Check Out Chinatown

We’re taking advantage of these last sunny, summer days and poking around parts of our fair city that have hitherto gone unexplored.

One of those destinations is Ottawa’s own Chinatown (a.k.a. Somerset Street). It’s central, there’s a lot of cool stuff to see and do (and eat), and you can even make a half-day outing out of it, if you play your cards right.

Park on the Bronson end of Somerset and walk towards Preston Street. Although the world is your oyster, we really like the following stops along the route.

At Global Homeware (708C Somerset Street West), home to Hello Kitty and friends, there are tons of unique gifts and housewares (think chopsticks, Asian tableware, bamboo steamers and rice molds) to be discovered. Though small, it’s a shopping paradise. We bet you won’t be able to walk out of there without a Chococat notebook or Totoro pencil case.

Kowloon Market (712 Somerset Street West) is similar to T & T Supermarket but on a smaller scale. We love exploring Asian snack foods. Pick up some shrimp chips, Pocky (cookie-like sticks dipped in chocolate or strawberry coating), and coconut-flavoured soy milk.

Bubblicity Tea Shop (730 Somerset Street West) is our favourite place to buy bubble tea. This tall, cold drink of deliciousness is a sweet, fruit-flavoured concoction with chewy, tapioca ‘pearls’ that float at the bottom of your cup (you hoover them up with thick straws). It’s a drink and a snack, all in one! Not sure what to order? Try the Honeydew Bubble Latte with green tea base and pearls. Mango is pretty awesome too. The store doesn’t accept any plastic so be sure to bring cash.

Bring your tea, chips and snacks to the Plant Bath (930 Somerset Street West). You can check out the playground (Plouffe Park) behind the building, where you’ll find a great view of Fire Station No. 11. And if you really want to make this trip into something special, plan a swim indoors at the Plant Bath. Just make sure you check the schedule before you set out on your adventure!

You’ll be hungry after your swim, so venture back up Somerset and stop by any of the fabulous restaurants along the way. We’re longtime fans of Mekong (further up at 637 Somerset West, near Bronson) as well as the New Mee Fung (nearby at 350 Booth Street). Bigger and more chaotic, it’s a smidge more kid-friendly and cheaper too. We love their super fresh salad rolls and mango smoothies. Try the Vietnamese iced coffee, a real treat for those who like coffee strong and sweet. It’s also a great caffeine boost, something we almost always need by the end of our little explore.

We think Marco Polo would have agreed. Tested by Andrea T., Ottawa

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