Buzz
Bustling, lively, and a plethora of delectable street foods characterize all Chinese neighborhoods.
Bangkok, Thailand
However, what sets it apart is the food haven, always buzzing with visitors day and night. From flavorful Chinese delicacies to affordable and delicious seafood restaurants, it's a red-letter destination for anyone visiting. Additionally, there's a 24/7 flower market and the Wat Mangkon Kamalawat temple permeating with the fragrance of incense.
Singapore
In the Southeast Asian region, Singapore boasts the highest density of the Chinese population. Hence, its Chinatown naturally becomes one of the richest in terms of the number of shops, establishments, as well as spiritual and cultural values.
Chinese cuisine with an authentic touch is not hard to find in Singapore. Most tourists flock to Chinatown to experience traditional ambiance or shop for handmade products like silk clothing, antiques, gold jewelry, or jade at the Yue Hwa department store near Eu Tong Sen and Upper Cross Street.
Moreover, in Chinatown, visitors have abundant shopping options such as Chinatown Point, People’s Park Complex, and Chinatown Complex. Especially for fashion enthusiasts, Ann Siang Road and Club Street are your paradise.
If you visit during the Lunar New Year, immerse yourself in vibrant festivals organized for several consecutive days. Lantern stalls, calligraphy, or prayer sessions at temples during the New Year never fail to captivate Western tourists.
Kolkata, India
The Chinese enclave in the city of Kolkata is the sole Chinatown in India. Once housing up to 20,000 Chinese residents, the number has significantly decreased. Most of them work in Chinese restaurants and nearby leather manufacturing workshops.
In contrast to Chinatowns worldwide, the dishes sold here have undergone significant adaptation to cater to the Indian palate. A must-try dish here is the Manchurian Chicken. Although the recipe originated from China, a chef in Kolkata replaced some traditional Chinese ingredients with distinctive Indian ones, creating a unique and subsequently famous dish across the country.
Sydney, Australia
In recent years, the Chinese neighborhood in Sydney has expanded, now situated in Haymarket between Central Station and Darling Harbor.
Nevertheless, this Chinatown still boasts a relatively modest size compared to others worldwide. Instead of being in a separate area, Sydney's Chinese quarter blends amidst skyscrapers, losing none of its allure.
You can find authentic Chinese goods and traditional dishes in this market, especially at the night market. Most Western tourists particularly enjoy 'yum cha,' a traditional drink accompanied by a variety of small, savory dishes known as dim sum.
Binondo, Manila
Binondo, the Chinatown in Manila, holds the title of the world's oldest Chinese enclave. Tourists should begin their journey at Umbrella Alley, where they can freely choose delectable and enticing street foods; afterward, a visit to the renowned Mezzanine cafe is a must.
If you're a Buddhist enthusiast, this is truly an ideal destination. Throughout the country, travelers can encounter grand and opulent temples. But in Chinatown, you can feel the deeply Chinese spiritual atmosphere with curved-roof temples, distinct from the Indian temple architecture seen elsewhere.
London, United Kingdom
Today, the Chinese community in London is located in Soho, Westminster, surrounding Gerrard Street. Here, you'll find numerous Chinese restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, souvenir shops, and the headquarters of many Chinese-managed companies in London.
'Vibrant' is the term locals use to describe the atmosphere during the lunar new year celebration. Many traditional activities like night markets, lion dances... organized in Chinatown stir up the somewhat nostalgic ambiance of London.
Today, the Chinese community in London is located in Soho, Westminster, surrounding Gerrard Street. Here, you'll find numerous Chinese restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, souvenir shops, and the headquarters of many Chinese-managed companies in London.
Chatting with street vendors, savoring piping hot tofu pudding, taking a sip of bubble tea, or dropping by TPT cafe will give overseas Chinese a sense of home away from home.
Yokohama, Japan
Culinary delights are the highlight for those exploring the Chinese enclave in Yokohama. There are over 200 Chinese restaurants estimated to be open here. However, diners can also find some classic Japanese dishes like ramen and Manju cakes.
Yokohama Daiseikai Park, also known as Daska, boasts the architectural style of 1920s-1930s Shanghai. This is the go-to place for those who love Chinese cuisine and culture in Japan.
The 7th and 8th floors of this building house a museum showcasing traditional artworks. The theater on the 6th floor is where visitors can enjoy Chinese acrobatics, performances, or listen to Chinese opera. In the food court on the 3rd-4th-5th floors, tourists can find a plethora of delicious dishes. The bottom 2 floors are dedicated to souvenir shopping.
San Francisco, USA
Grant Avenue and Stockton Street are frequented by the Chinese community in San Francisco, California. Known as the oldest Chinatown in North America and the oldest alley in San Francisco, this area is famous for its vibrant murals. Visitors can also visit the oldest Chinese temple in the U.S., right here in this neighborhood.
When you're here, don't miss the chance to visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and grab a bag full for just $3. Estimated, the workers here produce over 20,000 delicious cookies every day.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Located on Petaling Street in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's capital, the Chinese quarter here is always bustling from morning till night with numerous stalls. The Chinese community in Malaysia is quite extensive, making Chinatown lively and crowded.
Almost all the dishes here maintain the traditional flavors, especially the Cantonese-style roasted duck. With the vibe of temporary markets and local bazaars, visitors here will feel the very friendly and warm atmosphere of the locals.
Especially in the evening, the stalls in the night market will almost fill both sides of the street, and pedestrians may face difficulties due to the crowdedness. Besides food, the most common items here are 'fake' goods at fairly low prices, but visitors are still advised to bargain enthusiastically.
Toronto, Canada
The Chinese district in Toronto, Canada is always bustling and vibrant, adorned with a diverse array of street vendors embracing the Chinese community style. The most popular items sold here are distinctly Chinese culinary delights, with the renowned sweet and sour chicken at Lee Garden restaurant taking the spotlight. After the meal, indulging in a hot herbal tea served in intricately patterned teapots is something the sophisticated locals truly relish.
Additionally, every year just outside Chinatown, the Toronto Dragon Boat Race attracts teams from various nations, bringing boats adorned with vibrant and beautiful designs.
Toronto's Chinatown stretches along Dundas Street West and Spadina Avenue.
Source: Travel Guide Mytour – According to Ngôi Sao
MytourFebruary 19, 2014
