150 years young, and the 3rd largest Chinatown in America, there is plenty to do in this fun corner of the city. Boston’s Chinatown is brimming with history and flavor. While it draws a lot of attention for its food, Boston’s Chinatown has plenty more on its menu beyond those served on a plate.
1. Ring in the Lunar New Year and enjoy cultural festivities year-round
With the Lunar New Year starting on January 22, Chinatown is going to get even more festive. Celebrate the New Year with the Lion Dance parade on Sunday, January 29. There will be plenty of activities hosted by the Pao Arts Center and Tet in Boston who continue to sponsor events all year long in and around Chinatown!
2. Try Kaisen Don for a light lunch at Tora
The 1st Kaisen Don specialist restaurant in the Boston area, Tora is a must-try for sushi lovers. “Kaisen don is a Japanese traditional donburi dish which consists of a bowl of rice topped with raw seafood called sashimi.” The words Kaisen don translate to “fresh seafood.”
That’s exactly what you’ll get at this unassuming spot tucked discreetly in the heart of Chinatown. We recommended the K14- a deconstructed sushi bowl with fatty salmon belly, calamari, scallop, and salmon roe!
Find Tora at 20B Tyler St, Boston, MA 02111
3. Stop by Double Chin for a sweet break and board games
There’s something so special about sharing an enormous French toast doused in matcha ice cream with your best friends while playing board games. This modern Asian restaurant founded by the Chin sisters is home to hilariously large (but don’t be surprised when you inhale it all) cube toast plates.
Find Double Chin at 86 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111
4. Grab dinner at Shōjō or its sister restaurant, Ruckus
Ok we promise won’t be all food in this guide, but there definitely needs to be a lot of food in a Chinatown visit. Cap your night at Shōjō for some Asian fusion to make your taste buds dance. Be prepared to fall in deep love with the Shōjō Chinatown Chicken and Waffles, Salt and Pepper Calamari, and Kimchi Fried Rice.
If you prefer noodles over hearty entrees, stop by their sister restaurant, Ruckus, just up the road at 5 Tyler St.
Find Shōjō at 9A Tyler St. Boston, MA 02111
5. Karaoke the night away at a private suite with friends
If karaoke has never been your thing because the thought of belting out Don’t Stop Believing in front of a bunch of strange Bostonians makes you want to regurgitate, well Station KTV is your kind of karaoke. Parties can reserve or walk in for their own private karaoke room.
It’s the perfect finish to a fun filled day in Chinatown. Loung with company in your private room with plush cushions, your own screen, mics, and access to pretty much any song you dream of singing your heart out to.
Find Station KTV at 20 Hudson St. Boston, MA 02111