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NEW YORK CITY
Perfectly roasted Peking duck—the finest on the block—is the eponymous specialty of Peking Duck House (28 Mott St.; 212/227-1810; dinner for two $65), a neighborhood standout. At the other end of the spectrum, affordable lunch deals and speedy service at the original Sweet 'n' Tart Café (76 Mott St.; 212/334-8088; lunch for two $16), a tiny subterranean dive, keep customers coming in droves for wonton soup and egg noodles. At Chinatown Ice Cream Factory (65 Bayard St.; 212/608-4170), you'll find exotic flavors like ginger, red bean, lychee, mango, and green tea. A dollar goes a long way at Fay Da Bakery (83 Mott St.; 212/791-3884), one of the city's best spots for hot barbecued-pork buns, fluffy coconut-cream pastries, and strawberry-mousse confections.
BOSTON
A small neighborhood restaurant with a loyal following, Peach Farm (4 Tyler St.; 617/482-3332; dinner for two $30) serves excellent seafood—try the clams in black bean sauce or steamed New England blackfish with ginger and scallions. East Ocean City (27 Beach St.; 617/542-2504; dinner for two $30) has a lively late-night scene and dishes such as whole steamed chicken.
OAKLAND
For a midday snack, join the locals at Ruby King Bakery (718 Franklin St.; 510/835-2366), where sesame buns and sponge cakes are a steal at 60 cents apiece. Some of the freshest Asian produce can be found at the Old Oakland Farmers' Market, open every Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Ninth Street.
SAN FRANCISCO
Open until 1 a.m., Go Go Café & Restaurant (1830 Irving St.; 415/661-4289; dinner for two $20) comforts hungry night owls with hot rice porridge and fried bread. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Co. (56 Ross Alley; 415/781-3956), open since 1962, turns out 10,000 cookies a day—they're still made with traditional machines and folded by hand.
SYDNEY
The meditative Chinese Garden of Friendship (Darling Harbour; 61-2/9281-6863; www.chinesegarden.com.au; admission $4.50), designed by Sydney's sister city, Guangzhou, is one of the few traditional public gardens outside of China, complete with waterfalls, bridges, and pavilions (be sure to stop at the tea-house). Fiery food abounds at Red Chilli Sichuan Restaurant (3/51 Dixon St., entrance on Little Hay St.; 61-2/9211-8122; dinner for two $50); the chef's specialties are stir-fried fresh lobster and crab.
VICTORIA, B.C.
A tranquil shop with an in-house spa located in Canada's oldest Chinatown, Silk Road Aromatherapy & Tea Co. (1624 Government St.; 250/704-2688; www.silkroadtea.com) offers tea tastings and workshops in tea-blending techniques. A big neon lantern signals the entrance to Don Mee Seafood Restaurant (538 Fisgard St.; 250/383-1032; dim sum for two $24), a Victoria institution since 1923 and the best place to enjoy an extensive dim sum lunch.
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