Restaurant Guides

A Celebration of Flavor: Highlighting Asian-Owned & Operated Restaurants

Guide By Cassie Eufracio

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of the AAPI community in the United States. Food is an integral part of any culture, and Asian cuisine offers a vibrant tapestry of flavors, techniques, and ingredients.

Here at inKind, we're proud to support a diverse network of restaurants, and this month, we want to shine a spotlight on the amazing Asian-owned and operated restaurants on our platform. From steaming bowls of pho to delicate sushi platters, these culinary gems offer an authentic taste of Asia right in your neighborhood.

So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to embark on a delicious journey! Let's explore some of the incredible Asian-owned restaurants you can discover and support on inKind this AAPI Heritage Month.

Cities Featured in This Guide

New York

2 Main Street, Sag Harbor, NY, 11963

K Pasa

An American taqueria created by chefs and restaurateurs who live and work here. Their tacos (and tequila bar and rosés) are for sharing. They are a vegan and vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can have a seat at their tables.

Co-owners: Toranosuke & Ryunosuke Matsuoka

84 Stanton Street, New York, NY, 10002

8282

A high-spirited Lower East Side take on contemporary Korean dining, from the couple who ran the popular Pado in the East Village. Features a small menu of irresistible dishes, weaving Mexican, Italian, and other influences into the mix.

Co-owner: Jee Kim
Co-owner & Chef: Bong Le Jo

37 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, NY, 11937

Kumiso

Inspired by the vibrant izakaya's tucked away in Tokyo's alleys, Kumiso is East Hampton's first izakaya. They're there to bring joy, laughter, and delicious flavors to your table. Gather your crew and get ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey at Kumiso.

Co-owners: Toranosuke & Ryunosuke Matsuoka

Multiple locations

Momoya

A beloved Japanese restaurant that showcases picture-perfect nigiri and sublime foods, highlighting the beauty of the vast array of dishes.

Owner: KwangHo Lee

23 Main Street, Sag Harbor, NY, 11963

Sen

Sen Restaurant, a modern Japanese restaurant, has been a mainstay in Sag Harbor, New York since 1994. Strike sushi gold or enjoy one of 100+ hand-selected sake varieties.

Co-owners: Ryunosuke & Toranosuke Matsuoka

259A Hudson Street, New York, Ny, 10013

Mishik

Mishik is a modern Japanese restaurant located in Hudson Square, featuring an Edomae-style sushi counter and a vibrant bar featuring innovative cocktails infused with Japanese flavors, complemented by a curated selection of premium wines and sake.

Owner: David Kim
Executive Chef: Markee Manaloto

Chicago

116 W Hubbard Street, Suite 1, Chicago, IL, 60654

Bar Goa

A clubby Indian Gastropub and cocktail bar that brings River North the flavors and vibes of India's sunny southwest coast of Goa.

Owners: Manish & Rina Mallick
Executive Chef: Sahil Sethi

736 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL, 60661

ROOH

Progressive Indian cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere. Meaning soul or spirit, ROOH Chicago brings the soul of India through an elegant restaurant experience, a delicate balance of rich traditional flavors, and fresh local ingredients prepared with international techniques and inspirations.

Co-owners: Vikram & Anu Bhambri

Multiple Locations

Saigon Sisters

With a longing for the memories and flavors of Southeast Asia, the founders set out to share their love of Vietnamese culture and cuisine with the world.

Founders: Mary Nguyen Aregoni, Theresa Nguyen, & Mama Suu

5018 N Broadway Street, Chicago, IL, 60640

Fat Miilk

A Vietnamese coffee brand built on sturdy grounds of integrity, courage, and a whole lot of caffeine. They specialize in the Robusta species, a bean with 2x the caffeine and antioxidants.

Founder: Lan Ho

1542 N Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60622

Urbanbelly

Urbanbelly celebrates cultural diversity and the beauty of combining different cuisines. Each dish they create tells a story of two cultures coming together in the most delicious way possible.

Co-owner & Chef: Bill Kim

6580 N Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL, 60626

Khmai

The spirit of Cambodia comes alive through bold flavors and vibrant experiences.

Owner & Chef: Mona Sang

California

Multiple Locations

Holy Basil

Your neighborhood Thai restaurant serving delicious Bangkok street food. Head in for authentic cuisine in a casual, laid-back space.

Co-owner: Tongkamal "Joy" Yuon
Co-owner & Chef: Wedchayan "Deau" Arpapornnopparat

2920 W Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90026

Woon

Woon is a homestyle Chinese restaurant that began as a family run pop-up born from a desire to share their mother, Mama Fong's original Chinese comfort food. They offer a simple menu influenced by Shanghainese and Cantonese recipes.

