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L.A. Chinatown is experiencing a food revolution

CCTV.com

07-26-2016 00:58 BJT

Chinatown districts across America have long been known for their traditional architecture, canteen style eateries and discount stores. But in downtown Los Angeles, the old Chinese kitchens are being taken over by the next generation of chefs serving up a world of new dishes.

This kitchen is serving up Nashville fried chicken, while next door you can get fresh Thai food or New Orleans sausages. The only dish that's becoming harder to find is Chinese.

Howlin' Rays is by far the most popular of the new restaurants with people queuing up all day long. Original recipe Nashville hot fried chicken with five levels of hot sauce from Nashville, Tennessee is what's bringing in the crowds. Married couple Johnny Zone and Amanda Chapman are the owners and they run the kitchen and cash register with military precision. Zone says Chinatown's history and culture attract people from all over the city and state.

Chinatown districts across America have long been known for their traditional architecture, canteen style eateries and discount stores.

Chinatown districts across America have long been known for their traditional architecture, canteen style eateries and discount stores.

He credits his tiny restaurant's popularity with the fact that you can't get this kind of chicken, anywhere else in the city.

"Why there's a line? Nashville hot chicken is something really beautiful. LA didn't have Nashville hot chicken prior to us opening and we are kind of like the one Nashville hot chicken restaurant in Los Angeles at this time so it's kind of like the only place to get it," he said.

This new wave of eateries follows on the heels of the success of the city's food truck boom. Lower rents and vacant space in Chinatown mean budding chefs can take their businesses to the next level on a smaller budget. In Chinatown, rents average US$3.75 to $4.25 a square foot while in downtown or the financial district, rents are going for $5.00 to $8.00 a square foot.

The area is fast becoming LA's hot new dining destination. Fresh fare is served on the spot with nothing pre-produced and chefs can be seen cooking and overseeing their kitchens daily. The renewed buzz has also led to a building boom and new markets for residential development.

Those in the area say Chinatown

Those in the area say Chinatown's demographic will continue to change as more housing is built and interesting restaurants continue to sprout.

"Chinatown is still an emerging market, and while it used to be thriving several decades ago, right now rents are lower. A lot of people are moving their business out and that basically allows younger professionals to maybe, on a little more of a budget, to come in and try a concept that might not work or might be too risky in a market like Santa Monica or Century City or even just mid city in Los Angeles," said Eddie Kim, senior writer of L.A. Downtown News.

Those in the area say Chinatown's demographic will continue to change as more housing is built and interesting restaurants continue to sprout.

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