Neighbourhood Guide: A day of delights in Chinatown
Photo via @chrissyjayvisualsPhoto via Exige Medi SpaPhoto via @josejr_photolandscapePhoto via @saulgoodgiftcoPhoto via Fine Art AmericaCuriocity Group Inc.Photo via @the_new_galleryPhoto via @brazilianfoodie InstagramPhoto via @stephen.ca
What’s up pals? It’s a short week and we’re feelin’ good. We’re also feeling good about the fact that Chinatown is a thing that exists. Yep, you bet we’re coming at you with another Neighborhood Guide, this time all about our fave dragon-dancing community.
Here’s all the best things to do in Chinatown!
Get your spa on at Exige
This place doesn’t have a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor for nothing. Whether you’re in for a couple’s massage or just a solo mission, you’ve gotta hit Exige up for some R&R. Try acupuncture, Thai massage, or foot massages to get yourself all loosened up!
Go on a public art scavenger hunt
From the Famous Five statues to the Weaving Fence and Horn sculpture, there’s a whole lotta gorgeous art near Chinatown. Light up your ‘gram with some creative stuff and toss us a tag, you never know when we might repost one of your gems!
Let your inner chocoholic roam free
Look, we’re not ones to pass up a spot called The Chocolate Lab. The cocoa here isn’t just delicious, but it’s like eating little pieces of art. Picture Willy Wonka style imagination, but less creepy subtext.
Pick up a trinket or two
Hing Wah Imports is the perfect spot to pick up something unique. Grab everything from Chinese kitchenware to decorative pieces to cute stationery. Also a fun fact: this place has the earliest Sunday hours out of any Canada Post locations. If you want your Amazon order, like NOW, this is the spot to grab it at.
Try YYC’s finest tacos (seriously)
There’s a new restaurant in Chinatown– and they’re seriously killing the taco game. Calgary, you’ve gotta try Moose & Poncho! Mix and match your way to taste bud heaven with unique taco fillings like suadero (not brisket but close), chicharron prensado (pressed pork) or green chorizo.
Get creative at the gallery
The New Gallery’s an awesome, non-profit artist-run centre! Check out their incredible contemporary artwork, all carefully curated by a gallery of creatives. Keep your eyes peeled for their upcoming exhibition “Accent” by Shellie Zhang, opening Friday, May 24 at 8PM.
Treat yourself like RoyalTea
Okay, okay. So this isn’t technically open yet. But it will be soon! A Chinese café with a thing for shticks, Royaltea is known for flooding the ‘gram with bubble tea bulb pics. And with flavours including taro, passionfruit, matcha, and kumquat lemonade, there’s no shortage of unique stuff to try.
Win sum and dim sum at Silver Dragon
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Silver Dragon. Not only does it sound majestic, this resto is a straight up gem. From har gow (shrimp dumplings) to shaomai (steamed pork/prawn/veggie dumplings) to perfectly sticky rice leaves, the Dragon does *not* disappoint.
That about does it! Enjoy your Chinatown experience Calgary, we hope you make some wicked memories.
