A Local Author’s Guide to Chicago’s Chinatown

Kara Eng’s Guide to Chinatown

Eat:
Yummy Yummy Noodles
Chiu Quon Bakery
Learn:
Chinese-American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC)
Drink:
Matcha En
Explore:
Ping Tom Memorial Park
Chinatown Branch of the Chicago Public Library

By Kara Eng

What is home to you? 

For me, home is where the heart is–and mine is nestled deep in the heart of Chicago’s Chinatown. 

What was once a slum of Chicago has transformed into one of the city’s most vibrant and bustling neighborhoods–and a major tourist attraction. Not only that, Chicago’s Chinatown is the most successful Chinatown in the U.S., as highlighted in the state finalist and nationally qualifying National History Day (NHD) documentary created by my brother Nathan and me. 

In light of Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I was given the wonderful opportunity to share my cultural pride and family background leading Chinatown Fun Run with Read & Run Chicago and Family Style RC in May 2025. During this route, I highlighted some of the places in Chicago’s Chinatown that resemble familial, cultural, and historical significance to me. Some of these places we’re covered in the book-themed guided run; others, I’m excited to tell you about here.

A Soft, Pillowy Bao

Now, imagine you are a 19-year-old college student just coming from school. The flight was three hours long. You’re tired, you’re hangry, and you’re ready to go home. But first, you need something to eat, and make it quick, before you crash! Your mind automatically reverts to Chinatown’s oldest bakery–Chiu Quon Bakery. 

As a fifth generation Chinese-American and native Chicagoan, I’ve always believed my grandmother’s former restaurant, Golden Horse Carriage, had the most authentic Chinese buns and Hong Kong-style comfort food. And the old Yelp reviews don’t lie–she had the best Hong Kong-style milk tea in town! But ever since she retired from the hustle and bustle of the lively bakery business (though her legacy still lives on in the pages of my book Not Just a Simple Chinese Girl), Chiu Quon Bakery is the second-best bakery in the neighborhood–at least, that’s what I think. Why? Well, for one, these Chinese-Cantonese pastries are more than just food–they’re a taste of home.

Kara Eng and her siblings with her grandma at the Golden Horse Carriage restaurant. Courtesy of Kara Eng.

Every Sunday after service at Chinese Christian Union Church (CCUC), many church attenders like me would flock to this very bakery–the stop that filled the 30-minute gap between service and fellowship. Coming here is like a rite of passage. Secondly, these pastry buns are absolute flavor bombs of deliciousness. I’m already salivating just thinking about sinking my teeth into the sweet, crumbly exterior of a bolo bao (pineapple bun), or the flaky crust of the creamy Portuguese egg custard tart, or the sweet-savory meat of a pillowy cha siu bao (BBQ pork bun)–how could you possibly resist?

A Hearty Bowl of Noodle Soup

Another local eatery that’s proven to be tried and true and won’t break the bank is Yummy Yummy Noodles. Craving a sit-down spot? This hole-in-the-wall is just the place for you. Whether you’re a neighborhood regular or a first-time visitor, you’ll quickly see why their steaming bowls of shrimp wonton noodle soup, spicy beef shank noodle soup, and more–are legendary. And the best part? All under $10! Along with their noodle soups, some of my favorite dishes are the braised pork belly, salt and pepper Japanese tofu, and the curry fish filet over rice. Honestly, I could eat their food every day and never get tired of it. It’s a crowd-pleaser. 

Cultural Landmark–a source of pride

Once your belly is full and your heart is happy, take a stroll to walk it off at Ping Tom Park. With a walking trail bordering the Chicago River and grassy fields that loop through extensive, brightly painted murals, you’ll find yourself standing before the breathtaking view of the Chicago skyline. What was once an empty plot of land has now become what is not just a physical landmark, but a cultural one as well, instilling pride amongst locals, Chicagoans, and tourists alike! Just last summer, I had the privilege to take part in the We Are Chinatown event as I was selling my books here. I witnessed a historical moment: Governor JB Pritzker officially designated Chinatown as a State-Designated Cultural District, submitted by the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community (CBCAC) and its partners. Ping Tom Park is a sight to see!

Ping Tom Park in Chinatown. Credit seanbirm via Flickr.

For the Matcha Fiends

Anyone who knows me knows I am obsessed with matcha. Seriously–ask anyone. And in Chinatown, Matcha En feeds into my matcha obsession. 

Their matcha lattes, matcha crepe cakes, or matcha soft serves have just the right amount of sweetness married with the slight hints of earthiness and umami. Chef’s kiss. Need I say more?

Community – what makes Chinatown a family 

Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, why not feed your mind and soul too? So what better way to immerse yourselves into the rich history and culture of fellow AAPI voices right here, at the Chinatown Library? Designed with “a dazzling feng shui style interior…as well as a green roof for community members to enjoy inside and out,” this space also offers a wide selection of books and collections in Chinese and vital resources for the community. The best part is that you’ll find my debut children’s book Sweet ‘n’ Sour as well as my novel Not Just a Simple Chinese Girl right there on the shelves!

Readers & runners with author Kara Eng in front of the Chinatown Branch of the Chicago Public Library in May 2025.

Connections: Historical Roots

The final stop that I want to highlight is the Chinatown American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC)–reminiscent of the history of Chicago’s Chinatown. In fact, CAMOC has played a crucial role throughout my entire writing process before, during, and after I published my novel. In an effort to seek historical insight and gain inspiration, I found more than just resources and historical facts–I found connections. Some of the people briefly mentioned in the museum are also a part of my church community at CCUC. Additionally, CAMOC’s generosity, from providing resources to uplifting Chinatown’s heritage, has been invaluable. They’ve given me a platform to present a book talk, a space at their booth to sell my books at the Chinatown Fair, and introduced my work to influential figures in the community. It is an honor to be indebted to this place that holds such invaluable people and historical insight.

Readers & runners with Kara Eng in front of the CAMOC mural in Chinatown in May 2025.

So, in case you couldn’t tell, living in Chinatown has been a defining factor of the place that I call home. It’s where my story begins. It’s the community that’s raised me, the food that’s fed me, the culture that’s shaped me, and the history that’s made me into the woman I am today. 

Because for me, home isn’t just a physical place.

It’s where my heart is.  

It’s Chinatown.

Ready to keep exploring Chicago using movement and stories?

A note from Read & Run Chicago: Kara Eng is a Chicago native and Read & Run Chicago author and guest guide. She led our Chinatown Fun Run in May 2026 with Family Style RC.

Kara Eng is a rising Gen Z author, has been writing ever since she was a little girl. Her first book, Not Just a Simple Chinese Girl, was released in May 2022, coinciding with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Kara’s work was featured on WGN 9, Chicago’s NBC 5 News, the “Next-Gen American Authors Celebrate their Culture and Heritage” webinar with the Chinese American Heritage Foundation, the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, and the Chicago Public Libraries. When she is not writing or engrossed in books, you’ll find her venturing for the finest boba and matcha lattes, watching K-dramas, singing, baking, or hanging out with family and friends. She is currently studying at the University of Texas at Austin.