Essential Chinatown Eats

2141-A S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616 (map)

Nearly 60 bubble tea choices span the fruit food chain, but the blender works overtime here for the popular frozen variety. Our favorites: The pineapple coconut freeze--which pulls up oversized tapioca balls through every suck through the straw--and the smooth strawberry with tapioca freeze, anchored by mini tapioca balls that won't disrupt your tropical infusion.

2148 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616 (map)

Nothing stops tourists in their tracks like the sight of hanging poultry in the window. Inside, regulars line up to order the signature duck, which hides juicy meat under crispy, crackly skin.

2163 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616 (map)

Lao Sze Chuan sibling introduces Shanghai fare to destination diners craving Tony Hu's cuisine. Dig into regional specialties here, such as the Shanghai soup dumplings (also known as xiao long bao), which are filled with ground pork and chicken broth. These juicy dumplings have to be eaten on a soup spoon so you don't lose the broth--and taste best dipped in vinegar and topped with slices of fresh ginger.

2138 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616 (map)

The DIY component of traditional hot pot is most appealing, and makes for a leisurely meal. Request a half-half pot to divide spicy from milk sauces for dunking paper-thin slices of steak and lamb, shrimps, bok choy, tofu and vermicelli noodles.