Best Asian Restaurants In New York City

New York City is known for certain foods- hot dogs, pizza, bagels, doughnuts, and great coffee. But New York City also has an excellent array of restaurants offering different cuisines from all over the world, from traditional American, Mexican, Cuban, French, Italian, Spanish, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese- you name it, New York has it. 

One of the best cuisines to sample in New York is Asian food. New York is a multicultural and diverse city which makes it the perfect place to soak up to get authentic and exciting Asian food.

There are so many top notch Asian restaurants in the city that you are spoiled for choice. But how do you know which ones are worth visiting? We have put together a list of the best Asian restaurants in New York City. 

Momofuku Ssam Bar

The Momofuku restaurants in New York are run by David Chang. The Momofuku Ssam bar in the East Village is a chic and minimalist restaurant with a menu that changes daily. They serve delicious meals like pork buns and fried duck, whilst creating a relaxed yet exclusive atmosphere.

Other Momofuku restaurants include Kawi in Hudson which offers Korean dishes, and Fuku which is the best place in Downtown to get fried chicken. The Momofuku noodle bar in Columbus circle is also worth a mention as a favourite with the locals. 

Adda

Adda is an authentic Indian restaurant in Long Island City with a quirky vibe. The name of the restaurant means ‘a place where people hang out’ and it certainly has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The tables are colorfully decorated and the walls are covered with Hindi newspapers.

The hearty meals will give you a real taste of India and will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. You can stick to something you know, like a traditional biryani, or be adventurous and try the bheja fry – goats brain! With so many delicious meals to choose from, like saag paneer, lotus root kofta, and Masaledar Lipatwan Murgh, you will definitely find something you love. 

Ivan Ramen

Ivan Ramen is an outstanding ramen restaurant in Brooklyn which has been featured on television for their mouthwatering meals. The chef and owner, Ivan Orkin, spent years in Japan learning how to make ramen and running his own restaurant. He returned to New York to set up Ivan Ramen, and bring that authentic Japanese taste to Brooklyn.

Some dishes are also inspired by Ivan’s Jewish heritage, combining the flavours of traditional Jewish chicken noodle soup with the Japanese cuisine. This makes this restaurant a true taste of multicultural New York. The chicken paitan ramen is a signature dish which is very popular with his regular customers. 

Pig + Khao 

Pig + Khao is a modern restaurant that serves dishes inspired by Filipino, Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. The restaurant itself has quite a cosy feel, but the instagram worthy presentation of the food has really helped to put this place on the map.

With a small but perfectly executed menu, with dishes like pork belly adobo, whole fried fish, and crispy pata, you will not be disappointed. Situated on the Lower East Side, this restaurant is well worth a visit. 

Hanoi House

Hanoi House is an authentic Vietnamese restaurant in the East Village which has bebe highly rated by many publications including the New York Times. It can be difficult to get a table, but it is definitely worth the effort. They are well known for serving up incredible Pho, alongside other Vietnamese dishes like Goi Du Du (pig ear and papaya salad).

The presentation also adds to the overall experience, with delicate blue and white ceramics.The surroundings of the restaurant are picturesque, as it is situated on St Mark’s right next to the park. This restaurant is a must for fans of Vietnamese food. 

Khe-Lo

Khe-Yo is a family style Laotian restaurant close to Chinatown in Tribeca. It has an edgy atmosphere, with dim lighting and exposed brick decor, and is the perfect spot for an intimate dinner. Their seasonal menu uses responsibly sourced, local produce to create dishes that fuse traditional Laotian flavours with American favourites.

Some of the most popular dishes are Gai-Lan, Bang-Bang red sauce with rice, and smashed green papaya salad. Another firm favourite is the Wok seared lobster and noodles with Berkshire spare ribs. With creative appetizers and delicious signature dishes, this really is one of the best Asian restaurants in New York. 

Lhasa 

Lhasa is a small, up and coming Tibetan restaurant in Queens. Dishes like momos, spicy beef and hand pulled noodles are all inspired by Himalyan cuisine.

The restaurant is quite hard to find, tucked away behind a shop in Jackson Heights, but it is a real hidden gem. The staff are welcoming and friendly, the food is a reasonable price, and you will leave feeling full and happy. 

Her Name Is Han

This rustic Korean restaurant has been named as not just one of the best Asian restaurants in New York, but one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. It is located in Koreatown and offers a range of classic Korean dishes served in exciting and aesthetically pleasing ways. Some popular menu items include kimchi pancakes, sauteed rice cakes, and crispy shrimp pancakes.

They also serve a range of stunning and refreshing cocktails, and some mouthwatering desserts like roasted plantain with ginger caramel sauce and ice cream.The portions are generous and you will be blown away by the flavours. 

Nyonya

Nyonya is a cash only, hole in the wall Malaysian restaurant in Chinatown that has been around for more than 20 years. What it lacks in elegance, it more than makes up for in flavour.

It is authentic and affordable, with tasty dishes like beef rendang, roti canai, and prawn mi soup. Nyonya is best for takeout or a quick lunch rather than a sit down dinner. You don’t need to book, just turn up and enjoy! 

