9 Outstanding AAPI Owned Restaurants in Phoenix, AZ
No matter what cultural background you come from, one thing is certain; food always brings us together. When it comes to food, there aren’t many places in the world that have more diversity in flavors, textures, and ingredients than the Asian and Pacific Islander community. AAPI is an incredibly broad and diverse demographic that spans a massive part of the world, but because of that, the food is absolutely incredible. Here are some of the best AAPI-owned restaurants and eateries in Phoenix.
Harumi Sushi
114 West Adams Street c101, Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 258-0131
Where to even begin with Harumi Sushi? We could talk about how they’ve been voted the number 1 Japanese restaurant in the whole city. Or we could say that the fish is flown in fresh from around the world every single day. What about how they utilize purple rice, also known as “forbidden rice” in Ancient Japan, for its high levels of antioxidants and fibers? Founded 35 years ago by Young Choi and now owned by Jessica Kim, Harumi Sushi continues to serve only the freshest and highest quality Japanese food. With flavors like this, it’s no wonder why Harumi Sushi continues to be a cornerstone of the Phoenix food scene.
Pokitrition
4811 North 16th Street, Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 824-8512
Pokitrition is not only the best poke in Phoenix but also the OG Sushi Burrito in Arizona! This place throws a wrench into what people can expect from a sushi burrito and poke bowl. Their flavors and combinations are incredibly unique and that’s what makes it special. Take the Crispy Spam N’Eggs Breakfast Burrito for instance. It’s packed with crispy spam, Japanese sweet egg, tamago, and avocado. It sounds crazy, but it’s absolutely delicious. The menu is always changing as new items are added. When it comes down to it, Pokitrition is everything food can and should be: unique, flavorful, and filling.
Kaizen
515 East Grant Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 432-0752
In Japanese culture, the concept of “Kaizen” stands for continuous change and improvement. Owners Kyu Utsunomiya and Troy Watkins have taken this ethos to heart and applied it to everything. From the meticulously crafted sushi to their omakase dishes, small plates, and the fusion of Japanese, Mexican, Central, and South American cuisine, “Kaizen” is always present. And it has resulted in some of the most dynamic flavors you’ll ever try. So whether you want to try one of their creative sushi rolls like the Tic Tac Toe or one of their house specials like their Ceviche Mixto, you’ll be walking out the door and planning the next time you’re coming back through it.
Ramen Kagawa
111 West Monroe Street #130, Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 675-0833
Ramen Kagawa’s owner Shunji Tohoda sees ramen as the “soul food in Japanese culture.” After enduring the challenges of opening right before Covid-19 in 2020, Ramen Kagawa is now blossoming. This is in part down to Tohoda seeing a lack of options when it came to traditional ramen in Phoenix. Of course, there are other Japanese restaurants in the city, but one that specializes in this version of soul food? Well, luckily enough for the people of downtown Phoenix, Ramen Kagawa is now the place to come for delicious and authentic ramen. You can choose from multiple pork tonkatsu options, vegetarian options, and more. If you’re looking for the finest noodles in downtown Phoenix, you must come to Ramen Kagawa.
Moira Sushi
215 East McKinley, Suite 102, Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 254-5085
Owner Linda Nguyen has been thriving with her restaurant Moira Sushi for over a decade. This quaint little spot is hidden away on an unassuming street in Downtown Phoenix. But that’s actually just how Linda wants it. Her mission has always been to be “that restaurant downstairs.” A place where people can come in after work to grab a bite to eat and know that the food will always be quality, and where they can relax and unwind without any stress. The menu takes the flavors of traditional Japanese food and expands it with new flavors from around the world. So no matter if you want a bowl, a sushi burrito, sushi rolls, izakaya, and more, Moira has it all. Although if you want something crazy, then order the Hama Kama, a deep-fried yellowtail shoulder that’s lit on fire!
Paradise Hawaiian BBQ
18 West Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 254-7174
Diana and Ren Kang have been bringing the spirit and flavors of Hawaii to downtown Phoenix since 2008 with their delightful restaurant Paradise Hawaiin BBQ. Hawaiian cuisine has traditionally drawn its flavors and inspiration from a variety of Asian cultures, such as Japanese, Korean, and Filipino. The Kang sisters are passionate about infusing every single bite with Hawaii’s “Aloha” spirit, and they’ve done just that. Their lunch plates are typically served with rice, tossed salad, macaroni salad, and an entree. So no matter what you order, you’re getting a full meal.
Vegan House
20 West Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 258-3426
Vegan House has been delighting both vegans and non-vegans since 2016. Owner Sorada VanBlargan infuses her Thai heritage into the menu mostly through the use of adding traditional Thai spices to almost every dish. This combination of spices and healthy ingredients makes for delicious and healthy food. Vegan House also uses vegan meats and seafood for those of you who want a bit more of a normal feel to your dishes. The substitutes are so good that you’d swear it’s the real thing. It shouldn’t come as a shock that Vegan House is one of the best vegan-friendly options in Phoenix.
Zen Thai Cafe
110 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 420-8424
Zen Thai Cafe is more than a Thai Restaurant; it’s also a cozy cafe that serves up refreshing caffeinated drinks the Asian way! Owner Rachel McAuley has worked constantly to create a space where customers become family and everyone can enjoy delicious Thai and Asian-inspired dishes. From Vietnamese coffee and boba teas to traditional Thai cuisines, Zen Thai Cafe has it all.
Miss Dessert
1335 West Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013
(602) 283-4066
Miss Dessert serves up authentic Hong Kong desserts, boba teas, and more. Each item is packed with unique and authentic flavors. Owner Harry Yu created Miss Dessert when he was a homesick international student that was craving the tastes and flavors of his home in Hong Kong. The menu is straightforward. You choose from three bases: vanilla snow, sago, and yoji. Each base has its own unique selections that you can choose from, with the Mondo Mango being a popular favorite. It takes the vanilla snow base and adds Thai purple sticky rice and mango. Sweet and satisfying, Miss Dessert will have your sweet tooth more than satisfied.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Phoenix, AZ page, here!
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