There are several Chinatowns throughout New York City, but for most tourists, the one in Manhattan is the best to head to. This is the one with all the knockoff handbags and other glittery objects for sale -- an attraction that leaves me cold. Instead, I'd say to head here for the food shops and markets, the restaurants, and the sheer excitement of walking along some very frantic, very old streets.

Chinatown is big, but not so big that you can't wander through most of it in an afternoon. But if you're into streamlining, center your walk on Mott Street, which is sort of the neighborhood's "Main Street" -- if you're heading south, the Chinatown portion starts near Mott's intersection with Kenmare Street. Below are a few of the many stops worth making.

Ten Ren, at 75 Mott, carries a large, almost overwhelming, supply of high-end teas as well as teapots and other accessories. The cheapest loose tea here is about $9 a pound ($20 a kilo), and prices increase drastically for anything better. The store also runs a tea shop a few doors north, at 79 Mott -- it's a good bet for bubble tea and people-watching.

There are lots of decent-to-excellent restaurants in and around Mott Street. One standout is the accurately named Amazing 66, which opened a couple years ago at 66 Mott and has quickly gained a loyal following. The Cantonese dishes here tend to be simple, without anything too fussy. I like the congees, savory rice porridges that are very filling and especially comforting on a chilly day.

If your sweet tooth is acting up, make a slight detour at Bayard Street and walk half a block to #65, home of the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. Here the list of flavors are divided into two groups. Options like the subtle almond cookie, green tea, and red bean are all called "regular flavors," and much more common choices like vanilla fudge, pistachio, and coffee are the "exotics." Whichever category you choose, the ice cream's great (and so is the blog, by the way).

A few blocks farther south is another good stop for sweets. Aji Ichiban, a branch of a Hong Kong chain of confectionary stores, sells candy, dried fruit, and some savory options. Most items are sold by the 1/4 pound, and with such a big variety, it's a good place to putting together a thank you gift or a snack bag for a trip. Samples of most of the fruits are available, but if you're completely flummoxed, go for the hazelnut nougat or anything in an appealing wrapper.

Go further: Read Frederique's guide her favourite places in Amsterdam's Chinatown.