Tim Ho Wan

Tim Ho Wan is a Michelen starred restaurant without the high prices that serves delicious Hong-Kong style Dim Sum. There are two locations, one in Hell’s Kitchen and one in the East Village, both with a casual style and relaxed atmosphere. T

he focus is on the food, not a fancy dining experience. With popular dishes like pork buns, stuffed lotus leaves, shrimp dumplings and spring rolls with a tasty dipping sauce, you will definitely find something you like on the menu. 

Vatan 

Vatan is a vegetarian Gujarati style Indian restaurant between Murray Hill and Union Square. The portions are hearty, served on large platters. This is a perfect restaurant for a large group who want to try different things and share various dishes.

The seating is cosy, with tables inside booths with thatched straw roofs. Each meal service has multiple courses which include drinks like mango lassi and fresh chai. 

Sushi Nakazawa

We can’t talk about Asian restaurants without talking about sushi, and Nakazawa on Commerce Street is considered to be the best sushi in New York. For an amazing sushi experience, try the 20 course tasting menu of Edomae style sushi.

The founder and head chef, Daisuke Nakazawa, was a former apprentice of world renowned sushi chef Jiro. Be sure to taste the egg sushi tamago, a slightly sweet dish which is incredibly difficult to perfect but tastes incredible when done right. You will need to book way in advance for a seat at this restaurant. 

Xi’an Famous Foods

Xi’an Famous Foods is a chain of Asian restaurants across New York that are popular with both locals and tourists. They serve mainly Western style Chinese food, like dumplings and noodles. Some of the most popular menu items are the award-winning spicy cumin lamb noodles, and the spicy pork dumplings or spicy lamb dumplings served with or without broth.

Despite the numerous locations, there will probably be a queue, especially at lunchtime. But it tends to move quickly. The food is so good it will be worth the wait. 

Cote Korean Steakhouse

This Korean BBQ style restaurant is ideal for meat lovers who like to go out for dinner in large groups. The restaurant is styled like a nightclub, but with grilling stations set into the table that the guests sit around. The dry aged steaks are cooked right in front of you, which adds to the fun atmosphere and experience.

You can also order delicious vegetable side dishes to break up the meat. This exciting restaurant is quite expensive, but the portions are generous and you are guaranteed to have a fantastic evening. 

Hangawi

Hangawi is a busy Koreatown restaurant which serves organic, authentic Korean cuisine.

They also have more vegan and vegetarian options than many Korean restaurants, like the avocado bibimbap and vegetable spring rolls. It can get very busy so it is worth booking ahead to guarantee yourself a table. 

Buddakan

Buddakan is an up-market dim sum restaurant in Chelsea, founded by Stephen Starr. With opulent decor, a grand hall, and options for intimate private dining, this impressive restaurant is where to go if you want to eat Asian food in style.

All of his elegance comes with a price tag, but the food will not disappoint. Some of the most popular menu items are the taro pull lollipops, edamame dumplings, and lobster egg rolls. For a more substantial meal, go for the ginger crusted Mongolian lamb chops, or the chill glazed Alaskan black cod. 

Sushi Yasuda

Sushi Yasuda is a minimalist restaurant in Midtown. It looks quite bare and plain inside, with bamboo plank walls and no decorations to speak of. This is because the sole focus is the food.

All of the fish is freshly cut to order to preserve the delicate flavour and texture, and the dishes are designed to be pure, clean and a tribute to traditional sushi. This restaurant is extremely popular so you will need a reservation.  

Royal Seafood

This restaurant is a Chinatown staple and serves up delicious, family style dim sum. It is a lot quieter on weekdays than weekends, but is busy every day due it;s popularity. The regular customers love dishes like crispy chicken, pan fried noodles.

Salt and pepper squid and snails in black bean sauce. Most of the staff speak Cantonese, so if you or a friend know this language then you will have an even better dining experience. 

Zabb Elee

The original Zabb Elee restaurant is in Jackson Heights, Queens. A second location opened in the East village, bringing the delightful flavours of traditional Thai cuisine to even more New Yorkers.

Zabb Elee was the first Thai restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star, and is considered to be the best Thai restaurant in New York. 

Tamarind Tribeca

The Tamarind Tribeca is a modern Indian restaurant with a real focus on attentive service. It feels fresh yet ambient inside, with white linens and soft lighting. The tandoor kitchen has glass walls, so guests can see their exciting meals being cooked and prepared.

With tasty dishes like apricot stuffed grilled lamb, shrimp in a cumin and coconut sauce, and crispy spinach fritters with cheese, you will get to experience the flavours of modern Indian cuisine in a wonderful atmosphere. 

Mission Chinese Food

Mission Chinese closed in 2014 after a dispute with their landlord, but continued to serve their customers in various pop-ups. A year later they reopened on the Lower East side, and have been a bit hit ever since.

The food is inspired by Sichuan flavours, with exciting dishes like cod fried rice with Chinese sausage. It is a great place to eat out with friends and family, with plenty of choice on the menu. 

Summary 

As you can see, there is a lot of choice when it comes to Asian restaurants in New York. From Korean and Vietnamese to Thai, Indian and Laotian, you will be able to try many different kinds of Asian food.

If nothing on this list peaks your interest, then take a walk around Chinatown or Koreatown and see what looks good.