Far East Plaza — Local services in Los Angeles

This "plaza" hasn't changed for literally decades...since the 80s when I was I teen. Yes it's still a dump. The property owners have long since paid off property and it's now just a decrepit income generator for the 3rd or 4th generation heirs. There is no incentive to do any upgrades, or even anything beyond what's legally necessary for maintenance. Sadly, this seems very prototypical of all of LA's chinatown and many urban chinatowns for that matter.

Ironically, this neglectful mentality is what's held back the full force of gentrification. It's only taken root as hipster retail tenants (howlin rays, etc..) with no change in the physical buildings or infrastructure.

Inside, there are a handful of small trinket stores, and a few small Chinese restaurants and a smattering of white hipster restaurants. The only thing that would bring us here these days is the old Ten Ren Tea shop or scoops ice cream.

The Chinese merchant community moved to Monterey Park and San Gabriel and other areas long, long, ago. What's left is a decrepit series of rotting old, barely maintained buildings with a smattering of anglo/ hipster retail...

This mall is one of our cool go to places on our occasional visits to Chinatown. It offers entertainment for the little one and food for the adults. There is outdoor seating.

The taiwanese street food restaurant upstairs was closed on our most recent visit in January 2022. We miss it because it is certainly worth a visit. See review from our visits in the past below: The noodles are authentic. Dumplings are nice too. The Taiwanese Bubble Tea Has a distinctive flavor; the fragrance is quite exotic. They are out side eating area; with a string of red lanterns overhead. It can get busy due to people waiting their turn for the office of immigration...

These are photos of the famous howlin rays fried Chicken it's worth the wait in line it's a great show the people are very nice. No wait in the line is well worth it it's a must-see and taste.the staff are a remarkable people they treat you like family they want you to have a great experience. Online are limited to any orders for customer.if you're going to feed a group 20 orders of howlin rays will be well worth it ordered in advance. It puts you forward in the line. And I think you have to...