Best Ways to Spend a Day in Chinatown? (Seattle, Bellevue: house, to buy)

[Resonance19]

For my Birthday, I asked my parents to take me to the Chinatown/Asian Business section of Seattle. I am very much into japanese, and Asian cultures, and I want to get the BEST experience possible. I have heard of many different asian markets, including Uwajimaya, and restaurants, like Bushgarden and Kaname Izakaya, but i need to sort of have an idea before i go.

Here are some questions, for the experienced, please!

What's the best authentic japanese restaurant/place to get Sushi/Sashimi?

What is the best Oriental Market? (Frozen foods, packaged foods, Fresh produce, fresh fish, Imported products, Bento Boxes (?), clothing(maybe?) ps i heard Uwajimaya was the best, but i want to make sure

Whats one thing i NEED To try or do or see in Chinatown?

Random question... Is it cheaper to buy produce in asian markets?

Any other suggestions/recommendations are very welcome!

Thanks!

[tobester]

Ho Ho Seafood, followed by Yummy House Bakery.

[Vinylly]

I'm not sure Seattle's 'Chinatown' is big enough to spend a full day. There is the Wing Luke Maseum and some import shops. The historic Uwajiaya family has created a very good oriental food market which is a must to visit for your grocery shopping. Most of the older Chinese families and new families from China buy their homes in Bellevue. For that reason the best Chinese resturants are in the Bellevue area which is really where the Chinese community is.

[brandonbrinegar]

I agree...Bellevue is the new Chinatown.

Originally Posted by Vinylly

I'm not sure Seattle's 'Chinatown' is big enough to spend a full day. There is the Wing Luke Maseum and some import shops. The historic Uwajiaya family has created a very good oriental food market which is a must to visit for your grocery shopping. Most of the older Chinese families and new families from China buy their homes in Bellevue. For that reason the best Chinese resturants are in the Bellevue area which is really where the Chinese community is.

[Hemlock140]

I agree that there isn't enough in Seattle's Chinatown/International District to spend a whole day. As for Bellevue, there are good Chinese restaurants there though my favorite is actually in the Klahanie area of Issaquah, Chan's. They also have them in Kirkland & Woodinville but Issaquah is the best. As for markets, Uwajimaya is the best, but there's one in Bellevue too that we go to frequently. In fact they are moving it to the old Larry's market site. produce is a little cheaper there than normal supermarkets but still not as low as the summer farmer's markets or Pike Place.

You might consider visiting the Seattle Asian Art Museum, Chinese Garden,
and Bonsai Northwest to round out your day.


Seattle Asian Art Museum: Visitor Information

Home :: Seattle Chinese Garden

BNW: Bonsai Northwest

[tickyul]

Eat barbecue at one of the Chinese joints. Be careful, if you are not Chinese you will probably end up with the "HONKY BOX", a barbecue box filled with the junk parts not good enough for a Chinese person. How do I know this......I used to eat in Ctown quite often......got my share of chicken buttholes and necks......LOL.

[Ira500]

There's something like six or seven good produce stands in the International District, much less expensive than Uwajimaya. They're on both King Street and Jackson Street as you head east...There's a sort of " extension" of the International District headed eastwards, " Little Saigon". More produce stands up there and some great restaurants.
I wouldn't say at all that " Chinatown has moved to Bellevue." Bellevue has a large Chinese community and some awesome Chinese restaurants, but Seattle's Chinatown is old, authentic, funky, and cool. You can't replicate that.

[Citislicker]

Chinatown is still where it is in Seattle, I would agree with Ira. Bellevue may have more population, but it doesn't have the architecture/history/stories to snap that position. Try Dim Sum at Jade Garden. Put your name on the list and take a stroll while you wait one hour if it is on weekend. There is a big gate on King, i think? Uwajimaya is cool too. In Chinatown/ID, there is a unique hustle/bustle that is different and I hope you will feel it and perceive it positively as you experience it.

[mrsincredible]

Originally Posted by Citislicker

Chinatown is still where it is in Seattle, I would agree with Ira. Bellevue may have more population, but it doesn't have the architecture/history/stories to snap that position. Try Dim Sum at Jade Garden. Put your name on the list and take a stroll while you wait one hour if it is on weekend. There is a big gate on King, i think? Uwajimaya is cool too. In Chinatown/ID, there is a unique hustle/bustle that is different and I hope you will feel it and perceive it positively as you experience it.

I second Jade Garden for Dim Sum - authentic and delicious!