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Chinatown Somerset Street West

4.6
·491k reviews·Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa's vibrant Chinatown on Somerset Street West, a hub for diverse Asian cuisine, cultural events, and unique shops.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late May to Early June

Chinatown Night Market season!

CrowdHigh
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Chinatown Somerset Street West - Image 1

Chinatown Somerset Street West

Best Time

Late May to Early June

Chinatown Night Market season!

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ottawa's vibrant Chinatown on Somerset Street West, a hub for diverse Asian cuisine, cultural events, and unique shops.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A vibrant hub for food, culture, and unique finds, especially during the lively Chinatown Night Market!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Plan for the Night Market

Check dates for the Chinatown Night Market; it's a must-visit for foodies!

👟 Explore Vintage Finds

Somerset Street West is a great spot for vintage shopping.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chinatown Night Market

Chinatown Night Market

Somerset St. W (between Bronson & Bell)

A vibrant festival with street eats, cultural performances, and a lively atmosphere.

TikTokInstagram
Artistic Storefront Transformations

Artistic Storefront Transformations

Various locations along Somerset St. W

Chinatown Remixed turns local businesses into open-air galleries and performance stages.

Instagram
Authentic Artisan Noodles

Authentic Artisan Noodles

717 Somerset Street West

Watch fresh, hand-pulled noodles being made right before your eyes.

Instagram
Sri Lankan Culinary Delights

Sri Lankan Culinary Delights

Ceylonta (403 Somerset St W)

Discover one of Ottawa's best-kept secrets for flavorful Sri Lankan cuisine.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Night Market Buzz

The Chinatown Night Market is a major draw, transforming Somerset Street West into a vibrant food and cultural hub. Plan your visit around these events for the full experience, but be prepared for crowds and potential closures of regular businesses during market hours. TikTokInstagram

Explore Beyond the Main Strip

While Somerset Street West is the heart of Chinatown, don't forget to explore the side streets and surrounding areas for hidden gems like vintage shops and unique eateries. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Late May to Early June
Why
Chinatown Night Market season!
Crowd
High
When
Evenings
Why
Vibrant atmosphere and dining
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Festivals and lively crowds
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

OTTAWA VINTAGE WALK 🛒🚶🏼‍♀️🇨🇦 Try out the vintage walk for yourself: Stop 1: @Miam Miam General Store - 645 Somerset W Stop 2: @Past Lives - 475 Somerset W Stop 3: Bellwethers Vintage - 9 Florence St Stop 4: Ragtime Vintage - 43 Flora St Stop 5: Lainey’s Luck - 523 Bank St Stop 6: @Goody Mart - 593 Bank St Stop 7: Bad Dog Co. - 617 Bank St Let me know if you try it out!! 🫶💕 (also phew just mis...
@lifebylaurenmae
16.8K likes • 221.5K views

🎯 Plan for the Night Market

Check dates for the Chinatown Night Market; it's a must-visit for foodies! TikTokInstagramReddit

👟 Explore Vintage Finds

Somerset Street West is a great spot for vintage shopping. TikTok

🏡✨Come tour these NEW apartments 1 Bedroom units in the❣️of Centretown AVAILABLE NOW 📍658 Somerset St. W. 🖤 1 Bed | 1 Bath 💰$1604 💧Water included 🔥Heat included #ottawa #ottawarentals #downtownottawa #aparmentinottawa #ottawaliving #uottawa #ottawaliving #universityofottawa #centretown#studentliving #apartment #carletonuniversity #government
@ottawarentals
6.4K likes • 175.3K views
🌟✨ It’s back! ✨🌟 After a long pause, Chinatown Remixed is returning to Somerset Street West! 🎉 Join us as local artists transform storefronts, restaurants, and sidewalks into an open-air gallery and performance stage. 🖼️🎶 From bold visual art to live music, dance, and interactive experiences, Chinatown Remixed celebrates creativity, culture, and community in the heart of Ottawa’s Chinatown. 📍 S...
ottawachinatown
128 likes • 4.5K views

