While our Chinatown is not as famous as the one in San Francisco’s its still one of the most visited places in the city and tourists and locals alike love all the good food, unique shopping, interesting art and fun stuff to do.
Los Angeles Chinatown has also been a big part of the overall resurgence of downtown over the past 10 years making it even more attractive as a hotspot.
Its also so beautiful at night with certain areas almost looking like noir movies set, especially where the famous Bruce Lee statue stands at Central Plaza.
Yes, the pandemic has taken a toll everywhere and Chinatown is no exception, but there’s still lots to see and tasty food to eat. especially as restrictions loosen up and things get better.
So check out our suggestions on having a fun day with your kids or your friends strolling around beautiful Chinatown LA.
1 – Far East Plaza Food Mall
Description:
This little hidden gem of plaza does not look like much, but its a favorite for LA foodies in the know. The Far East Plaza has so many dishes to choose from with some old school Chinese restaurants mixed with hip experimental new eateries. This mixture of new restaurants with innovative cuisine and also the no frills spots featuring classic Chinese fare always keeps the tiny plaza bustling with hungry customers.
When it comes to food in China Town Far East Plaza Food Mall is a destination you don’t want to miss. Pork buns, Taiwanese soft drinks, slushy drinks, coffee, Nashville spicy chicken, Hong Kong waffles or leek cakes?
You name it and this plaza has it. Just be sure you research first. Places like Howling Rays hot chicken sandwiches can have waits of over an hour on busy days.
Location: 727 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Pic Credit: @lasita.la
2 – Chung King Road
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Located in the West Plaza of Chinatown, Chung King Road is known for its art galleries and Chinese specialty shops . Some of the artists reside in this area for which is known as a live/work community. Over the years this legendary spot became the place for big events and a center of arts and nightlife.
The area looks really cool, especially at night with the neon glow and architecture making it feel as though you stepped on a Hollywood movie lot. The pedestrian only little road usually comes to life on weekend evenings. But if you want to grab some amazing pictures we recommend you come on a weekend night when its mostly empty. You will have the whole place practically to yourself to take some real cool pictures of the beautiful buildings and their neon glow.
Day time visitors can also come out to have a great time with a lunch or coffee and then stopping at the galleries to appreciate the art exhibitions.
Location: Chinatown LA CA 90012
PIC Credit: @walkinglosangeles
3 – Dim Sum and Other Mouthwatering Dishes
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Now anyone from Los Angeles in the know will tell you that the San Gabriel Valley has the best Chinese food including Dim Sum/ But as expected for a cities main Chinatown, LA’s also has some great dim sum. Tian’s Restaurant is an awesome cozy and cash only dim sum spot that won’t disappoint your craving. Their service is fast and their portions are generous, their menu also includes some of everyone’s favorites such as honey walnut shrimp and kung pao combination, or try their house specialties like the short rib fried rice Yum!
Want some all day Dim Sum? Come to Golden Dragon, this restaurant has been in LA for a very long time and over a million people over the years have raved about how delicious their food is. The dim sum is as good as the dim sum at Tian’s restaurant, but you can also choose from the ample menu which has tons of other dishes.
Craving hot soup? Try one of their noodle soups or their combination seafood soup! Oh and bring someone who has experience ordering dim sum. They will order the right stuff so that meal is not only delicious but not as expensive.
Location: Chinatown LA CA 90012
PIC Credit: @jackarbizu
4 – Picture Ready Spots
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Chinatown has so many great spots to take pictures that will light up your Instagram feed including statues, fountains, and plazas with distinctive designs. Make sure you visit Central Plaza where you will find traditional Chinese designs and the colorful buildings, lamps and neon lights throughout will make your selfies standout.
Make sure to make your way to the iconic statue of legendary martial artist Bruce Lee which is located at the corner of Sun Mun Way and Jung Jing Road. This 7 foot tall bronze statue was cast in China and shipped to LA to be unveiled in 2013. Because of his career in Hollywood Bruce Lee had a long history with Los Angeles, including living here during his time filming the Green Hornet TV show.
If you are strolling in Central Plaza you will definitely find the statue as it stands out in the middle of the plaza.
Location: Chinatown LA CA 90012
PIC Credit: @districtvsion
5 – Phoenix Bakery
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The iconic family owned Phoenix Bakery has been opened since 1938 and has been featured on numerous television shows over the years. It is a staple of LA’s Chinatown, offering traditional Chinese pastries such as moon cakes and wintermelon cakes. They also make sesame balls, bao buns, pineapple bread, sugar butterflies and almond cookies.
Over time the bakery also had to adapt to visitors demand for other non traditional Chinese deserts such as baklava, chocolate eclairs and tres leches cakes for Angelinos coming to visit for the specialties but also craving those other eclectic deserts. Safe to stay you will pleased whatever treat you order as they are now loved for all their sweet offerings not just the ones from China.
But for all its delicious desserts the Phoenix Bakery is most famous for its Phoenix cake which is a very tasty strawberry whipped cream cake that some people claim is the best cake they have ever tasted! Make sure you grab one for a birthday or celebration as an LA foodie bucket list item.
If a whole cake is over the top for you you can just grab a box of some of their remarkable desserts to share with friends and loved ones.
Location: Chinatown LA CA 90012
PIC Credit: @laconservancy
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!