A Visual Celebration of Manhattan’s Chinatown Elder Community, Through Food

Lanterns, cafeteria trays, and community connection take center stage in this stunning photo essay.

1 minute read

April 13, 2025, 5:00 AM PDT

By Christine McLaren


Block packed with Chinese-and English-language marquees and signs in New York City's Chinatown.

R R / Adobe Stock

For those craving a helping of the warm and fuzzies, Civil Eats has served up a feast: a joyful and stunning visual celebration of Manhattan’s Chinatown elders through the lens of food. The intimate photo essay takes readers on a journey from the lantern-clad cafeteria of the Open Door Senior Center to the homes and bedrooms of seniors who receive steamed bok choy and chicken with oyster sauce delivered by volunteers.

The accompanying article describes how Open Door staff and volunteers use food as a pretense for checking in on seniors’ psychological and physical state and connecting them with home healthcare aides as needed.

Thank you, Civil Eats, for dishing out a warm meal for the senses. Enjoy the photos for yourself at the link below. 

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Civil Eats

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