Did You Know?

Did you know that New York City is often called the "Big Apple"? The origins of this nickname are not entirely clear, but it gained popularity in the 1920s and '30s. It is believed that it was popularized by jazz musicians who referred to New York City as the "big apple" to mean the grandest city in the country.

Did you know that New York City is a melting pot of cultures and languages? Over 800 languages are spoken in the city, making it one of the most linguistically diverse places on Earth. People from all over the world have made New York City their home, creating a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere.

Did you know that New York City is made up of five boroughs? Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island are the five boroughs that make up the city. Each borough has its own distinct character, culture, and attractions.

Did you know that New York City's iconic skyline was significantly shaped by the construction of skyscrapers? The city is famous for its impressive collection of towering buildings, including the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Chrysler Building. These skyscrapers contribute to the city's unique and recognizable silhouette.

Did you know that New York City is home to the largest park in the United States? Central Park, located in the heart of Manhattan, covers an impressive 843 acres (341 hectares). It offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets and is a popular destination for outdoor activities, picnics, and cultural events.

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Discover The Magic Of Chinatown New York

Vibrant street scene in Chinatown, New York, with busy shops, colorful signs, and pedestrians enjoying the lively atmosphere

The vast diversity of ethnicities in New York City includes, of course, Chinese; in fact, New York is home to more ex-patriot Chinese than any other city in the world. As such, there is not one, but several Chinatowns in New York. Their common thread is unique shops, speciality foods and authentic dining experiences. Between the long-established, newly settled and up-and-coming Chinatowns, the current count is nine!

The three main venerable Chinatowns in New York are situated in these neighbourhoods:

Manhattan
Flushing (Queens)
Sunset Park (Brooklyn)

The main draw for locals and visitors is food, and the menu offerings can range widely in prices, as well as authenticity; not every American palate wants a truly Chinese meal, so many Chinatown restaurants are geared to North American tastes. They also serve southeast Asian foods, like Thai and Taiwanese, Japanese, and regional Chinese cuisine such as Cantonese and Szechuan.

The increasing number of Chinese immigrants to New York in recent years, and the spread of those already there, has resulted in the additional Chinatowns. Some are firmly established, others in their infancy. They are located in the neighbourhoods of Little Neck, East Village (to a lesser degree), Forest Hills, Homecrest (try Cantonese food here!), Bensonhurst and Elmhurst. Maybe your fortune cookie will predict the next Chinatown in New York!