Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Shoppers in Chinatown
Top Things to Do in New York City for Shoppers in Chinatown
1. Wing On Wo & Co.
Step into the oldest continuously operating shop in Chinatown, a porcelain and cultural goods boutique where shelves brim with hand-painted bowls, tea sets, vases, and festive home decor.
✓ Why Go:
For heirloom-quality ceramics and meaningful gifts rooted in neighborhood history and Chinese craft traditions.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays 11 am–2 pm to browse peacefully before afternoon crowds arrive.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about limited-run artist collaborations and perfectly packable tea cups—staff will wrap purchases for safe travels.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Celebrated as soulful and authentic; shoppers praise the knowledgeable, multigenerational team and unique selection.
2. Ten Ren Tea Shop
Taiwan’s beloved tea house anchors Mott Street with shelves of oolongs, green teas, ginseng blends, and elegant tins, plus a counter for bubble tea while you shop.
✓ Why Go:
To taste and take home quality loose-leaf teas with guidance on flavor profiles and brewing methods.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning, before the post-lunch bubble-tea rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sample King’s Tea (ginseng oolong) and pick up a small travel gaiwan to brew in your hotel room.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reliable favorite for both tea novices and aficionados; friendly staff make choosing easy.
3. Yunhong Chopsticks
A jewel box boutique dedicated entirely to chopsticks—lacquered wood, ebony, silver, porcelain-tipped—and matching rests and gift boxes.
✓ Why Go:
To find a distinctive, suitcase-friendly souvenir or wedding/housewarming gift that feels personal and practical.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on weekdays for unhurried browsing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff to help pair chopsticks with a coordinating rest and case for a polished gift set.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers love the serene vibe and curated range from budget-friendly to collectible pieces.
4. Kam Man Market
A long-standing Chinatown institution for pantry staples—soy sauces, noodles, snacks—alongside kitchenware, beauty finds, and a popular Cantonese BBQ counter.
✓ Why Go:
One-stop stock-up for Asian groceries and practical cookware, all under one roof.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning to midday; weekends are lively but crowded.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check endcaps for seasonal deals (mooncakes, New Year candies) and grab vacuum-sealed snacks as gifts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Nostalgic favorite with dependable prices; visitors appreciate the depth of selection.
5. Po Wing Hong Food Market
Specialists in dried seafoods, herbs, and ginseng—think fish maw, sea cucumber, bird’s nest—plus traditional soup mixes and wellness goods.
✓ Why Go:
For high-quality ingredients and knowledgeable advice on traditional Chinese pantry and herbal items.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday when staff can spend time explaining grades and uses.
✓ Insider Tip:
Have herbs or dried goods weighed into smaller portions to stay carry-on friendly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for expertise, fair pricing, and a community-minded staff.
6. Hong Kong Supermarket
A sprawling neighborhood grocery known for fresh produce, seafood, snacks, and an international array of sauces and frozen dim sum.
✓ Why Go:
To comparison-shop staples and discover snacks and condiments you won’t find in mainstream markets.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or early evening to avoid peak weekend crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a reusable tote and explore the noodle and dumpling aisles for easy gifts and late-night hotel snacks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Busy and budget-friendly; variety keeps both home cooks and curious grazers happy.
7. New York Mart
A reliable, centrally located supermarket with strong produce and seafood counters, roast meats, and a wide instant-noodle and snack selection.
✓ Why Go:
For everyday Chinatown grocery shopping and quick edible souvenirs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings on weekdays tend to be calmer than weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for end-of-day markdowns on prepared items and pick up specialty sugars and teas for gifts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Seen as a solid all-rounder with good value and selection.
8. Grand Tea & Imports
Family-run tea and cultural shop offering curated loose-leaf teas, teaware, incense, joss paper, and ritual items tied to community traditions.
✓ Why Go:
To learn, taste, and bring home teas with a story, plus meaningful cultural gifts.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons, when staff often have time for tastings and conversation.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for recommendations by flavor (floral, toasty, smoky) and pick up travel-ready tins.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Warm, educational service; buyers value the thoughtful curation and storytelling.
9. Malaysia Beef Jerky
Thin, tender, grilled-style Malaysian jerky—beef, pork, or chicken—in classic or spicy cuts, sold by weight for take-home snacking.
✓ Why Go:
A cult favorite edible souvenir that packs flat and travels well.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday for the broadest selection; popular flavors can sell down later.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request vacuum-sealed packs to keep flavors fresh in transit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Frequently called addictive and giftable; staff are fast and efficient.
10. MOCA Shop (Museum of Chinese in America)
A thoughtful gift shop with books, prints, pins, toys, and design-forward keepsakes celebrating Chinese American history and Chinatown culture.
✓ Why Go:
To support a neighborhood institution while picking up meaningful, well-designed gifts.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons after exploring nearby Mott and Bayard Streets; closed on some weekdays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Combine with a museum visit and ask about exhibit-related merchandise and kids’ gifts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Appreciated for culturally resonant, quality items and a mission worth supporting.
