Alex M.
Yelp
OK, gang, let's face it. DC's Chinatown is about as authentic as a pair of tits on a ten-dollar... well, you know what I'm saying. But, Chinatown market is the real deal.
Crammed floor to ceiling with imported fish sauce, dried squid, and various teas, this tiny shop is single-handedly holding down the fort for poor, gentrified Chinatown. Although walking around the tiny interior can make you feel like a rat in a cage, the ambiance is distinctly old-world and the friendly proprietors are happy to offer advice and lend a hand in finding a specific item.
As the closest operating convenience store to the Metro, this place has a temporary monopoly on emergency beer and miso soup; however with the impending re-opening of the CVS catty-corner to the metro, it is only a matter of time before this place gets replaced by a all-organic gluten-free soy latte smoothie enema shop.
INSIDER TIP: If you can't find something, ask. Not only will it save you time, but also they keep some stuff in the back and you can only get to it by asking.