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Early Addition
Gothamist loves travel - but hates travelling. Who actually enjoys shuttling to the airport, long flights, the interminable wait for your luggage when you finally arrive at your destination? Let's not even discuss the whole packing process!
And, so when we really need a travel fix, without the hassle, Gothamist finds itself availing itself of the various international enclaves throughout the five boroughs - Koreatown, the remaining UES outposts of Yorkville, Manhattan's Chinatown, Flushing's Chinatown, Brighton Beach, Little Italy, the Irish pubs of Woodside, the Italian markets of Arthur Avenue, Jackson Heights, etc. But, one of our faves seems to be a bit under the radar screen - Sunset Park's Chinatown. Chock-a-block with Asian restaurants and markets, Sunset Park's Chinatown isn't exactly glam - but does provide a mean ethnic foodie fix, if that's what your after. (Isn't it? That's what we're after!)
Two suggestions, if you're thinking of exploring Brooklyn's Asian outpost: Hit Jade Plaza and start your morning off right with an array of jewel-like dim sum dumplings. (They actually open their doors at 8:00am.)
Then, if you'd like to continue the Chinese culinary adventure, just cross the street to visit Hong Kong Supermarket. It makes Trader Joe's look like it's for wusses. We're talking live frogs for sale. The place is bigger than most neighborhood Gristede's and is jam-packed with exotic Asian foodstuffs such as bins of dried fish, a dizzying selection of teas, Chinese candies, sodas and much, much, much more. (We're particularly taken with the enormous selection of frozen raw shrimp. You do realize that the majority of fishmongers sell defrosted suckers anyway, don't you?)
So, next time you feel like travelling to an exotic locale with great gourmet delights, grab your Metrocard and leave your passport at home.
Other ethnic foodie suggestions across the city? Please feel free to share.
Jade Plaza
6022 Eighth Ave. (at 60th)
Brooklyn, NY 11220
718-492-6888
Hong Kong Supermarket
6013 8th Ave. (at 60th)
Brooklyn, NY 11220
718-438-2288
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My wife and I go to Hong Kong Supermarket in Flushing about once a month or so -- it's impressive. The selection of meat, fish, shellfish, canned goods, oil, rice and condiments is great and there is often quite cheap soy milk. The fruit is OK too but there are better places for vegetables.
Please strangle me if I ever use the word "foodie."
One of my favorite restaurants is in Sunset Park's Chinatown - Nyonya at 5323 8th Avenue (at 54th Street). They also have a location on Grand between Mott & Mulberry in Manhattan, although I haven't checked that one out. It's Malaysian food, really cheap, and *really* good. The service is a bit abrupt at times, but not rude, and shouldn't deter you from checking it out.
Hey! I love Nyonya! I'm with you on all points. Service CAN be slow, but not rude.
I frequent the Hong Kong Super Market at East Broadway/Allen St.
It's a decent mix of basic produce/meats and the exotic. Prices are far better than the regular grocery stores'.
Best dim sum in southern Brooklyn: World Tong, 6202 18th Avenue. Puts all the others to shame.