Jaunted

Juicy pork dumplings at Phoenix

Where to Eat and Drink

· Phoenix
When you're in Chinatown, you must have dim sum, especially if you're in need of an excellent hangover cure. Head to Phoenix, where you'll have a hard time figuring out which traditional goodies you'll devour from the carts that whiz by your table. If you love yourself some pig, the cha siu bao, or steamed barbecue pork buns, are a good bet, as are the juicy pork dumplings, which gush with a tasty broth when you bite into them. The noh mai gai is also a good option, with bits of chicken mixed in with sticky rice all wrapped neatly in a lotus leaf. End with a sweet note by grabbing the mango pudding, a light heart-shaped dessert with the consistency of Jello.

· Saint's Alp Teahouse
Right next door to Phoenix, you'll find this fast-food joint. Ignore the food—you're likely full from Phoenix, anyway—and order some tea. Good luck choosing, though; there are more than 70 teas on the menu. The boba teas and the sesame milk tea are delish beverages.

· Chiu Quon Bakery
Yes, you've had to let the button on your jeans loose after dim sum and tea. But you have to stop by this bakery to pick up some treats for later. There are excellent savory selections, such as the meat-filled buns. Sweets also line the cases. The almond cookies will go well with tea, but be sure to buy some of its famous moon cakes with red bean paste.

Chiu Quon Bakery

Where to Shop

· Ten Ren Tea and Ginseng Co.
If you want to bring home some loose tea or get a great Chinatown souvenir, forget the trinket shops and head to Ten Ren. The shop sells tons of different teas, from oolong to pu-erh. But we love the great teapots and sets there, especially the clay zodiac teapots, like the golden ram from the Year of the Ram.

Where to Visit

· Ping Tom Memorial Park
After all of that eating, walk it off with a stroll along the river at Ping Tom Memorial Park. The 12-acre park has Chinese decorative elements, such as a pagoda. It's a nice way to end your Chinatown trip.

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· Neighborhoods You Need To Know And Go: Chicago's Lincoln Square [Jaunted]
· It’s Boba Tea, Not Bubble Tea! [VegasChatter]
· Chinatowns [Jaunted]

[Photos: Jennifer Kester]