 3rd Avenue Brooklyn
For an unbeatable Asian snack emporium, make a trip to Japan Village, inside of the waterfront hot spot Industry City. This former warehouse houses eateries, event spaces and boutique shops, including a Japanese marketplace and food hall (complete with a heated outdoor dining space). Fill up on made-to-order onigiri (rice balls), ramen and okonomiyaki (a loaded savory pancake, by way of Osaka). The colorful aisles of Sunrise Mart have everything from Asian pantry staples and fresh grocery items to sweets and skin-care products.
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