10 Incredible AAPI Owned Restaurants in Chicago, IL
Chicago is a city with a rich cultural and culinary history, and its AAPI-owned restaurants are no exception. From Chinese to Filipino, Vietnamese to Korean, these restaurants serve up some of the most delicious and authentic food in the city. We’ve hit the streets to curate a list of 10 delicious Asian-owned restaurants in Chicago.
Mango Pickle
5842 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 944-5555
Mango Pickle is a family-owned Indian restaurant in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago. At Mango Pickle, you’ll find traditional Indian fare with a creative and modern twist. All of their food is made fresh with high-quality ingredients. You’ll really want to try their samosas and behl puri. We love the owners’ passion for food and hospitality, and their commitment to quality is evident in every dish.
Strings Ramen
2141 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 374-3450
There’s nothing like a steaming bowl of ramen to quell those frigid Chicago winters. Strings Ramen offers a variety of authentic ramen bowls as well as other Asian fusion fare. Their pork dim sum is wonderful and anything with their ponzu sauce is good enough to drink! And their cozy atmosphere and hospitable staff will make you feel right at home. They have multiple locations throughout the city, so you can get your ramen fix whenever you want.
Joong Boo Market
3333 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-5566
Joong Boo Market is actually a Korean grocery store that also features a food court with a variety of Korean dishes, so you can enjoy a hot meal while you’re doing your grocery shopping! Tucked in the back of the market you’ll find traditional Korean soups, noodles and rice dishes, and you know the ingredients are fresh because you can see the fresh produce in the market. Often, there’s a little dumpling stand out front which would be a wonderful compliment to a bowl of kimchi-jjigae.
Ramen Wasabi
2101 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-8180
There’s no shortage of great ramen in the Windy City, so be sure to check out Ramen Wasabi, too. Their restaurant is cute and cozy, and the service is very attentive. Their most popular dish by far is the tonkotsu ramen which comes with a perfectly jammy egg, but we also love the spicy garlic miso or the hot garlic ramen dishes as well.
Nha Hang Viet Nam
1032 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 878-8895
This family-owned Vietnamese restaurant has been a beloved part of the Uptown neighborhood for years. The restaurant’s owner, Chef David Le, brings his family’s traditional recipes from Vietnam to Chicago with a commitment to using only the freshest ingredients. Nha Hang Viet Nam’s menu boasts an array of delicious Vietnamese dishes, including their famous pho and the crispy egg noodles with seafood. The restaurant’s cozy and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot for a casual dinner with friends or a cozy date night.
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
1800 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 702-1303
At HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen, they are passionate about using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create unique and flavorful dishes like the Goi Cuon Chay (vegetarian spring rolls) and the Ca Hoi Cuon (smoked salmon rolls). Located in Pilsen, the restaurant’s name “HaiSous” means “two flavors” in Vietnamese, representing the two chefs: Chef Thai Dang and his wife Danielle Dang. The owners’ commitment to hospitality and their passion for their culture shine through in every detail of the restaurant.
Saigon Sisters
567 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 496-0090
Pop into Saigon Sisters for a modern and chic atmosphere, complete with colorful artwork and comfortable seating. Saigon Sisters’ menu boasts a wide variety of dishes, including classics like pho and banh mi, as well as modern creations like the Brussels Sprouts Salad. You have to try their signature dish, the Saigon Lemongrass Steak Banh Mi – it’s perfectly cooked steak with pickled carrots, daikon, cilantro, and jalapeños, all in a crispy baguette. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a night out with friends, Saigon Sisters is the perfect spot.
Noodle Bird
2957 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 661-9170
Noodle Bird is a beloved Chicago restaurant owned by chef Abraham Conlon, who has won numerous awards for his innovative Macanese cuisine. The restaurant’s colorful interior and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere for diners. The menu features dishes like arroz gordo, a hearty rice dish layered with ingredients like roast pork and prawns, and egg tart, a sweet and flaky dessert. Be sure to book a table in advance, as this popular spot can fill up quickly.
MingHin Cuisine
2168 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 808-1999
If you’re looking for classic Cantonese fare, look no further than MingHin Cuisine. MingHin is a traditional Cantonese-style restaurant located in Chinatown where you’ll find a variety of dim sum, seafood, and other authentic Chinese dishes. Make sure to try a standout dish like the Barbequed Pork Belly, a fluffy bun filled with sweet and savory barbecued pork. The service is attentive, with friendly servers who can provide recommendations based on your preferences.
Serai
2169 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 687-8093
Serai, nestled in Wicker Park, is a charming Malaysian restaurant that specializes in classic dishes like laksa, nasi goreng, and satay. Its cozy and intimate ambiance, complete with rustic wood furnishings and warm lighting, makes it an ideal spot for a romantic night out or a quiet evening with friends. Be sure to try their mouthwatering nasi lemak, a fragrant coconut rice dish served with crispy fried chicken and savory sambal sauce.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Chicago page, here!
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