Your World Cup guide to Seattle’s Chinatown-International District

By Nina Huang
NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

As Seattle prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup from June 15 and July 6, visitors looking for culture, history, and memorable experiences won’t have to go far from Lumen Field.

The Chinatown-International District (CID), one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods, offers a vibrant mix of Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned businesses, cultural landmarks, community spaces, and beloved restaurants worth exploring between matches.

Experience a deeper side of Seattle through places and traditions shaped by generations of immigrant communities, where history, small businesses, and culture continue to thrive.

Getting there and getting around

The CID is one of Seattle’s most transit-accessible neighborhoods and is just a short walk from Lumen Field. Visitors can also arrive via Link light rail, Sounder commuter rail, Amtrak, King Street Station, streetcar, and several Metro bus routes, making it an easy stop before or after a match. Find more at https://www.commuteseattle.com/sea26/

Blast from the past

Step back in time and explore the stories, landmarks, and longtime institutions that have shaped Seattle’s Asian American communities for generations.

Panama Hotel — Built in 1910, this National Historic Landmark offers a powerful glimpse into Seattle’s Japanese American history and the impact of World War II incarceration.
Historic Chinatown Gate — Don’t miss a photo beneath one of the most recognizable landmarks in the CID.
Wing Luke Museum — The only pan-Asian Pacific American museum in the country, featuring exhibits and guided tours that bring local history and community stories to life.
Seattle Pinball Museum — Play dozens of classic machines while learning about the history and evolution of pinball.
Tsue Chong Company — Watch fortune cookies being made by hand at one of the neighborhood’s oldest businesses.
Tai Tung — Seattle’s oldest Chinese restaurant, serving classic Cantonese dishes since 1935. Try Bruce Lee’s favorites: oyster sauce beef or garlic shrimp.
Maneki — Open since 1904, this beloved institution is widely regarded as Seattle’s first sushi restaurant and serves what many locals consider one of the city’s best miso-marinated black cod collars.

Find a little calm in the city

Need a break from the crowds between matches?

Danny Woo Community Garden — Wander through one of Seattle’s most unique urban gardens, tucked into the hillside above the neighborhood with walking paths, public art, and city views.
Hing Hay Park — The heart of the CID and a gathering place for community events, performances, and celebrations throughout the summer.
Mother Yoga — Stretch, recharge, and reset before heading back out to explore the city.
BAHTOH — This stylish salon and floral boutique has become a neighborhood favorite for hair services and special-occasion styling.
Meng’s Dream Foot Massage — Popular for foot reflexology and full-body massages, making it an easy stop after hours spent walking the neighborhood.
Nailist — A modern beauty studio offering nail and lash services for visitors looking for a little pampering during their stay.

Looking for something hands-on?

Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, these activities offer a chance to connect with the neighborhood beyond sightseeing.

Reclaim Clay Collective — Take a pottery class and create your own Seattle keepsake.
Northwest Kung Fu and Fitness / Seattle Kung Fu Club — Learn the basics of traditional martial arts through beginner-friendly classes and workshops.
Tabletop Village — Browse collectibles, join a Pokémon card game, or spend an afternoon playing tabletop games with locals.

Must-try local eats

No visit to the CID is complete without sampling some of the neighborhoods’ iconic food.

Jade Garden — One of Seattle’s best-known destinations for traditional dim sum.
Ton Kiang Barbeque Noodle House or Kau Kau BBQ Restaurant — Local favorites for Chinese-style barbecue meats.
Mike’s Noodle House or Canton Wonton House — Go-to spots for comforting Hong Kong-style noodle soups and congee.
Pho Bac Sup Shop and The Boat — Two of Seattle’s most iconic Vietnamese dining destinations.
Vietnam House — A longtime favorite known for Vietnamese comfort food and weekend specialties.
Saigon Deli — Grab one of the city’s most beloved bánh mì sandwiches to go.

Looking for good food and good vibes?

These spots pair memorable meals with the kind of atmosphere that turns dinner into a night out.

