While ethnic Chinese represents more than half of the city's population, incredible diversity exists in the city. Monterey Park is home to families who trace their roots to places as different as Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. Monterey Park - Asian-American friendly, All-American, and 100% Angeleno!
'''Chinese New Year Festival'''[http://www.floralstreetfair.org/] - usually takes place around January or February, depending on when the Chinese New Year falls for that year.
'''Cherry Blossom Festival''' [http://www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us/home/index.asp?page=812]a Japanese and Japanese American cultural festival that usually takes place in April in Barnes Park
'''Cinco de Mayo Celebration''' [http://www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us/home/index.asp?page=813]around May 5 in Barnes Park. The day features a wide variety of entertainers, including Folklorico Dancers, Mariachis, and other traditional Mexican music.
'''Harmony Festival''' [http://www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us/home/index.asp?page=815] held in the fall
Chinese knick-knacks from '''Tak Shing Hong''' on Garvey Avenue is recommended for browsing.
Tea, Tea sets, bowls and ceramics, Chinese herbs and ginseng of excellent quality can be found at '''Wing Hop Fung''' in the strip mall at the intersection of Garvey and Atlantic (in the same plaza as 99 Ranch Market)
Asian style pastries and other baked goods from the many bakeries around town (try the mango cake).
Other recommended restaurants include '''Mandarin Noodle House''' at the intersection of Garvey and Chandler, Zagat rated; '''501''' (it's real name is '''Gourmet Delight''' but '''501''' is what me and my friends call it) located at 501 S. Atlantic; '''Empress Harbor''' for dim-sum (Atlantic and Garvey); '''JJ's Cafe''' is a Monterey Park classic, old school Hong Kong style San Gabriel Valley cafe located at Garvey and Ynez. Have not personally been, but have had '''Hong Kong Cafe''' on Garvey and '''Victory French Restaurant''' on Garvey, and '''Bollini's''' on Garfield recommended to me. '''Osho Sushi''' on Chandler Avenue is gorgeous inside, with authentic and super fresh sushi. '''Sushi Sai''' on Atlantic holds a special place in my heart (my Japanese friend recommends their salmon skin salad).
'''Beard Papa''' along Atlantic Blvd and Garvey is great for freshly made cream puffs. Highly recommend those cream puffs but also the drinks, with great tea and coffee options, and you can add tapioca balls