The Museum of Chinese in America celebrates and preserves the history and culture of Chinese people in the United States through interactive exhibits and a variety of educational programs.
The What:
The Museum's newest exhibit is called Sour, Sweet, Bitter, and Spicy and really delves into Chinese food in this country. It's way more than just take-out egg rolls and chop suey. One room features a giant communal dinner table where 33 placemats display sculptures of different Chinese dishes and a profile of a famous Chinese chef who has contributed to the gastronomic world. Video displays also feature ongoing interviews with the chefs and you can sit down and really feel as if you are sharing an educational meal with some of the best Chinese culinary minds in the world.
The Why:
After exploring the neighborhood or taking our Tenements Tales and Tastes tour, this is a great way to learn about the rich diverse regional cuisines of China and how they have shaped the food landscape in the US. It's also a behind=the-scenes look at the influences of some great Chefs, like the local Danny Bowien (from Mission Chinese), Anita Lo (from Annisa), and Jason Wang (Xi'an Famous Foods). We don't recommend visiting on an empty stomach, but if you do, there are some amazing Chinese restaurants just blocks away.
The Where:
Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA)
215 Centre Street,
New York, NY 10013
(855) 955-MOCA