DINE AT ASIAN-OWNED RESTAURANTS IN AUSTIN
Asian American and Pacific Islander influences are apparent in Austin's diverse food scene. You can find incredible flavors of Asian cuisine throughout the city's fine dining establishments, mom-and-pop shops and food trucks. Whether it’s curried barbecue, kimchi fries or a bánh mì taco, you’ll find a taste of Asia on nearly every block.
Courtesy of Lin Asian Bar.
CHINESE
Old Thousand is a neighborhood Chinese restaurant offering up an eclectic and inventive mix of flavors, ingredients and styles with modern interpretations of classic American-Chinese recipes. Wu Chow's contemporary menu includes flavors from all of China's Eight Great Cuisines, and Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum highlights local ingredients in Chinese homestyle cooking. Both Wu Chow and Lin Asian Bar are known for their legendary soup dumplings.
Bar Peached. Credit Inked Fingers.
FUSION
Austin chefs do Asian-fusion well. Chi’lantro is a food truck-turned-Austin staple that fuses Korean barbecue and Mexican cuisine into mouth-watering creations. Try the kimchi fries and bulgogi burger. The owners of Franklin’s Barbecue and Ramen Tatsu-ya joined forces to create Loro– Asian smokehouse meets Texas barbecue. For something totally different, head to Nasha where Indian curries and Austin staples combine; the Tikka con queso is to die for. Hang out on the Bar Peached oak-tree covered patio to enjoy flavorful Southern-meets-Asian inspired dishes.
INDIAN
Cozy up to a mouth watering curry at one of these top Indian spots. Bombay Dhaba is a staple for Indian cuisine in Austin. This roadside truck serves up popular Indian classics and delicacies in new and exciting ways. Get a taste of the classics at Taj Palace, serving up tandoori, curries and other specialties daily since 1990. Tarka is your one-stop-shop for fresh, healthy Indian cuisine. Must trys include their vegetable samosas, fresh garlic naan, and the biryani bowls.
Courtesy of Jjim BBQ.
KOREAN
For a night out on the town that’s a little swankier, Korean-American restaurant Oseyo serves dishes inspired by family recipes. The restaurant is welcoming, and diners can choose between their modern interior or lively patio. Koriente is absolutely an Austin staple. This teeny spot off Seventh Street is not precisely Korean, more like pan-Asian, but their dishes are all bright, beautiful and augmented with crispy fresh vegetables. Wear your stretchy pants to Jjim Barbecue, a funky eatery with wall murals and a casual atmosphere. Their simple menu covers all the basics—Jjim with add ons, braised meats, various pancakes, soups and bulgogis.
Courtesy of Fukumoto.
JAPANESE & SUSHI
Japanese food may not be the first cuisine that comes to mind when you think of Austin, but that may change when you get a chance to try one of these top restaurants. Ramen Tatsu-ya has taken Austin by storm. With multiple locations around town, this small-seat restaurant is serving up some famous ramen. Order the Sweet & Sour Yodas (crispy, sweet and spicy brussels sprouts) to start and customize your ramen with one of their flavor bombs. Soto serves creative twists on rolls and sashimi, like their Hamachi apple roll with mixed herb salad and yuzu pepper. Another sushi favorite is Fukumoto. Try some of the innovative hand rolls or opt for expertly-made nigiri and sashimi. Fukumoto also specializes in yakitori (skewers grilled over charcoal) and Japanese comfort food like karaage, crispy fried chicken.
Asahi Imports. Credit Jessica Attie.
MARKETS & EATERIES
Asahi Imports is Austin’s only exclusively Japanese market. Browse around for everyday Japanese food items, specialty ingredients, fun snacks and sweets, unique gifts, sake and beer. Make sure to stop in at Hana World, a sizable, family-owned Asian market with meat, seafood, packaged goods and an on-site food court. Order the spicy pork cutlet from Papa Donkasu. It comes with pickled veggies and miso soup. Insider tip — bring cash, as most merchants in the food court don’t take cards. World Food & Halal Market is a family-owned market that brings fresh meat, a wide variety of spices, frozen goods and vegetables from all across the world.
Courtesy of Sway Thai.
THAI
If you’re looking for a place to light your mouth on fire, look no further. Dee Dee Thai serves authentic northern Thai dishes like laab moo with spices so hot even the mango sticky rice won’t cool it down. If you’re looking for authentic Thai food, Thai-Kun is your place. Known as “OG Thai” around the area for their authentic dishes like waterfall pork, for spice lovers, and black noodles, if you’re looking for something a little tamer. Sway is a popular spot serving modern takes on Thai favorites. Go for the Son in Law, a dish of braised pork shoulder, caramelized soy sauce and pineapple nahm prik pla, and stay for the amazing Hill Country views.
Courtesy of Cafe Creme.
Treats & Sweets
Grab something sweet to balance out all of the yummy, savory spots you’ve tried. Snag a specialty coffee or tea from Sa-Tén along with some honey-butter toast (honey and butter glazed over Japanese milk bread). If you’re looking for a savory treat, try their Nori Tama toast – Japanese milk bread topped with egg, Japanese mayo spread, green onion, mozzarella and nori. Get a taste of authentic Asian-American desserts at OMG Squee. Only open Thursday through Sunday, this Insta-worthy spot serves up small-batch taiyaki, mochi donuts, macarons and bubble tea. Think latte art is cool? Cafe Creme shows some serious skill with characters like cats, dogs and lions in their classic and signature drinks. We recommend trying the Cafe Sua Da (iced Vietnamese coffee) and a crepe.