Bush Garden — This neighborhood favorite recently reopened and offers up traditional Japanese eats alongside crowd-pleasing karaoke.
Gan Bei — Gather around for Chinese American comfort food, craft cocktails, and a lively late-night atmosphere that’s perfect for groups.
Fort St. George — Step into a retro Japanese kissaten-inspired cafe and bar known for Japanese pasta, omurice, and more.
Kilig — A modern Filipino restaurant serving creative takes on classic dishes, colorful cocktails, and plenty of energy for a fun night out.
Purple Dot Cafe/Hong Kong Bistro — Hong Kong-style signature dishes from these spots include baked spaghetti, beef chow fun, and fried chicken wings.
Vox Karaoke — For private-room, Korean-style noraebang vibes (drinks only; no food served).

Bubble tea crawl, anyone?

If coffee is Seattle’s stereotype, bubble tea is the CID’s love language. Perfect for cooling off between matches—or fueling a long afternoon of exploring.

Seattle Best Tea — They’re known for authentic tea from Taiwan, fresh fruit teas, and tea-flavored ice cream.
TP Tea — Founded by the creators of Chun Shui Tang, often credited with inventing bubble tea, this Taiwanese chain is known for high-quality ingredients and signature teas.
Oasis Tea Zone — A longtime local favorite with an extensive menu ranging from classic milk teas to over-the-top specialty drinks, and popcorn chicken.

Save room for dessert

From pineapple buns, taiyaki, to ube cheesecake, the CID’s dessert scene is worth its own itinerary.

Anh Oi Bakery — This is one of the newest businesses in the CID where you can try a variety of sweet treats from featured Asian bakers from the region.
Hood Famous Bakeshop — Ube cheesecake, enough said.
Fuji Bakery — Try the pure butter croissants and malasadas from this Japanese French baker.
Yummy House Bakery — Try their huge pineapple or barbecue pork buns; they prefer cash!
BeanFish — Nestled within Uwajimaya’s food hall, these Japanese-style red bean or custard-filled desserts are truly unique.

Souvenirs you’ll actually want to bring home

Skip the generic airport gift shops. The CID is filled with independent stores offering everything from Japanese stationery to handmade art and Asian snacks.

Uwajimaya — Asian snacks and candies galore! Plus more.
Kinokuniya — Fan of anime or Japanese books? Look no further.
Kobo Shop at Higo — A gallery and shop featuring a curated collection of Japanese and Northwest design, craftsmanship, and art.
Sairen — You’ll find cute Japanese and Hawaiian-inspired clothing, jewelry, and other gift items.
Mam’s Books — Buy a book from the only independent Asian American bookstore in Seattle and the entire Pacific Northwest.

Need somewhere to watch the match?

For all six Seattle match days, Pioneer Square nearby will become a pedestrian-only zone four hours before kickoff – complete with a stage, an all-ages friendly beer garden, and big-screen viewing on South Jackson Street. Fans will even be able to order food directly to the plaza from local CID restaurants through a digital QR-code ordering system.

If you want a more intimate crowd, you can also join these watch parties in the CID hosted by the CID Small Business Relief Team:

Seattle Match Watch Party on Wednesday, June 24, 11:30 a.m. – 3 pm at Hoa Mai Park
Quarterfinals Watch Party on Friday, July 10, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Hing Hay Park
Final Watch Party + “Bend It Like Beckham” Film Screening on Sunday, July 19, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Theatre Off Jackson

Experience the CID beyond match day

The neighborhood comes alive throughout June with community events, performances, and cultural activities. Visitors can join the monthly community cleanup on June 13, participate in an official Guinness World Record attempt for the largest dim sum meal during the CID Block Party on June 18, enjoy intergenerational mahjong, or catch the Concert Truck at Hing Hay Park on June 27.

Browse the neighborhood’s event calendar for additional activities taking place throughout the World Cup.

Nina can be reached at newstips@nwasianweekly.com.