CHINATOWN, MANHATTAN

Xiang Mini Cake

Hong Kong egg waffles from a former diamond setter's cart at Canal and Mott — torn apart hot, eaten walking.

Xiang Situ came to New York in 1991 and spent more than a decade setting diamonds in Chinatown's jewelry workshops. When the workshops moved away, he earned his food license and, since 2010, has been making Hong Kong–style egg waffles on the corner of Canal and Mott. Kids who grew up in the neighborhood now bring their own kids.

The egg waffle — a sheet of small, golden bubbles, crisp outside and custardy within — comes off the iron in a minute or two and is meant to be torn apart while it is still too hot. Order the original first, then try a flavor. It is the right thing to carry while you walk Mott Street.

Editor’s tip

Bring small bills, order the original, and eat it within a block — egg waffles lose their crunch fast.

Make an evening of it — beautiful stops nearby

CHINATOWN, MANHATTAN

Columbus Park

Five Points' darkest acre, now Chinatown's chessboard, bandstand, and morning gym.

Park & Garden · Free

~4 min on foot

CHINATOWN, MANHATTAN

Doyers Street

Two hundred feet, one notorious bend — the most story-dense street in Manhattan.

Beautiful Street · Free

~5 min on foot

Also in the neighborhood

CHINATOWN, MANHATTAN

Nom Wah Tea Parlor

New York's oldest dim sum parlor, holding the bend of Doyers Street since 1920.

Dim Sum · Hidden Gem · $$

CHINATOWN, MANHATTAN

Wo Hop

Down the stairs since 1938 — a Beard America's Classic where the walls remember everyone.

Chinese · Hidden Gem · $

Editorial draft — core details last reviewed October 13, 2026. Confirm practical details with the official site before you go.