Gin Ling Way in Chinatown — **Favorite Chinatown Eats**

Chinatown, Los Angeles has the best LA Chinese food outside of the San Gabriel Valley; with a diversity of options and also the oldest (longest-standing) Chinese restaurants in LA. According to Wiki today’s Union Station stands where the original Chinatown was located. Old Chinatown was razed to make way for Union Station - thus the 1930s gave way to the “new” Chinatown in today’s present location.

More interesting facts about LA’s Chinatown:

The original Chinatown was crafted by non-Asian, set designers through a distorted and stereotypical Hollywood lens! Some of the replica buildings actually came from 1930s film sets.
By the 2000s, many Chinese American had moved east to Monterey Park (where there’s tons of amazing Asian food today).

When I’m in Chinatown, I love eating at one of the long-standing restaurants, and then shopping. Chinatown always has the most affordable houseplants. In their small booth shopping malls and vendors, I can find a few gem, on-trend clothing vendors as well as shop for basics like leggings, tights, baseball caps, socks, etc. If I ever need a red tassel for good luck or to have 10 options of green and black tea, I’m headed to Chinatown.

*Chinatown Central Plaza* *(aka Mandarin Plaza) with a statue of Sun Yat-Sen*

The Food

Chinatown food is diverse within its niche. The food styles range from Cantonese, Mandarin and a touch of Szechuan and Hong Kong; indescribably yum-yum-yum. Most of these restaurants hand you a giant menu with go-to’s ,several house specialties, generous portion sizes, food that comes out as-expected, and service that is no-frills and gets the job done! I always leave wondering, “Why don’t I come here more often?” Atmosphere ranges from traditional extravagance (love a dragon, red and gold decor with intricate patterns, spinning turntables (for that large party), to no-frills table and chairs with simple tablecloth (glossy tiles floor all-round!).

Hop Li Seafood

As a pescatarian, I want to eat somewhere that meat lovers will enjoy, and where I also have a ton of options. If you’re a seafood lover, Hop Li appeals to a wide variety of eaters (good for big groups). I find the food mostly Cantonese style (which I can eat all day-everyday). Many dishes are a good portion size. Some people complain the food is salty - but I say bring it on — the more flavor, the more my appetite is satisfied. Thus, I whole heartedly recommend Hop Woo for seafood lovers and for its wide menu. Interiors are a little aged, but they do spruce it up with large tables and white table cloths. Listen, I ain’t here for the atmosphere; I’m here to eat :)

Notable dishes: Honey walnut shrimp (huge hit at our table), a Fish dish (recommend ordering more than one as our table cleaned this out first), and Garlic Black Bean Scallops. If you’re avoiding seafood the Salt and Pepper pork chop was a hit with many eaters. To round it off, can’t go wrong with standard fried rice and egg drop soup.

Hop Li Chinatown, 526 Alpine St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Official Website

Full Moon House Restaurant

Seaweed tofu soup at Full Moon Restaurant — *Seaweed tofu soup at Full Moon House*

The most memorable decor is a red dragon the dances across the main dining room ceiling (tastefully kitsch!). Ate here with my lifelong partner and both of us were raving about how good the food tasted. We have 0 expectations and walked out with a TON of mouth watering leftovers, full bellies and a promise to return soon. One Yelper Vivianna A said their food style was more Hong Kong Chinese style; I’ll take.

Notable dishes: Peking duck is very popular. any tofu centric dishes like the Mapo Tofu (great for non-meat eaters), and my personal favorite mixed seafood and tofu in a hot pot

Review Highlight: Love this place. [Great] hours. Food has never, ever disappointed. Staff is friendly, quick & efficient.—Cynthia M , Yelp

Full Moon House Restaurant, 960 N Hill St Los Angeles, CA 90012, Official Website

Golden Tree Restaurant

*Crispy Shrimp with Bok Choy (Photo by* *Sklar T, Yelp*)

Come for the food. Interiors are no-frills; but newer than the older competition. Lunch specials are a good portion size (depending on your hunger you could probably use for two meals)! But most of all, it just tastes good.

Notable dishes: Honey Walnut Shrimp, Veggie egg rolls, Mongolian Beer, Kung Pao Chicken and they have a good selection of vegetarian dishes like Mapo Tofu, Roasted Eggplant and Veggie Chow Mein!

Review Highlight [Shrimp Toast with Bok Choy]: The taste is absolutely amazing. I am someone who has eaten at Asian restaurants across Asia and I've never had shrimp toast before. // I highly recommend you try it at least one time in your life. —Joanne T, Yelp

Golden Tree Restaurant, Yelp

More Eats

Yang Chow - established in 1977 so it’s one of the oldest and a strong standby. I walk by often but when you go in and taste the food; it doesn’t disappoint.
Phoenix Bakery - another oldie and goodie but for dessert. Famous for their strawberry cake. I personally can’t stay away from a good moon cake.
Lasita - relative newcomer is a standout with Filipino fare. Meat eats highly recommend the rotisserie chicken.

*Moon cakes, red bean, white lotus from Wonder Bakery in Mandarin Plaza*

Sightseeing

Once you’re done eating, take a walk at the LA State Historic Park, a recently built narrow, 32 acre park with wide walk ways and tons of grass (in case you feel like a picnic or running around). I find it’s the perfect date night, doing a good walk-about after a hearty meal (you know me, a big walker!). Swing by Highland Park Brewery tasting room, literally across the street from the park, for some not-everyday fermented beers the Connector (a lager with Masumoto Peaches).

Make sure to wander by Far East Plaza it all started in 2013 when Roy Choi opened up a modern meets traditional Asian street food take-out restaurant and now this plaza is core to the old meets new food culture in Chinatown. Here you’ll find Howlin’ Ray’s (a very much in-demand fried Nashville chicken joint), and endorffeine coffee, an elevated coffee joint with a minimal setup.