Friday

07-18-2025 Vol 2025

Exploring the Culinary Delights of Las Vegas’s Chinatown: A 24-Hour Food Adventure

Las Vegas’s Chinatown is becoming a must-visit culinary destination, equally vibrant and dynamic as the famous Strip. This neighborhood, found along Spring Mountain Road just minutes from the bustling casino-lined thoroughfare, is a treasure trove of dining experiences beyond the typical tourist fare.

With an enticing range of options available at almost any hour, from casual eateries to upscale dining, Chinatown appeals to everyone—from locals and industry professionals to food enthusiasts looking for diverse Asian cuisines.

Kickstart your culinary adventure bright and early at Gabi Coffee and Bakery, a popular Korean coffee shop hidden away in a strip mall.

As you step through the heavy wooden door, you’ll find yourself immersed in a wonderfully whimsical ambiance filled with antique furnishings and relaxed sitting areas.

The medium-roast coffee is a standout, boasting an aromatic and full-bodied profile with hints of acidity that makes it perfect for cappuccinos or unique offerings like lavender white mochas.

Pair your drink with delicious treats, such as crepe cakes, chocolate croissants, or a savory bacon potato quiche.

After fueling up, make your way to Guieb Cafe for breakfast, a Hawaiian-inspired restaurant that infuses Filipino flavors into hearty morning dishes.

Here, the purple pancakes, topped with creamy ube mascarpone and garnished with an orchid blossom, are a true showstopper.

If you’re nursing a hangover or simply looking for sustenance, indulge in the prime rib loco moco—a 10-ounce steak served over rice and smothered in rich gravy, topped with fried eggs.

For a lighter yet equally satisfying option, consider the oxtail soup, known for its robust flavors and fresh herb hints.

By midday, make a move to Shanghai Taste for a fun lunch experience, where Chef Jimmy Li’s chef skills have garnered a James Beard Award nomination.

This restaurant is famed for its xiao long bao, or soup dumplings, with a staggering production of around 3,000 made daily.

These dumplings are delicately wrapped, spilling savory broth when bitten into, accompanied by flavorful pork that adds to their appeal.

But the menu doesn’t stop there; other highlights include shrimp XO noodles and crispy Shanghai shrimp, all beautifully curated with reasonable pricing that typically stays below $15.

Make sure to also order some crispy scallion pancakes and sticky-sweet pork ribs that practically melt off the bone—each dish a testament to the love of Shanghai street food.

As the afternoon approaches, unwind at Double Zero Pie and Pub, where Chef Michael Vakneen crafts impeccable pizzas that are getting national acclaim.

The restaurant’s happy hour, starting at 3 p.m., features snacks and drinks for only $5, providing a perfect opportunity to indulge without breaking the bank.

Try their white sauce pie topped with earthy mushrooms and mozzarella, or tempt your palate with a sweet-savory pizza featuring speck, fig jam, and candied pecans.

As evening falls, Sparrow and Wolf becomes a premier dining destination.

Chef Brian Howard’s innovative approach features a fusion of flavors and techniques gathered from his time in upscale kitchens, resulting in boundary-pushing tasting menus.

Here, you can enjoy dishes like Vietnamese bánh cuốn filled with duck, Spanish octopus atop squid ink risotto, and decadent honey-glazed pork secreto served alongside sweet potato-banana purée.

If you’re feeling adventurous, allow the chef to guide your meal with the tasting menu.

For cocktail enthusiasts, the Golden Tiki is an enchanting 24-hour bar featuring a lively tropical vibe.

With a unique blend of decoration that resembles a fantastical, adult-themed amusement park, it’s easy to lose track of time amongst the animatronic scenes and whimsical lighting.

Bartender Adam Rains serves up some of the city’s finest tiki drinks, including classic painkillers and creative concoctions like banana batidas.

After a colorful cocktail session, finish your culinary journey at Ichiza with their famed honey toast.

Located on the second floor of a shopping center, Ichiza is an izakaya that offers an ever-changing menu full of surprises.

At this late hour, the mission is to dive into their signature dish—warm, crispy Japanese milk bread generously filled with ice cream and honey drizzle, creating a deliciously messy dessert experience.

Finally, cap off the evening with a late-night bowl of pho at Pho Kim Long.

Popular among locals for its vibrant atmosphere and comforting fare, this spot buzzes with chefs and patrons needing a satisfying meal after a night out.

Devour crunchy chicken egg rolls as a starter, followed by a steaming bowl of beef pho, featuring tender meats and aromatic broth that rejuvenate the soul.

With freshness in every bite and delicious flavors, soaking it all in will leave you feeling fulfilled and content.

Las Vegas’s Chinatown provides a remarkable culinary landscape that tells a story through its myriad dining options.

As you explore this enclave of flavors, you’ll discover that it encapsulates the culinary heart of the city—rich with culture, creativity, and undeniably delicious food.

Whether for a simple cup of coffee or a lavish tasting menu, your taste buds will thank you for venturing beyond the Strip to immerse yourself in this vibrant neighborhood.

So make a plan and prepare yourself to eat your way through the flavors of Chinatown; it promises a food experience that will surpass all expectations.

image source from:vegas

Abigail Harper