A Day in Chinatown with Omsom Co-Founder and Internet Weirdo Kim Pham (@kim_tpham)
Welcome to the latest installment of our “A Day in Chinatown with…” series, where our fellow New Yorkers (or NYC fanatics) share their favorite Chinatown spots with us. For Pride Month, these spots are selected by our friends in the AAPI LGBTQ+ community.
Our next guest is Kim Pham, self-proclaimed internet weirdo and Co-Founder of Omsom, a proud and loud Asian food brand that makes cooking your favorite Asian dishes with hard-to-find ingredients possible in any home kitchen. As first-generation Vietnamese Americans, Kim and her sister, Vanessa, started Omsom to reclaim and celebrate myriad Asian flavors and stories.
Before we get started, what does Chinatown mean to you as a Queer Asian-American?
"Chinatown (and other ethnic enclaves like it across the nation) to me feels like a testament of strength, of immigrant folks finding one another, building a network of resources, and fostering a sense of community in the face of feeling ‘other’. I am deeply lucky to have found something similar on my own journey as a queer Asian-American, so I find such heart and joy in this sense of family, chosen AND blood, that Chinatowns everywhere represent."
Feel-Good Foods
Yaya Tea (51 Chrystie Street) - This spot has been a haunt of mine since my NYU days. Their spam onigiri never, ever fail to hit the spot, plus, there’s a growing snack section that is so fun to browse on a rainy day!
Alimama (89A Bayard Street) - Okay, the hype is real. I hardly have a sweet tooth, but their cereal mochi donut is what my dreams are made of. This place is ABG-central, and I am HERE FOR IT.
46 Mott (46 Mott Street) - Yes, their zongzi are fire, but my favorite is their tofu pudding with sweet ginger syrup. Gobble this down while it’s still warm!
Night Life
Reception Bar (45 Orchard Street) - This gorgeous bar is run with deep intentionality by my friend, Katie, who slings the best soju cocktails in town. From the decor choices to the house made concoctions, Reception is a cozy little spot sure to impress any date!
Up Stairs Bar (59 Canal Street, 2nd Floor) - Ascend the stairs into a rowdy lil’ karaoke den. This place is a riot, especially with big groups of friends!
99 Favor Taste (285 Grand Street) - If you’re too good for AYCE hotpot, I don’t f*ck with you. 99 Favor Taste is a classic spot (come on your birthday for the dancing monkey!). My favorite thing about this spot is the sauce bar that allows you to create your own dipping sauce for your meal! A gamechanger to be able to load up on as much garlic and shacha as you like!
Real Traditional
Kuih Cafe (46 Eldridge Street) - Nasi lemak to the face. You’re welcome.
Rabbit House (41 Essex Street) - This adorable Japanese spot is tucked on a quiet stretch of Essex Street, but they stay slinging beautifully refined dishes. Perfect for a date night: curl up at the bar and put yourself in the hands of their trusty staff!
Bangkok Center Grocery (104 Mosco Street) - This small shop on a quiet street off the main drag of Chinatown is my go-to for Thai products. Plus, their staff are so friendly and down to answer your questions!
