Lydia from Washington DC

About me: The tale is in the telling. I am a storyteller, an excavator, a messenger, and for many years a journalist, with a portofolio that includes words crafted for magazines, books, online, television, newspapers, corporations and podcasts. I think everyone has a story, and everything. The person who made your coffee this morning (especially if that was you), and who picked the beans, th...

Jun 6, 2025

Da Hsin Trading Company Washington DC

Asian emporium

""Da Hsin Trading Company" in Washington DC is easy to walk by but wander in and you'll find a store that's stayed unchanged for years... Very low prices!"

If you are looking for authentic Chinatown, walk under the new street banners, glance down the street at the updated wall as you cross the fancy Chinese Zodiac crosswalk just north of the spanking new Gallery Place. In the middle of the block between H and I Streets, this unassuming shop is easy to walk right by, but I'd suggest a wander in. The proprietors of Da Hsin have not spiffed up their sign for the urban renewal that's sterilizing these blocks, and luckily haven't changed the store, or their incredibly low prices, much to keep up with times either.

Don't be deterred by the small and jumbled storefront, for inside you'll find rows of food, condiments (so many sauces!), an entire row of liquor, sweets, mushrooms, and a counter with musty jars of Chinese herbs and tonics. (The Internet says a Chinese herbalist is on hand to magic up a cure for what ails you, but I've not witnessed that.)

There's another entire row of crockery, tableware, kitchen accessories, indoor slippers and chopsticks in any color you wish. Decor gifts, souvenirs and liquor round out the selection. Duck through to the adjoining shop for an assortment of garden pots and statuary, plus indoor and outdoor furniture.

At Chinese New Year, this is the place to stock up on red envelopes and waving cats for your celebration. And please, consider a purchase or two, it would be nice to keep this nearly 30-year-old establishment around for another few decades.

Art & culture

Shopping

Snacks

About this spot

7th Street Northwest 811

Bowl:

US$

2.95

Website

2027894020

Social

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