In the heart of Long Island City, New York, a hidden gem named 929 combines a love for music, culture, and cocktails. Tucked behind a modest Taiwanese restaurant called Gulp, the bar exudes a retro vibe, illuminated by soft red tones that evoke a Wong Kar-wai film atmosphere. 929 is a tribute to 1980s and 1990s Cantonese and Mandarin pop culture, with walls adorned with posters of iconic Hong Kong stars like Faye Wong and Sammi Cheng. The space is filled with vinyl records and CDs, a collection carefully curated by founder Chen Haoran, who has amassed over 500 pieces of Cantopop and Mandopop music since moving to the U.S. at 11.
The inspiration behind 929 stems from Chen’s childhood, where music was his connection to his roots. Motivated by the growing global popularity of K-pop and the emergence of Japanese city pop, Chen envisioned a place where the rich history of Cantopop and Mandopop could be celebrated. Opening in May 2023, the bar offers a nostalgic retreat for those seeking a taste of music that has been largely relegated to karaoke and Chinese restaurants in the U.S.
At 929, the cocktails are as much about flavor as they are about memories. Each drink is named after a Cantopop or Mandopop song and crafted to reflect the essence of the track. For example, “The Most Familiar Stranger” takes inspiration from Taiwanese dish sanbeiji (three-cup chicken), with a drink that combines basil, sesame oil, and soy-based maple foam to mirror the song’s theme of lost connection. Another drink, “Leslie’s Sleepless Night,” is a reinterpretation of a Hong Kong classic yuen yeung, merging Scotch whisky and coffee-infused vermouth with condensed milk foam.
Chen Haoran also integrates his identity as a gay man into the space, making 929 a hub for the LGBTQ+ community. The bar frequently hosts drag shows, particularly celebrating AAPI drag queens. For Chen, 929 represents the harmonious blending of his Cantonese heritage and personal journey, where the music of his youth provides both a cultural bridge and a form of self-empowerment.
The bar’s atmosphere is a comforting mix of past and present, where Asian Americans of all ages can connect with their roots through music. It is a place where families can reminisce together, and where younger generations can discover the power of Cantopop and Mandopop in a modern, inclusive setting.
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