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L.A. Taco Guides

L.A. TACO Neighborhood Guides: Chinatown

A stroll through Chinatown feels like slipping between the shifting planes of time and space. Here are our recommendations for places to eat and shop, along with a look into its dark history.

Chinatown's Central Plaza in Los Angeles, with red paper lanters strung over a wide courtyard with pagoda roofs in back.

Chinatown’s Central Plaza. Photo by Hadley Tomicki for L.A. TACO.

A stroll through Chinatown feels like slipping between the shifting planes of timespace. 

An urban stage blending heritage and hype, where ancient roots are sold as medicine besides stands slinging iridescent brass knuckles, bootleg Monchichis, and real turtles. 

Where bright pagodas, private tongs, and moongates glower across the street at mixed use abominations and Tesla’s Incel Caminos in hot pursuit of a shortcut to Dodger Stadium.