TLB Trading

Kitchen Supplies

TLB Trading is a one-stop shop for your kitchen needs, from kitchen supplies like knives and pans to Asian dried specialties like ginseng and sea cucumbers. They first opened over 20 years ago and originally had two locations in Chinatown. In early 2021, they expanded and moved to their current location at 153 East Broadway. Spanning four generations, the Lin family has all contributed to making TLB Trading into what it is today.

Originally from Fuzhou, Ling Lin and her husband immigrated to NYC in the ‘80s and first settled in Chinatown. They started out as restaurant workers and eventually became restaurant owners themselves. As parents with four children, it was difficult to work long hours and to be away from their kids. Since they already understood the needs of restaurant owners from owning restaurants themselves, Ling decided to start selling restaurant equipment, and so TLB Trading was born. At first, they sold basics, like cutlery and dishes, and expanded to larger equipment like deep fryers and walk-in freezers.

Due to the PAUSE order at the beginning of COVID, TLB Trading had to shut down for over two months. To be able to reopen, they started selling fresh produce and groceries. With most restaurants closed, it was a struggle to sell their original inventory of kitchen supplies. Although restaurants are back in business now, TLB Trading has continued to be a source for anything kitchen-related in the neighborhood. Make sure to stop by the next time you need to pick up something for the kitchen!

📍 TLB Trading
153 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002