There are a lot of sights in Chinatown, but who in their right mind would go there without demolishing a bowl of noodle soup or steamed pork buns? During my last visit, I ducked into a hole-in-the-wall joint to have Peking duck and rice for $6. And the mom-and-pop atmosphere always strikes a chord and brings back memories of Taiwan night markets and roadside shops. The best places to eat in Chinatown after the jump.

Downtown LA continues to welcome new residential and commercial projects, as well as a whopping 10,000 new residents within the past four years. The area’s influx of grocery stores and convenience marts is a direct indication of Downtown’s resurgence. In July 2007, the Ralphs grocery store chain marked its return to Downtown after pulling out of the area more than 50 years ago. Categorizing Downtown as one of its “luxury” markets, the company opened one of its 25 upscale “Fresh Fare” Ralphs, with an emphasis on luxury items and specialty products. Also making its Downtown premiere in December 2007 was the 7-Eleven chain, which opened on the ground level of the Mandel Lofts at 7th and Olive streets. The store is Downtown’s first 24-hour convenience mart. A high-end stop in Downtown is the Japanese convenience store, Famima!!. Serving Downtown with to-go sushi and Chinese steamed buns since 2006, the chain recently opened its third Downtown location in the California Plaza.