Best Asian Food Austin: 1 City, 5 Regions, 15 Restaurant

Austin might be best known for its tasty Tex-Mex and lip-smacking BBQ, but when it comes to Asian food, this Texas metropolis knows its way around the continent. Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, or pan-Asian fare, this list will direct you to some of the most delicious dishes highlighting these regional cuisines. Here’s where to go for the best Asian food in Austin.

Where to Go for Chinese Food

Grab your chopsticks and get ready to treat your taste buds to dumplings, noodles, and more at these top Chinese restaurants in ATX.

Wu Chow

500 W. 5th St. #168, Austin, TX 78701

Located in downtown Austin at the IBC Bank Plaza, Wu Chow offers a fresh, farm-to-table take on Chinese food classics. Shanghai soup dumplings, Yu Xiang Eggplant, and Mapo tofu are a must as is the Sunday dim sum.

Din Ho Chinese BBQ

8557 Research Blvd. #116, Austin, TX 78758

With its laidback vibe and convenient takeout options, Din Ho Chinese BBQ eatery is where to go for everything from fried wontons and a variety of soups to BBQ pork, General Tso’s Chicken, and so much more.

Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum

1203 W. 6th St., Austin, TX 78703

Focused on Asian home cooking with locally sourced ingredients, Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum is a local must. Favorites include potato shrimp balls, scallion pancakes with curry dip, and mustard greens with minced garlic. There’s also weekend dim sum brunch, plus vegan and gluten-free options.

Where to Go for Thai Food

From pad Thai to Massaman curry and everything in between, Thai cuisine is among the most versatile for meat-eaters and plant-based devotees alike. Check out more of Austin‘s top Thai spots once you hit up these favorites.

Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe

5517 Manchaca Rd., Austin, TX 78745

Locals flock to this low-key spot for authentic and familiar Thai favorites. Whether you’re taking out or dining in, you can’t go wrong with Tuk Tuk’s vegetarian specials, tasty curries, stir-fried dishes, and classic noodles.

Sway

Multiple locations

With three outposts across Austin, there’s no excuse not to make your way to Sway. This modern Thai eatery serves up delicious, fresh takes on classics like veggie spring rolls, tofu curry with eggplant, beef fried rice (made with tamarind-glazed brisket), green papaya salad, and more.

Dee Dee

4204 Menchaca Rd., Austin, TX 78745

Authentic Northeastern Thai street food is what you’ll get at the Dee Dee (“Good Good”) food truck. Pork is front and center on the menu, but you’ll also find dishes like om gai stew (made with herbed chicken) and tofu veggie stir-fry. Don’t miss the Sunday lunch BBQ rotisserie chicken before it sells out.

Where to Go for Japanese Food

From fresh sushi to yakitori, these Japanese restaurants in Austin are where you’ll find a variety of favorites. Want more? Check out our guides on the best sushi in ATX as well as where to slurp the tastiest ramen noodles.

Uchiko

4200 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78756

There’s no need to hop a 16-hour flight to Japan when you’ve got Uchiko. Offering some of the freshest — and most artfully presented — Japanese fare you can find in Austin (or any U.S. city), this modern spot is all about top-notch sushi, creative entrees (including vegetarian options), and daily specials.

Fukumoto Sushi & Yakitori Izakaya

514 Medina St., Austin, TX 78702

With a fun Japanese pub ambiance and plenty of sushi and yakitori (chicken skewers), Fukumoto is an East Austin favorite for good reason. Along with classic sashimi and sushi rolls, you’ll find creative, not-so-common treats like takoyaki-style corn dogs and cornflake-battered shrimp.

East Side King

Multiple locations

Serving “Japanese street food with a touch of Austin soul,” the East Side King food trucks offer unexpected eats that will make your mouth go hmm … and then mmm. Think pork belly and fried avocado buns, beet fries with Japanese mayo, and a variety of vegan and gluten-free options like deep-fried tofu, veggie rice, and Brussels sprouts salad.

Where to Go for Vietnamese Food

From fantastic pho to flavorful banh mi, these restaurants for Vietnamese fare are worth the trip. For more ideas, don’t miss our guide on Austin‘s best pho.

Pho Please

1920 E. Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78741

Offering familiar Vietnamese dishes in a fast-casual space, Pho Please is a must for fried and fresh rolls (including veggie and all manner of animal protein), delicious bao and banh mi sandwiches, and 19 different versions of piping hot pho.

Tan My Restaurant

1601 Ohlen Rd. # E, Austin, TX 78758

Located in a nondescript strip mall, Tan My Restaurant is a Vietnamese noodle soup haven for authentic pho, vermicelli, and other classic dishes that will make you feel as though you’ve just landed in Saigon.

Saigon Le Vendeur

2404 E. 7th St., Austin, TX 78702

For tasty Vietnamese street food, don’t pass up an opportunity to stop by the Saigon Le Vendeur food truck. (Or is it a converted shipping container?) Along with banh mi, vermicelli, spring rolls, and egg rolls, expect seasonal specials that you can enjoy at the communal picnic tables.

Where to Go for Korean Food

From traditional Korean dishes to original K-style fusion, these three spots are where to get some Seoul-ful cuisine in the heart of Austin. Of course, there are many more options, but these are a great place to start.

Korean Grill

10901 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78753

Situated in the Chinatown Center strip mall, Korean Grill is a family-friendly spot offering classics like bibimbap, galbi (beef short ribs), kimchi fried rice, hot pots, spicy rice cakes, stews, and a variety of banchan (side dishes). Bonus: There are also vegetarian options.

Chi’Lantro

Multiple locations

Two words: Kimchi fries. Now that we have your attention, it’s time to make a beeline for Chi-Lantro. What started out as a food truck has expanded into a handful of brick-and-mortar locations where you can get creative Korean-Mexican fare ranging from queso with ribeye to sweet and spicy fried chicken wings and pick-your-protein BBQ.

K-Bop

2002 Guadalupe St. B, Austin, TX 78705

Focusing on light and healthy Korean-style fare, K-Bop is a fast-casual restaurant that lures locals with its good food and affordable prices. Menu options range from kimbops (Korean rolls), bowls (the beef bulgogi made with thin slices of beef is popular) and soups, including ramen and soft tofu stew. You’ll also find plenty of drinks, ranging from milk teas and green teas to a variety of smoothies

Get Ready for the Best Asian Food, Austin

There’s no doubt that Austin is one of the country’s great food towns. But this city is much more than BBQ, breakfast tacos, and killer queso. When it comes to authentic (and cutting-edge) Asian cuisine, ATX is right up there with the best of them. So, whether you’re craving Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, or all of the above, use this list of the best Asian food spots in Austin as your starting point and try them all. Your taste buds will thank you.