The Asian Experience in NYC
There are around 50 countries in Asia and most, if not all, are represented within the five boroughs. The diversity within NYC’s Asian community is nearly endless: immigrants from China, India, Thailand, Pakistan and elsewhere have made the City their home, bringing distinctive foods, music and styles—not to mention hundreds of languages. Korean barbecue, bubble tea, karaoke and a range of museums and festivals are just some examples of how deeply embedded Asian culture is in New York City—and how that culture is experienced by locals and visitors.
On this platform, we celebrate and amplify the contributions of the Asian community in New York City. Bookmark this page and check back frequently for new content.
WATCH: Celebrate Asian Culture in NYC
Here we pay tribute to the multitude of Asian cultures whose contributions have helped give the City its incomparable dynamic character.
NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES
Explore these areas that are brimming with Asian culture.
Guide to Koreatown
Go for Korean barbecue and beyond in this Midtown Manhattan neighborhood.
Exploring Asian Culture in Long Island City, Queens
This small residential Queens enclave boasts a large Asian-identifying community.
A Perfect Day in Chinatown
Eat, shop and sightsee your way through this historic downtown neighborhood.
CULTURE GUIDES
Find examples of these countries’ cultures right here in NYC.
Where to Explore South Asian Culture in NYC
Read on to experience a culture that helps give NYC its heartbeat.
Guide to Japanese Culture in NYC
Must-try desserts, art courses and cultural institutions across the City reveal the lasting impact of Japanese culture on NYC.
Where to Explore Filipino Culture in NYC
Sample Filipino delicacies, sing karaoke and celebrate Philippine Independence Day at venues across the five boroughs.
WHAT WE’VE BUILT: LEADERS IN THE AAPI COMMUNITY
These locals share—and define—what it means to be Asian American in the City.
What We’ve Built: Marie Estrada of Bushwick’s Moto Spirits
The multi-hyphenate—sommelier, whiskey distiller, former publisher, motorcycle rider—talks about the community space she's cultivated in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
What We’ve Built: The Team Behind Yumpling
The owners of the counter-service spot in LIC tell us how they introduced their family recipes and Taiwanese cooking to NYC.
What We’ve Built: Julia Wijesinghe of the Sri Lankan Art & Cultural Museum
Julia Wijesinghe opened the first Sri Lankan museum in the US at 18 years old. She tells us why it was crucial to bring her culture to Staten Island.
MORE TO EXPLORE
There’s no shortage of ways to discover Asian culture here.
5 Asian-Inspired Bakeries That Are Must-Visits
Get to know the new wave of Asian bakeries with this roundup of can’t-miss patisseries.
Meet the Woman Behind This Queens-Based Sneaker Brand for Femmes
Sarah Sukumaran draws inspiration from biblical mysticism, the Sri Lankan island of Nainativu and her home in Queens.
Visit These Asian-Owned Bookstores and Stationery Shops in NYC
These shops are safe spaces for NYC’s Asian community and all literature lovers.