I'm into Lunar New Year

The Year of the Ox is around the corner. And while sitting at home in our sweat sets is not exactly the way we imagined welcoming the new year, it’s the safest way to do so. You can even don your red number.

Here are some ways you can take part in the celebrations—all from the comforts of your couch!

💰 To donate: I can’t say enough about Welcome to Chinatown. This nonprofit organization has lifted up, and continues to lift up, New York’s Chinese communities during these dark times. If you have some extra dollars, consider helping Chinatown’s small businesses via The Longevity Fund. Or shop at their merch store. I’m about to make a move on the shirt from Mott Optical.

🥘 To cook: Two sisters launched Omsom to bring staple Asian sauces to the masses. With the help of an incredible roster of NYC chefs, a line of magical starter sauces was born. These sauces have saved me during those nights when I’m in a cooking rut. (Sometimes you just don’t have it, you know?) Take your pick of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, Thai, or all of the above.

🧧 To gift: I’m always a fan of traditional iconic items getting a new spin. Chop Suey Club’s Chinese Envelopes check all the boxes for me. The dollar sign symbol is gold. Literally. Definitely will impress that little cousin of yours you’ve never been able to crack. Your mom, not so much.

📺 To watch: Two brothers created the Fung Brothers YouTube channel to showcase Asian culture through the lens of rap, comedy, and cuisine. I personally turn to them for their series spotlighting Chinatown eats and Asian food throughout the city. Lots of great mom and pops, particularly ones you don’t see on every food roundup list.

🥢 And if you do want to get off the couch and get some grub, these are my favorite spots. I’ve been going to some of them since I was a little kid.

  • For rice rolls: Yi Ji Shi Mo Noodle Corp

  • For roasted meats: Big Wong

  • For soup dumplings and all the fixins’: Shanghai 21

  • For Chinese herbs and dried goods: Po Wing Hong