My hood is right next to the largest Chinatown in the states as well as the highest concentration of Chinese (Click for more history and stats about NY Chinatown). I tend to spend some time down there to get cheep eats ($2.00 noodles on canal and center), grocery shopping and picking up accessories (belts, buckles, knockoff brand name gear, etc.)
I usually hit Dynasty supermarket on Elizabeth St. for stocking up on my chili sauce, rooster sauce, instant noodles, and all other dry goods. There are several spots on Mott I hit for seafood and cheap vegies and then I snapped this pic from my camera phone of the clerk smoking and ashing all over the apples…. mmmm yum!
You can get 6 for $20 dvds of movies still in the theater and cheep pirated CDs but I never buy in for I just don’t want to contribute to that scene – just copy it myself…
I don’t think I leave Chinatown with out having a pork bun or two… another cheep staple but of course you head to flushing or any other Chinatown (Boston-SF) still you’ll pay less, but this is New York and you have to pay the NY tax. I’ve found several other great finds – a few karaoke clubs, basement bars and and great mix of restaurants… more to be updates.