How to eat like a Slaysian in New York City: 6 best restaurants in Manhattan loved by the Asian influencer crew and Bling Empire: New York cast, from Vietnamese steak to Filipino burritos
Tina Leung, Prabal Gurung, Laura Kim, Phillip Lim and Ezra. J. William told Elle magazine that they bonded over their shared experiences of being Asian in the fashion industry – and that these get-togethers occurred over pho or kamayan feasts.
Likewise, the stars of Bling Empire: New York – Dorothy Wang, Lynn Ban, Blake Abbie, Stephen and Deborah Hung, and Richard Chang – also flaunt their foodie chops on the show, with episodes featuring them eating at some of NYC’s most à la mode venues.
Here’s six places around town you have to visit if you truly want to eat like a Slaysian.
1. West Village: Flip Sigi
Owned by a close friend of the Slaysians, Jordan Andino, this restaurant is rooted in Filipino flavours. Elle magazine reports the food has been reworked to incorporate “familiar American (and Canadian) standards”. With its mix of sweet and spicy flavours, locals tired of the usual NYC pizza or burger opt for the casual eatery’s tasty food as an alternative. The menu is simple and a burrito will set you back around US$13.
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It may not have the fancy finishings and swanky decor of other NYC eateries, but the comfort food at Flip Sigi is an institution in the West Village and well worth the trip.
2. Financial District: Industry Kitchen
The pizza dough is made with natural levain, which is then slowly fermented to develop all the natural flavours. Pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning oven, adding to their already rich flavours. There’s also a variety of wholesome salads, which are prepared based on seasonal availability. A basic pizza costs around US$22. Top tip: try the pumpkin creme brûlée (US$14). It really is a ball of deliciousness in your mouth.
3. Chinatown: Golden Diner
This Asian diner is right under the Manhattan Bridge in Chinatown. It specialises in serving classic New York dishes, but with an Asian twist.
In Bling Empire: New York, Abbie and Leung indulge in honey butter pancakes and a vegan breakfast burrito bowl. The breakfast bowl has crispy potatoes, pico de gallo, refried beans and avocado.
The eatery sources from local farmers and purveyors to get the best quality produce for customers. They have generous vegan options on the menu and a large selection of beers and wines. The atmosphere may be casual and typical of the standard American diner, but this Asian eatery is one of the best in Chinatown because it manages to rework US favourites.
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4. East Village: Indochine
In an interview with The Casa Project, influencer Leung said Indochine was one of her favourite restaurants in NYC – which did not come as a surprise. Since opening its doors in 1984, this iconic New York eatery has become known for its flair, shown in its tropical decor, stylish finishes and modern touches. The cuisine is exotic French-Vietnamese, as the name might suggest.
The shaking beef is legendary and the diced hanger steak – served on a hotplate with scallions and chilli – is a must-have. Indochine is one of the “It” spots in NYC, where the waitresses look like models and the chances of spotting someone well-known is high.
5. West Village: Baby Brasa
Celebrity chef Franco Noriega is the man behind this popular spot. Noriega founded Baby Brasa in 2016, in the West Village. Combining Peruvian cuisine and Brazilian sensibilities, the restaurant was designed by Wid Chapman Architects. It has custom made slatted walnut-finished walls, flamboyant leaf murals and lots of greenery.
Model and fashion producer Milan Kelez is in charge of front of house, marketing and apparel for Baby Brasa.
On Bling Empire: New York, Ban, Abbie and Jett Kain pop into the eatery for some light eats. The best options for a quick snack with pals are undoubtedly the chicken empanadas – a flaky crust Manchego cheese with caramelised onions – and the crispy portobello mushrooms.
6. Chinatown: Chinese Tuxedo
If you always wanted to enjoy dinner in an old opera house in Chinatown, NYC, pay a visit to this popular restaurant in Manhattan. Situated on Doyers Street, Chinese Tuxedo is a large space with concrete walls and greenery, often packed with customers keen to enjoy the food and the ambience.
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On the menu is a variety of dim sum, rice, noodles, meat and seafood – probably some of the best you’ll get anywhere in Chinatown.
- East Village, West Village, Chinatown and the Financial District all have must-try diners and restaurants offering traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and Filipino food, according to these Asian stars
- The West Village’s Baby Brasa offers South American flavours while Industry Kitchen in the Financial District is all about primo pizza and panoramic city views