Owner: Keegan Fong

29 Holly Street, Pasadena, CA, 91103

Mama M Sushi

Serving traditional Japanese fresh fish, fusion sushi rolls with unique flavors and the secret ingredient from generation embedded in their kitchen dishes.

Founder: Chef Jack

Multiple locations

Phorage

Phorage is a locally sourced modern Vietnamese concept that strives to provide their customers with only the best hormone-free proteins and fresh quality produce.

Co-founder & Chef: Perry Cheung

70 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91103

KAVIAR

KAVIAR is an upscale Japanese kitchen serving up an exquisite selection of sushi and fusion masterpieces.

Executive Chef: John Hans Yeo

Multiple Locations

Katsuya

A lively neighborhood hotspot for sushi and classic Japanese dishes.

CEO & Owner: Katsuya Uechi
Executive Chef: Kentaro Uechi

Multiple Locations

Spoon & Pork

Born in the Philippines and made in Los Angeles, Spoon & Pork is proud to present traditional flavors that they cherished growing up in the Philippines through their reimagined style dishes inspired by their travels and Los Angeles. Each bite is a burst of authentic Filipino flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Owners: Ray Yaptinchay & Jay Tugas

40 W Green Street, Pasadena, CA, 91105

Agnes

Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery is a modern American restaurant and cheese shop inspired by the timeless tradition of of gathering around a table with loved ones to share good food, good drinks, and excellent cheese.

Co-owner: Vanessa Tilaka Kalb

1220 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94122

UM.MA

Chef Chris along with chef de cuisine Edwin Bayone will be firing up classic dishes like bubbling bowls of pork belly soon tofu and milky white bowls of ox bone soup with tender slices of brisket.

Owner & Chef: Chris Oh

923 East 3rd Street, Suite 109, Los Angeles, CA, 90013

Camphor

Camphor is a Michelin-starred modern bistro located in DTLA's bustling Arts District is all about easy & relaxed eating, and letting classic French flavors & culinary techniques do the talking.

Co-owner: Sarah Lam

100 Park Plaza #161, San Diego, CA, 92101

Choi's

Choi's is a full-service Asian fusion restaurant in the heart of San Diego that serves Korean cuisine, Eastern cuisine, craft cocktails, and soju.

Founder & Chef: Jiwoo Choi

Multiple Locations

Saucy Chick

Mexican x Indian vibes come together in an unforgettable and addictive rotisserie meal. Faeturing scratch-crafted, double-dip worthy suaces and craveable sides, discover an experience that's full of possibilities by layering and interchanging your eats!

Co-owner: Rhea Patel Michel

Across the U.S.

1100 East 6th Street, Austin, TX, 78702

OKO

A celebration of Asian cultures filtered through a Texas prism, OKO is helmed by Harold Villarosa, a Philippines-born, Bronx-reared chef.

Co-founder: Paul Qui
Executive Chef: Harold Villarosa

1101 S Joyce Street, Arlington, VA, 22202

Lucky Danger

American Chinese by a Chinese American - Place your order through the inKind app and dine in or take your food to go.

Founders: Chef Tim Ma & Chef Andrew Chiou

1250 H Street NE, Washington DC, WA, 20002

Hiraya

Hiraya is a celebration of the beauty, history, and flavors of the Philippines. They are inspired by the dishes and ingredients of their ancestors, family and friends who have influenced their journeys, and the famously welcoming Filipino hospitality.

Co-owners: Juan & Jeremy Canlas
Co-owner & Chef: Paolo Dungca

124 Malabu Drive, Suite 110, Lexington, KY, 40503

Tuk Tuk Snack Shop

Deeply influenced by recognized Chef Sam Fore's upbringing and culinary journey, Tuk Tuk Snack Shop's menu thoughtfully marries Sri Lankan techniques and ingredients with classic Southern dishes categorized into sandwiches, big snacks, sides, bakery items, and desserts.

Owner & Chef: Sam Fore

506 Yale Street, Suite E, Houston, TX, 77007

Be More Pacific

Casual eatery specializing in traditional Filipino dishes, plus craft beer & cocktails. They offer "The Kamayan Experience," a beloved Filipino tradition in which family and friends get together for a family-style feast served on banana leaves and eaten with one's hands. Featured on Food Network's: Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

Owners: Mark Pascual & Giovan Cuchapin
Executive Chef: Salvador "Buddy" Melgarejo

409 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02171

Lê Madeline

A fun modern Vietnamese dining experience featuring an imaginative menu by celebrated chef, Peter Nguyen.

Co-owner: Tam Le
Co-owner & Chef: Peter Nguyen