Austin Chinatown: Things To Do, Best Restaurants, & More 2023
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Looking to Visit Chinatown in Austin, Texas?
Let’s get one thing straight, “Chinatown” in Austin is not a traditional Asian neighborhood like you would find in New York City or San Francisco. Rather, it’s more of a shopping center that’s home to authentic Asian restaurants, jewelry stores, beauty boutiques, the Austin Asian American Chamber of Commerce, and over 40 other retail shops.
At the center of it all is MT Supermarket, the largest Asian supermarket in Central Texas. This gigantic building is reminiscent of Walmart, but with an Asian flare. Here, you will find a wide variety of foods and flavors from China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and more.
Located on Lamar Boulevard in North Austin, the Chinatown Center was created in 2006 to serve as the central hub for the city’s growing Asian population. The charming center hosts events and offers fun things to do for people of all ages and cultures. Read on for everything you need to know about Chinatown in Austin.
Austin Chinatown: Best Things To Do
It’s no secret that the city of Austin is full of amazing things to do. Spending the day in the Chinatown Center is the perfect alternative to the mainstream activities found closer to downtown.
1. Eat Some Authentic Asian Cuisine
The Chinatown Center is home to some of the best Asian restaurants in all of Austin. This is an ideal place to be for lunch, dinner, or whenever “snack time” strikes. Later on in this article, I dive deeper into the best restaurants in Chinatown.
2. Load Up On Groceries
MT Supermarket is the largest international grocery store in Central Texas. The 100,000-square-foot superstore houses all your favorite Asian staples, as well as imported items that are difficult to find anywhere else in the area.
Family-owned and operated since 1984, MT Supermarket proudly offers Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, Thai, Indonesian, and Indian groceries. There’s also a huge selection of fresh produce, fish, meat, and baked goods.
3. Celebrate the Chinese New Year
This is THE place to be to ring in the Chinese New Year in Austin. The annual event features live music, dragon dances, firecrackers, and of course, plenty of food. In addition to various performances, there are even appearances from special guests such as the commissioner of Austin and the mayor of Austin.
4. Take a Photo Under the Chinatown Gateway
Snap a selfie under this piece of ancient Chinese architecture, and people who see the photo will have trouble believing you’re actually in Texas! Most Chinese ceremonial gates have three portals, and this one is no different. Not only a good photo op, but the archways are also a traditional symbol to mark the entrance to Chinatowns all over the world.
5. Get A Foot Massage
If your feet are sore from walking around the giant grocery store, stop by Happy Foot Spa to relieve the pain. This place also does full-body massages and even has a punch card for $5 off your fifth visit and $10 off your tenth visit!
Another spot for reflexology is Foot Relax. Between these two establishments, your feet will be happy in no time.
6. Check Out the Selection of Herbal Remedies
Hang Fung Herbal Shop is the ultimate destination for Chinese herbs and gifts in Central Texas. Their selection of teas, ginseng, and other specialty items is unparalleled. They also stock some of the most famous brands in Asian herbal medicines.
7. Shop for Unique Jewelry
These aren’t your typical jewelry stores. Locally-owned stores such as Tran Ngoc and Kim Hoan sell unique pieces of gold and silver at prices that can’t be beaten.
8. Drink a Bubble Tea
It almost feels wrong to walk around this area without a colorful bubble tea in your hand. Check out Gen Boba Tea and Coffee House or Bambu Drink Shoppe for a cold beverage. You can also branch out and try an Asian-inspired Chè, Vietnamese espresso, or exotic smoothie.
9. Get Your Nails Done
If you need a manicure or pedicure, there are some fantastic nail salons nearby. There’s also Mimi Spa Nail Supply if you’d like to take the goods home and do it yourself. This store has everything you need from acrylic systems to nail art, to airbrush and waxing products.
Austin Chinatown: Best Restaurants & Places To Eat
Eating is quite possibly the best thing to do in Austin’s Chinatown Center. These are the restaurants that you won’t want to miss out on.
