The Slaysians mentioned on Bling Empire: New York have plenty in common: they hail from similar backgrounds as fashion designers, powerful influencers and wealthy TV stars, share a strong friendship and a stunning sense of style … and they all love food!
6 of New York’s best restaurants according to the Slaysians and the stars of Bling Empire: New York. Photos: Getty Images, Handout
Prabal Gurung, Laura Kim, Tina Leung, Phillip Lim and Ezra J. William all work in the fashion industry and are collectively known as the Slaysians. Photo: @troublewithprabal/Instagram
Tina Leung, Prabal Gurung, Laura Kim, Phillip Lim and Ezra. J. William told Elle magazine that they bonded over their shared experiences of being Asian in the fashion industry – and that these get-togethers occurred over pho or kamayan feasts.
Bling Empire: New York cast members. Photo: Netflix
Likewise, the stars of Bling Empire: New York – Dorothy Wang, Lynn Ban, Blake Abbie, Stephen and Deborah Hung, and Richard Chang – also flaunt their foodie chops on the show, with episodes featuring them eating at some of NYC’s most à la mode venues.
Here’s six places around town you have to visit if you truly want to eat like a Slaysian.
1. West Village: Flip Sigi
West Village Filipino eatery Flip Sigi. Photo: @double.renvoi/Instagram
Owned by a close friend of the Slaysians, Jordan Andino, this restaurant is rooted in Filipino flavours. Elle magazine reports the food has been reworked to incorporate “familiar American (and Canadian) standards”. With its mix of sweet and spicy flavours, locals tired of the usual NYC pizza or burger opt for the casual eatery’s tasty food as an alternative. The menu is simple and a burrito will set you back around US$13.
Flip Sigi burritos. Photo: @mlryan5/Instagram
Kim, co-creative director of Oscar de la Renta, is a fan of the pork belly bao while designer Gurung enjoys the breakfast sandwich, per Elle. The latter dish is made with pandesal, a fluffy bread roll that is a staple in the Philippines.
It may not have the fancy finishings and swanky decor of other NYC eateries, but the comfort food at Flip Sigi is an institution in the West Village and well worth the trip.
2. Financial District: Industry Kitchen
Industry Kitchen has great city views from its location along the East River. Photo: @industrykitchen/Instagram
This trendy spot is situated along the East River right next to the historic South Street Seaport. It’s a massive 5,000 sq ft venue with space for 300 guests. Known for its incredible views of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg Bridges and the Brooklyn skyline, Industry Kitchen was featured on the second episode of Bling Empire: New York. On the show, Richard Chang, Vika Abbyaeva and Nam Laks are filmed having a margherita pizza and orange espresso – exactly what Industry Kitchen is known for.
Pizzas are a must-have at Industry Kitchen. Photo: @industrykitchen/Instagram
The pizza dough is made with natural levain, which is then slowly fermented to develop all the natural flavours. Pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning oven, adding to their already rich flavours. There’s also a variety of wholesome salads, which are prepared based on seasonal availability. A basic pizza costs around US$22. Top tip: try the pumpkin creme brûlée (US$14). It really is a ball of deliciousness in your mouth.
3. Chinatown: Golden Diner
Golden Diner serves up American classics, often with an Asian twist. Photo: @goldendinerny/Instagram
This Asian diner is right under the Manhattan Bridge in Chinatown. It specialises in serving classic New York dishes, but with an Asian twist.
Golden Diner’s pancakes are a favourite of Bling Empire: New York’s stars. Photo: @goldendinerny/Instagram
In Bling Empire: New York, Abbie and Leung indulge in honey butter pancakes and a vegan breakfast burrito bowl. The breakfast bowl has crispy potatoes, pico de gallo, refried beans and avocado.The eatery sources from local farmers and purveyors to get the best quality produce for customers. They have generous vegan options on the menu and a large selection of beers and wines. The atmosphere may be casual and typical of the standard American diner, but this Asian eatery is one of the best in Chinatown because it manages to rework US favourites.
4. East Village: Indochine
Indochine in the East Village remains popular after almost 40 years in the business. Photo: @indochinenyc/Instagram
In an interview with The Casa Project, influencer Leung said Indochine was one of her favourite restaurants in NYC – which did not come as a surprise. Since opening its doors in 1984, this iconic New York eatery has become known for its flair, shown in its tropical decor, stylish finishes and modern touches. The cuisine is exotic French-Vietnamese, as the name might suggest.
French-Vietnamese food keeps Indochine humming with hungry patrons. Photo: @indochinenyc/Instagram
The shaking beef is legendary and the diced hanger steak – served on a hotplate with scallions and chilli – is a must-have. Indochine is one of the “It” spots in NYC, where the waitresses look like models and the chances of spotting someone well-known is high.
5. West Village: Baby Brasa
Seemingly every night is party night at Baby Brasa. Photo: @babybrasa/Instagram
Celebrity chef Franco Noriega is the man behind this popular spot. Noriega founded Baby Brasa in 2016, in the West Village. Combining Peruvian cuisine and Brazilian sensibilities, the restaurant was designed by Wid Chapman Architects. It has custom made slatted walnut-finished walls, flamboyant leaf murals and lots of greenery.
Baby Brasa offers South American food with flair. Photo: @babybrasa/Instagram
Model and fashion producer Milan Kelez is in charge of front of house, marketing and apparel for Baby Brasa.
On Bling Empire: New York, Ban, Abbie and Jett Kain pop into the eatery for some light eats. The best options for a quick snack with pals are undoubtedly the chicken empanadas – a flaky crust Manchego cheese with caramelised onions – and the crispy portobello mushrooms.
6. Chinatown: Chinese Tuxedo
Chinese Tuxedo has a noisy, vibrant ambience. Photo: @chinesetuxedo/Instagram
If you always wanted to enjoy dinner in an old opera house in Chinatown, NYC, pay a visit to this popular restaurant in Manhattan. Situated on Doyers Street, Chinese Tuxedo is a large space with concrete walls and greenery, often packed with customers keen to enjoy the food and the ambience.
The Slaysians launched their webcomic House of Slay at Chinese Tuxedo with a drag show. Photo: @houseofslay/Instagram
It exudes a warehouse party vibe, making it a great venue to host a function. That’s why Slaysians Leung, Gurung, Kim, William and Lim celebrated the launch of their web comic series, House of Slay, at the venue back in 2021. New York Times reports Chinese Tuxedo was filled with yellow lanterns and Asian drag queens on the night of the launch.
Fried squid is just one of many characteristic Chinese dishes served up at Chinese Tuxedo. Photo: @chinesetuxedo/Instagram
On the menu is a variety of dim sum, rice, noodles, meat and seafood – probably some of the best you’ll get anywhere in Chinatown.
Source: scmp.com
