There have recently been more Korean chains moving into Chinatown. It's been a very good fit for our community. Korean chains like The Face Shop, Nature Republic, The Yeon, Cafe Bene have popped up in the last few years. Soon Tous Le Jours will be opening on Division street. Chinese love spa products and bakeries! These Korean brands are innovative and appeal to a similar Asian palette. Priced higher than the normal Chinese goods, but still remain an affordable luxury.
Read moreEmpowering Young Women Through Fashion in Chinatown
Rebecca Reich and the Greater Chinatown Community Association cordially invite you to an afternoon of fun and fashion!
Read more5 Things to do in Chinatown with $10 or Less
Strapped for cash and want to do something fun? Head over to Chinatown for an amazing day of cultural experience. Grab a friend you haven't seen in a while, bring a new date, or even explore the hustling and bustling neighborhood by yourself. Here's how to do it with $10 or less. Here we go!
1. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory - When I bring friends to Chinatown, I usually bring them straight to the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. With flavors like ginger and almond cookie, there is always something for everyone. For big occasions like Mother's Day and Thanksgiving, you can even pre-order ice cream cakes with your three favorite flavors!
65 Bayard St New York, NY 10013 Phone: (212) 608-4170 http://www.chinatownicecreamfactory.com/
2. Elizabeth Center - With a cone or cup in hand, head around the corner to Elizabeth St. (which has now been named Private Danny Chen Way) to the famous Elizabeth Center. There are lots of gift shops with presents to buy for your friends. But go quickly - many of the stores are closing soon!
13 Elizabeth St New York, NY 10013 (212) 431-5150
3. Mahayana Buddhist Temple - work your way to the beautiful and colorful Buddhist temple for a cultural experience. It's free admission, but you are more than welcome to leave a donation. There is a beautiful interior that is worth exploring!
133 Canal St., New York, NY 10002 at Manhattan Bridge Plz.
4. Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) - Learn about Chinatown's history. Learn about Chinese history in New York City. This is a great time to go, especially because it's Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month! The general admission is only $10, but you can snag a deal on Thursdays with free admission through Target Thursdays.
215 Centre Street New York, NY 10013 (212) 619-4785 http://www.mocanyc.org/visit/
5. Fruit & Vegetable Stands - Before getting back on the subway after your fun-filled day in Chinatown, stop by the fruit and vegetable stands on Mott Street. Walk past Hester St. and you will see store after store filled with fruit, vegetables, and more. It's the perfect and cost-effective way to finish your day in Chinatown and get dinner ready!
That's on our list. What's on yours?
The Face Shop
Noticed the new store on Elizabeth street that is bright and full of beauty products? The Face Shop, a Korean brand, has arrived in Chinatown. When you have a chance, head inside to check out all of the different types of skin care that they carry. My favorite item to purchase for friends is the face mask. There is a variety of pomegranate, green tea, aloe, red ginseng, etc. They are only $2! It's a great place to stock up!
Visit: The Face Shop 6B Elizabeth Street (between Canal and Bayard) Facebook
Elizabeth Center, "EC" For Short
If you grew up in New York City, you would know that there were no shopping malls to linger around in for hours with your friends. The closest was Manhattan Mall around 34th Street. If you grew up in Chinatown, the best thing you had to a shopping mall was Elizabeth Center. An underground mall with anything Asian and anything adorable, EC was a place to hide out when it was cold, cool off when it was hot, and bring your date there to buy the latest stuffed animal.
Recently, I went back to check out EC for old times sake and half the stores were vacant. The ones that are left are closing soon. Where do the kids hang out now? A childhood memory for me will soon fade and I encourage you to check it out before it is no longer there.
Elizabeth Center 13 Elizabeth Street Between Canal & Bayard
Let us know what goodies you find!