✔️First Chinese BBQ – This has become a crowd favorite, not only in Chinatown, but in Austin as a whole. Known for roast duck and barbeque pork, this restaurant serves up sizeable portions at reasonable prices. First Chinese BBQ is a BYOB establishment, and the owners encourage customers to bring their favorite drinks to complement their meal.
✔️Pho Saigon Noodle House – Soup fans rejoice, this spot is a haven for hot broth and noodles. Always served fresh and fast, the beef brisket is recommended here. If you aren’t into meat, the egg rolls are another popular menu item.
✔️Korean Grill – The highest-rated restaurant in Chinatown, Korean Grill is a great place to satisfy your hunger. The restaurant specializes in family-style dinners, so the best move here is to order several dishes to share. Don’t come here expecting anything fancy, but you will be treated like you’re right at home.
✔️Texas Bakery – This bakery handcrafts more than 60 different styles of bread and pastries. The owners are Taiwanese, and bring specialties from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China. We recommend a traditional moon cake with a cup of fresh-brewed coffee.
✔️Unlce Phan’s Fresh Tofu To Go – If fresh tofu that doesn’t taste store-bought is what you crave, this is the cafeteria for you. Uncle Phan’s makes it easy to grab food to go or dine in for a quick meal. Do not be fooled by the name, the vegetarian options here are limited, and most tofu dishes are served with meat.
✔️Baguette House & Cafe – Some of the best banh mi sandwiches in town are eaten here. Stop by for a perfect version of the Vietnamese classic, or other casual eats. The fresh sandwiches are made with house pickle (daikon & carrot), cucumber, jalapeno, cilantro, house mayonnaise, and soy sauce.
Best Places To Stay Near Chinatown
While there aren’t any places to stay directly in Chinatown Center (yet), there are some solid accommodations nearby. Since Chinatown is located in North Austin, there are plenty of places to stay in the surrounding areas.
✔️Budget Suggestion – WoodSpring Suites Austin North I-35
This hotel is unpretentious, but a nice option when staying in North Austin. Since this hotel is equipped for extended stays, it features amenities such as in-room kitchens and on-site laundry facilities. It’s also dog-friendly.
✔️ Luxury Suggestion – The Westin Austin at The Domain
Located in the upscale shopping district of The Domain, this hotel is luxurious and ultra-clean. There are nightclubs, bars, and restaurants within walking distance for a fun night out. It’s also just a 10-minute drive to Chinatown!
Additional Hidden Gems in Austin
Austin is a city where it’s nearly impossible to ever be bored. Of course, there are many things to do that most people know about. But there are also some hidden gems, much like Chinatown Center, that don’t get as much attention.
✔️Secret Beach – Believe it or not, there’s a beach hidden along the Colorado River not far from downtown Austin. The beautiful stretch of soft, sandy beach is located in Roy G. Guerrero Park. While it is now illegal to swim at Secret Beach, locals still enjoy the area for picnics, sunbathing, and splashing in the shallow water.
✔️The Eureka Room – The Eureka Room is a modern-day roadside attraction made for those who enjoy acting absurd and meeting other fun people. Without giving away too many details, this room is full of lights and sounds, but is better experienced as a surprise. Based on the stellar reviews, most visitors agree that this is something you should not miss while in Austin.
✔️Garage – This speakeasy cocktail lounge is appropriately named, given that it’s located in a parking garage. That’s right, in the parking garage of the McGarrah Jessee building downtown sits a full bar with mixologists serving some of the best drinks in town. It may appear unassuming on the outside, but once inside, patrons are taken over by its chill and classy atmosphere.
Conclusion: Ultimate Guide to the Austin Chinatown Center
As you can see, although the Chinatown of Austin, Texas is on the smaller side, there is still plenty to do. Perhaps one day it will grow into a full residential neighborhood similar to the Chinatowns found in other larger US cities. For now, it provides residents and tourists in Austin with a healthy dose of Asian culture.
Escape the busy streets of downtown Austin, eat some of the best food you’ll ever taste, and support a hard-working local business. Chinatown Center is one of the best hidden gems in Austin.