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15 Best Chinatown Districts To Visit in the U.S.

Each one has a unique vibe you'll find nowhere else in the world.

By Cat Lafuente

Edited by Michael Kurko

Updated April 7, 2025

Chinatowns are part of the cultural fabric of the U.S., where Asian Americans from all over the world have brought their traditions, cuisine, and commodities. Today there are more than 50 across the country.

We can't think of a better road trip than grabbing your best travel credit card and visiting as many as possible in search of the tastiest dumplings, liveliest festivals, most serene temples, and more.

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Boston, Massachusetts

With its famous lion gates, this Chinatown is the only one in New England. It's famous for its food, from pan-fried dumplings at Taiwan Cafe and top-tier pho at Pho Pasteur to clay pot rice at the Clay Pot Cafe.

When you're full, enjoy shopping for Korean skincare products (and more) and a wellness session at Lea Tam Acupuncture Center.

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Brooklyn, New York

Known as Sunset Park, Brooklyn's Chinatown flies under the radar with tourists. But this 8th Avenue neighborhood has everything you want.

There's Northern Chinese cuisine at Dun Huang, crossing-the-bridge noodles at Yun Nan Flavour Garden, bahn mi at Ba Xuyen, and vendors for days.

Spend a moment of quiet reflection at the Xi Fang Temple.

Chicago, Illinois

With some of the best karaoke bars and bakeries in the city, Chinatown Chicago is a delight. If you can go in the summer for the annual Dragon Boat race, do it.

Of course the food is mouthwatering, whether you're after Michelin-star dim sum at Ming Hin, bubble tea at Joy Yee, flatbreads from Xi'an Cuisine,or fresh seafood at Dolo.

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Dallas, Texas

The heart of Chinatown in the Core District is a large shopping mall flanked by imposing statues. Inside, you'll find shops and markets as well as a community gathering hub.

Notable authentic restaurants include Royal Sichuan Restaurant and Jeng Chi. Not surprisingly, the biggest event is the Lunar New Year festival.

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Flushing, New York

NYC's second-largest Chinatown is a true melting pot. For food, head to Prince Street; don't miss Nurlan Uyghur Restaurant (the only Uygher eatery in town).

High-end hot pot at Haidilao and dumplings from White Bear are must-tries. For herbs, shop at the New World Mall and stop by the legendary Shun An Tong Health Herbal Co.

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Honolulu, Hawaii

Being so close to Asia, this Chinatown stands out. Go to Maunakea Street for fresh leis, watch mahjong players at the River Street Pedestrian Mall, and shop at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza.

Enjoy James Beard Award-winning cuisine at The Pig and the Lady. Don't miss Maguro Brothers, where you'll get some of the best poke of your life.

Houston, Texas

Houston's Chinatown reflects its large and diverse population. Browse the huge Hong Kong City Market and have Dim Sum at Ocean Palace afterward. Or enjoy vermicelli soup at Tan Tan.

Find peace at the Teo Chew Temple, relax at Oasis Massage, and get your karaoke on at Happy Zone KTV.

Manhattan, New York

This Chinatown is huge and iconic, with cuisine from virtually every Asian culture. Canal Street, Grand, and Mott Streets are great for shopping.

Get steamed buns at Golden Steamer, warm egg tarts at Harper's Bread House, wonton soup at Great N.Y. Noodletown, and so much more. Don't miss the lively Lunar New Year Parade.

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Las Vegas, Nevada

The hub of this three-mile strip is Chinatown Plaza, a glittering mall with shops and restaurants aplenty. After your visit, get a cocktail at the iconic Golden Tiki.

Go to Weera Thai Kitchen for Thai street food, Banana Leaf Cafe for authentic Malay cuisine, and ShangHai Taste for one of the 3,000 xiao long bao soup dumplings they serve daily.

Los Angeles, California

Start your visit with a walking tour, then have tea at Steep L.A. Head over to Long's Family Pastry for yummy pastries, or go to Lasita for inspired Filipino cuisine.

Grab a banh mi at My Dung Sandwich Shop and slippery shrimp at Yang Chow Restaurant. For shopping, visit the historic K.G. Louis store.

Oakland, California

First, you have to stop by the Oakland Fortune Cookie Factory. Afterward, grab a bubble tea at Boba Binge and wander through the Laney College Flea Market.

For food, eat Tianjin-style pancakes at Tianjin Dumplings, sushi at Sakura Bistro, roast pork at Sun Hing Restaurant, hand-pulled noodles at Shandong, and moon cakes at Napoleon Bakery.

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pass through the iconic Chinatown Friendship Gate to enter this small but mighty Chinatown. On weekends, you can't miss the Hosping Laundromat, a real speakeasy.

James Beard-winning cuisine awaits at Vietnam Restaurant. The AsianFresh Food Market is a feast for the senses (and stomach), while karaoke at Yakitori Boy is just plain fun.

Salt Lake City, Utah

A gorgeous entry gate brings you into Chinatown, where the Chinatown Market makes a great first stop. Don't miss the sesame balls from the deli.

Dine on noodle soup at One More Noodle, feast at Hero Hot Pot (AYCE), and enjoy Korean short ribs at Baek Ri Hyang.

Quick tips: How to travel or dine out without going broke

When it comes to enjoying things like travel and dining out, thoughtful planning can help you maximize your experience without draining your wallet. These discretionary expenses often consume a significant portion of many budgets. The key is finding the balance between treating yourself and maintaining your overall financial health.

Here are some tips on how to find that balance:

Visit restaurants during happy hour or lunch for similar food at lower prices
Join restaurant loyalty programs and subscribe to email lists for special offers
Use cashback dining apps like Seated or credit cards with travel/dining rewards
Consider traveling during shoulder seasons when prices drop but weather is still pleasant
Use price comparison tools like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare drops
Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals yourself while traveling

Some of the most memorable moments can come from a meal shared with friends or a budget travel experience that takes you somewhere truly unique. Consider both the emotional and financial value of an experience so you can find the things that are truly worth your money.

San Francisco, California

Established and iconic, there is much to do here, especially the Lunar New Year festival. Get boho at Vesuvio, where poetry and cheap libations flow. Or grab a Mai Tai at Li Po.

You also can't miss the egg tarts from Golden Gate Bakery, Z&Y's Beijing-style duck, or Dim Sum at Hang Ah Tea Room.

Seattle, Washington

Spring is the time to visit Seattle Chinatown, where cherry blossom trees bloom brilliantly on Kobe Terrace. Next, tea at the historic Panama Hotel and House is a must-do.

Savor top-tier hot pot at Chengdu Memory, enjoy Chinese classics at Tai Tung, and nosh on Thai rice skin dumplings at E-Jae Pak Mor.

Bottom line

Chinatowns offer a treasure trove of dining, discovery, and experiences you won't have anywhere else. They allow you to save money on travel by sampling everything in one location.

Many of these locales also share the space with non-Asian cultures, creating a truly American phenomenon we can all enjoy.

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