🍜 Try Hand-Pulled Noodles

Witness the art of noodle making at Authentic Artisan Noodles. Instagram

🍺 Craft Beer Stops

Check out Spark Beer for local brews and a relaxed vibe. InstagramReddit

Recently opened in Ottawa’s Chinatown, and the name of this restaurant says it all. 📍Amazing Authentic Artisan Noodles - 717 Somerset Street West Ottawa in @ottawachinatown Tender and fresh hand pulled and hand cut noodles made right in front of you upon ordering. The noodles come in a variety of sizes and variations and can be had in flavourful and comforting soups or stir fried in a gravy ...
menuottawa
569 likes • 30.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Plan for the Night Market

Check dates for the Chinatown Night Market; it's a must-visit for foodies! TikTokInstagramReddit

👟 Explore Vintage Finds

Somerset Street West is a great spot for vintage shopping. TikTok

🍜 Try Hand-Pulled Noodles

Witness the art of noodle making at Authentic Artisan Noodles. Instagram

🍺 Craft Beer Stops

Check out Spark Beer for local brews and a relaxed vibe. InstagramReddit

🌶️ Authentic Korean Flavors

Maht Korean Cuisine offers delicious bibimbap and bulgogi. Instagram

🍔 Halal Burger Joints

Fries w Burger is a new halal spot with tasty cheesesteaks. Instagram

☕ Coffee & Art

Ten Toes Coffee Co. offers great coffee and cool murals. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Chinatown Somerset Street West is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during the popular Night Market, offering a diverse culinary scene with Asian flavors and unique eateries. Visitors appreciate the cultural events and artistic displays, though parking can be a challenge during peak times.

What People Like

Diverse food options
Chinatown Night Market
Cultural events

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Crowded during events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Chinatown Somerset Street West is easily accessible by public transit in Ottawa. Several OC Transpo bus routes run along Somerset Street West, making it convenient to reach from various parts of the city. TikTok+1 If you're driving, there is street parking available, but it can be limited, especially during events like the Chinatown Night Market. TikTok

Yes, Chinatown Somerset Street West is very walkable. The main stretch is packed with shops and restaurants, and exploring the side streets is part of the charm. TikTok

Bus routes like the 14, 16, and 18 often service Somerset Street West, providing good connections to downtown and other neighborhoods. Check OC Transpo for the most up-to-date route information. TikTok+1

Street parking is available along Somerset Street West and surrounding streets, but it can be competitive. Paid parking lots are also an option in the downtown core. TikTok

Absolutely! Ottawa has a growing network of bike lanes, and cycling to Chinatown is a great way to experience the city. There are bike racks available in the area. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

For general exploration of Chinatown Somerset Street West, no tickets are required. However, special events like the Chinatown Night Market may have free entry but can get very crowded. TikTokInstagram+1

Shop hours can vary, but most businesses in Chinatown are open during regular daytime and early evening hours. It's always a good idea to check specific restaurant or shop hours online if you have a particular place in mind. TikTok

The Chinatown Night Market typically takes place in late May or early June. Check local listings or social media for exact dates and times, as they can change annually. TikTokInstagram+2

Chinatown Remixed is an open-air event that celebrates local artists, and generally does not have an entrance fee, allowing free access to the transformed storefronts and performances. Instagram

Yes, you can visit the many restaurants and shops on Somerset Street West at any time during their operating hours, independent of any special events. TikTokInstagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Chinatown Somerset Street West offers a diverse range of Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and Sri Lankan. You'll also find bakeries and cafes. TikTokInstagram+3

While many dishes can be adapted, it's best to inquire directly with restaurants about their vegetarian and vegan offerings. Some restaurants may have specific plant-based options on their menus. TikTok

Don't miss the hand-pulled noodles, Filipino dishes like halo-halo, Sri Lankan curries, and various street food options during the Night Market. TikTokInstagram+2

Ten Toes Coffee Co. is a popular spot for coffee and has unique art installations. Dolci Sapori on Somerset offers creme brulee and cakes. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there are halal options available. Fries w Burger is a new halal burger spot, and Ceylonta offers halal Sri Lankan cuisine. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

The vibrant Chinatown Night Market offers countless photo opportunities with its colorful food stalls and bustling crowds. TikTokInstagram Look out for murals like the one at Ten Toes Coffee Co. Instagram and the unique storefront art during Chinatown Remixed. Instagram

It's generally acceptable to photograph food. When photographing people, especially in busy public spaces like the Night Market, it's polite to be discreet or ask for permission if focusing on an individual. TikTok+1

