Big fuss in Little China.
As New York City’s Chinatown faces a variety of threats from declining foot traffic and violent crime to urban renewal, one local group has come up with a great way to support the historic neighborhood by hosting a fun and affordable late-night party.
For a few Fridays this summer, Big Apple China fans will have plenty of time to enjoy the neighborhood after its normal post-COVID closing hours, as the Chinatown Night Market opens at Forsyth Plaza from 8pm to 11:45pm, including tonight.
The lively and delicious event, with dishes priced at under $7 a plate, is organized by Think! Chinatown, a local nonprofit that works to keep the neighborhood popular as it grows.
“Chinatown Night Market is more than just a street fair,” says director Ying Kong. Every timeout. “This is a step towards proudly claiming a place for our community in the midst of increasing gentrification.”
Ironically, what’s threatening the area’s unique energy is Manhattan’s Chinese food boom, with a plethora of options throughout the borough, from authentic Shanghainese restaurant Che Lee in the East Village to Din Tai Fung, the world’s largest, just steps from the heart of Times Square.
Organizers said the outdoor expo will feature vendors specializing in traditional Chinatown art and food, but there will be no kanip-kanop stalls or fake watches.
The cuisines available on the atmospheric streets of Chinatown are becoming increasingly diverse.
This season’s culinary highlights include an array of first-class eateries, including:
- Bánh Mì Cô Út (a shop selling French-style Vietnamese sandwiches and other foods)
- Grand Tea & Import
- Kuih Cafe (New York’s first Malaysian dessert depot)
- Sugarcane Daddy (Fresh sugarcane juice store)
- Yang Woo Dou Ban (A family-run soy milk and tofu joint established in 1936)
- The Little One (a boutique Japanese pastry shop), and more.
There will also be a variety of locally made crafts on display, from fabric dolls to sugar paintings, framed calligraphy and traditional paper cutting art.
Also keep an eye out for intermittent cultural dances that take place in the upper plaza at 8:45, 9:45, and 10:45 pm.
Organizers have promised that neither festival fees nor merchandise will be exorbitant, a rarity amid inflation.
Most of the food items are priced at “under $7” and the majority of the craft items are under $25.
