Chinatown-International District

Explore

Admire the ornate Historic Chinatown Gate, which features 8,000 ceramic tiles made in southern China. Wing Luke Museum highlights and celebrates a mix of Asian communities through rotating exhibits and walking Chinatown Discovery Tours. Panama Hotel and Tea House serves as a living museum of the Japanese American experience with a preserved bathhouse and a charming café serving more than 40 tea varieties. Stroll up the hill through Kobe Terrace, where a stone lantern from Kobe, Japan, commemorates the park’s completion.

Eat and Drink

Classic Cantonese dishes are beautifully presented at the expansive Diamond Bay Restaurant, which is highly popular for dim sum. Be sure to try a slice of ube cheesecake at the beloved Hood Famous Cafe + Bar. On C-ID’s east side, terrific Vietnamese restaurants abound. Try The Boat, a casual chicken and rice shop specializing in com gà mám toi, a fried-garlic-coated cornish hen served with pandan-steamed rice. Vietnam House Restaurant is well-regarded for its brisket beef noodle pho, and Tamarind Tree turns out delicious Vietnamese lettuce rolls, rice dishes, and cocktails.

Shop

An essential stop for any shopping adventure in the neighborhood is the legendary Asian supermarket Uwajimaya, with its vast selection of foods, gifts, and housewares. Also check out the adjacent well-stocked book, movie, and music store Kinokuniya. Pink Gorilla Games International carries the latest video games plus imported plush toys, candies, and gifts; additional branches are in Capitol Hill and the U District. Vital T Leaf carries an extensive range of Asian teas.