10 Small Businesses to Visit in Chinatown
Published 09/14/2021
Manhattan’s Chinatown is one of the most culturally significant neighborhoods for Asian Americans in the US, and the economic lifeblood for thousands of families. Welcome to Chinatown supports businesses there through grassroots initiatives, offering pro bono resources and amplifying voices of the community through storytelling.
Each of the following places—including cafés, florists and gift shops—is a microcosm of Chinatown, helping to fuel and preserve the neighborhood. See what they have to offer, and learn more about the area’s small business through the Welcome to Chinatown directory.
1
Round K by Sol
1
78 Canal St.
Round K by Sol is known for their signature coffee drinks and breakfast items such as bagels and croissant sandwiches. The matte black latte (made with coconut ash and Dutch-process cocoa), butter-covered latte (a creamy beverage with a drizzle of melted butter) and flat purple (an iced coffee with ube cream and powder) are all must-tries. The owner, Hansol Kim, was born and raised in South Korea and spent time studying in the Philippines and Australia before opening this new location of Round K.
2
KK Discount
2
78 Mulberry St.
KK Discount is an all-in-one Asian mom-and-pop discount store that has been serving the local community since 1990. You’ll find kitchenware like rice cookers and games including mah jongg sets—a little bit of everything, which has earned it the nickname the Chinatown Target. On Saturday mornings you may meet the owner’s granddaughter, a toddler named Nana, who helps sell goods and greet customers. Her Instagram, @littlemisschinatown, documents her time there.
3
Joy’s Flower Pot
3
40 Hester St.
This Vietnamese-owned floral shop has a wide selection of houseplants and planters. We particularly love the handmade pots with faces on them—check to see if they have any in stock. Joy’s has recently come under new ownership, but the flowers are as beautiful as ever.
4
Mott Optical Group
4
52 Mott St.
As with pharmacies in Chinatown, optical businesses offer the invaluable service of translating prescriptions into Chinese to better serve the community. Moreover, they design and alter glasses to better fit Asian facial structures. We highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for a personal shopping experience—even if just passing through to pick up a new pair of sunglasses.
5
Mee Sum
5
26 Pell St.
This Guangzhou and Cantonese no-frills neighborhood café has served Chinatown locals for over 50 years. Run by husband and wife Don and Janet Moy, Mee Sum is an institution for its homestyle meals and vintage decor. Come by for a taste of old Chinatown and sample our favorite: zongzi—sticky rice with various fillings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
6
The Little One
6
150 East Broadway
We love this Japanese-style shop that makes high-quality shaved ice and other desserts. The owners, Eddie Zheng and his wife, Olivia Leung, grew up on the street and trained at the Institute of Culinary Education (and a host of NYC restaurants). If you have never had hojicha hakigori—a roasted green tea shaved ice—this should be your next stop.
7
Pearl River Mart
7
452 Broadway
Founded by a group of young Chinese men and women in 1971—when trade between China and the US was forbidden—Pearl River Mart was the first Chinese American department store. They offer Asian-inspired gifts, fashion, ceramics and snacks. The flagship location at 452 Broadway (there’s another outlet in Chelsea Market) also features a gallery dedicated to Asian American art and culture. This is one of our go-tos for meaningful gifts.
8
Tonii's Fresh Rice Noodle
8
83 Bayard St.
Serving stone-ground rice noodles with various toppings along with moist sponge cakes from sister spot New Kamg Hing, Tonii’s often has a line to order but it’s well worth the wait. Lizy Yee and her family have been in Chinatown for a long time, and her fresh rice rolls are some of the best. They also serve Hong Kong–style comfort breakfast and snack items like curry fish balls, beef tripe, congee and tea eggs, plus coffee and tea. There is plenty of outdoor seating.
9
Imperial Ballroom
9
27-29 Division St.
The owners of Imperial Ballroom share a love of ballroom and Latin dance. Opened in 1995, the studio specializes in private and group lessons taught by highly trained professionals, and can be rented out for events. They welcome dancers of all skill levels—even those with two left feet.
10
EWA Trading
10
80 Mulberry St.
EWA Trading is our go-to for Chinese herbal teas and medicines. They have an in-house herbalist who can prescribe custom herbal packages for your needs and offer direction to maximize their benefits. Our recommendation? Pick up ingredients to make ginseng soup, which is great for respiratory health.
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