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful lighting for the streetscapes. The Night Market, however, comes alive after dark with colorful lights and a lively atmosphere, making it ideal for evening photography. TikTokInstagram

The Chinatown Gateway arch is a prominent landmark. During events, the entire street becomes a visual spectacle. Instagram+1

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both street scenes and food. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of events like the Night Market. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Chinatown Somerset Street West offers a fun and engaging experience for families. The Chinatown Night Market is a huge hit with kids, offering a wide variety of visually appealing and tasty street foods. TikTokInstagram The lively atmosphere and performances can keep younger ones entertained. Exploring the unique shops and perhaps finding some sweet treats at Dolci Sapori can also be a hit. TikTok

Consider visiting during daylight hours for easier navigation and to avoid the peak evening crowds if you have very young children. The vintage walk mentioned on TikTok also offers a different kind of exploration that might appeal to older kids interested in unique finds. TikTok

🍜 Foodie Explorers

For dedicated foodies, Chinatown Somerset Street West is a must-visit. The Chinatown Night Market is your prime destination for sampling a vast array of Asian street food and delicacies. TikTokInstagram+1 Don't miss the chance to try Authentic Artisan Noodles for a hands-on noodle-making experience. Instagram Seek out hidden gems like Ceylonta for authentic Sri Lankan flavors TikTok and explore the diverse offerings at Maht Korean Cuisine. Instagram

Keep an eye out for new openings like Fries w Burger for halal options Instagram and enjoy artisanal coffee at Ten Toes Coffee Co. Instagram or desserts at Dolci Sapori. TikTok This street is a culinary adventure waiting to happen.

🛍️ Vintage & Unique Finds

If you love discovering unique treasures, the vintage scene along and around Somerset Street West is worth exploring. TikTok creators have highlighted a vintage walk that includes stops like Miam Miam General Store and Past Lives, offering a curated selection of pre-loved items. TikTok This is a great way to spend an afternoon, hunting for one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Vibrant Chinatown Night Market

The Chinatown Night Market is a highlight of the year for Somerset Street West, transforming the area into a bustling hub of Asian culture and cuisine. Typically held in late May or early June, this event draws thousands of visitors eager to sample a wide array of street food, enjoy live performances, and soak in the festive atmosphere. TikTokInstagram+2

Expect to find over 50 vendors offering everything from savory snacks and sweet treats to unique beverages. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience diverse Asian flavors in one place. The market also features cultural performances, adding to the lively ambiance. Instagram+1

Pro-tip: Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds, especially on weekends. Be prepared for sensory overload in the best way possible – the sights, sounds, and smells are truly immersive. TikTok

A Culinary Journey on Somerset Street West

Somerset Street West is a true culinary melting pot, offering a diverse range of flavors that go beyond traditional Chinese fare. You can find authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at Ceylonta, praised as a hidden gem for its flavorful dishes. TikTok For those craving noodles, Authentic Artisan Noodles provides a unique experience where you can watch fresh, hand-pulled noodles being made right before your eyes. Instagram

Beyond these, the street boasts a variety of other dining options. Maht Korean Cuisine serves up comforting and authentic Korean dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi. Instagram If you're looking for halal options, Fries w Burger is a new spot offering delicious cheesesteaks and poutine. Instagram The area also features bakeries like Dolci Sapori, known for its creme brulee and cakes. TikTok

For those looking for a pre-dinner drink or a casual hangout, Spark Beer offers a selection of craft brews in a relaxed atmosphere, and Ten Toes Coffee Co. is a great spot for coffee with a cool artistic vibe. InstagramReddit+1

Art and Culture Beyond the Plate

Chinatown Somerset Street West isn't just about food; it's also a canvas for local art and culture. Chinatown Remixed is an event that transforms the street into an open-air gallery, with local artists decorating storefronts, restaurants, and sidewalks. Instagram This initiative celebrates creativity and adds a unique visual dimension to the neighborhood, offering a different perspective on the area's vibrant spirit.

Even outside of specific art events, you can find artistic touches throughout the neighborhood. The mural at Ten Toes Coffee Co. is a notable example, adding character to the streetscape. Instagram These artistic elements contribute to the overall charm and appeal of Chinatown, making it a destination that engages more than just your taste buds.

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