A Day in Chinatown with Asian American Fashion Designer Phillip Lim (@therealphilliplim, @morethanourbellies)
Welcome to the next installation of our mini series “A Day in Chinatown with…” where our favorite New Yorkers, part-time New Yorkers and/or New York fanatics share with us their favorite Chinatown spots. There is so much to explore and love about Chinatown; every corner of the neighborhood has its gems.
Our next guest is a talented Asian American fashion designer, entrepreneur, and author, Phillip Lim. Born in 1973 to Chinese parents who immigrated to Southern California, Lim started his design career with a weekend job at Barneys South Coast Plaza that led to an internship with Katayone Adeli. Fast forward to today, he is the owner and designer of 3.1 Phillip Lim, his most personal collection to date. He has received multiple industry honors, including the Fashion Group International’s Women’s Designer ‘Rising Star’ Award, the CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear, the CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear, and the CFDA Award for Accessories Designer of the Year.
Lim is also an advocate and partner for numerous non-profit organizations like Apex for Youth and Children in Conflict. Recently he released the digital copy of his cookbook, More Than Our Bellies, where all proceeds were donated to City Harvest. He has also embarked on a personal project, “New York Tougher than Ever,” designing limited edition merchandize through which all proceeds benefit local organizations such as Thrive Collective, and Immigrant Justice Corps, and he is currently fundraising for the AAPI Community Fund, where you can make a donation here.
Food to Go
Mei Lai Wah (64 Bayard St) – Iconic spot I’ve been going to for years, along with most Asian New Yorkers I think! Dimsum and buns and I often stop here on the way to work as I recently moved my design studio to Chinatown.
Malaysia Beef Jerky Inc (95A Elizabeth St) – The absolute best place for delicious fresh jerky. They have a variety of flavors for chicken, beef, and pork.
Bangkok Center Grocery (104 Mosco St) - I really got into cooking the past few years and have built my #morethanourbellies community – most of what I cook on this Instagram channel is from here. It is my go-to spot for Thai and Southeast Asian produce.
Lunch & Dinner
The Tyger Restaurant (1 Howard St) – Always a great vibe, tasty good and delicious drinks. I often take my friends here and everyone loves it.
New York Bo Ky (94 Baxter St) – My favorite spot for a taste of South East Asian noodle soups. The Teochew noodles are my favorite.
Nha Trang One (87 Baxter St) – The best chicken pho which is one of my favorite dishes and spots for it. I really missed this during the pandemic.
Walk Around Chinatown
KK Discount (78 Mulberry St) – You can find anything you need for your house here. I always come here for the best Asian brooms and think of this as like the Chinatown Ikea.
Shakya Trading Inc (82A Mulberry St) – I come here to stock up my incense from Bhutan. The entire shop has a meditative vibe and I am instantly relaxed and transported when I walk in the door.
Relax Foot Spa (202 Hester St) - For a spacious, clean, quick moment of relaxation. This IS my stress relief spot. They have two locations, one on Hester Street and Centre street
