In New York City you can bet that Chinatown will be lively and bustling, even in 8 in the morning of Christmas day. Some make it a tradition to make it all the way out to downtown to eat duck or lo mein especially if your not celebrating the “Christ” in Christmas.

On Christmas day we found XO Kitchen open bright and early already full of patrons eating steamy congee and noodle soup.
Their menu is extensive to say the least so it can be a bit daunting for those who maybe new comers. Kenneth and I decided to stick with just breakfast foods; we did go a little overboard but its Christmas for Christ sake!

Dried scallop with gingko and dried bean thread congee, and beef, squid ad pork congee come out so silky and rich, the rice porridge soaked up all the intense flavors of the dried scallop quite nicely. We also got shrimp wrapped in rice crepes, which came with a light soy sauce mixed with a bit of sweetness, and to top off our carb fest we also got dough that has been deep-fried then wrapped in rice crepes. All this for under $14 now that is something to celebrate in this Christmas!

Chinese Little Italy Chinatown New York