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.
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, 11963An 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, 10002A 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, 11937Inspired 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 locationsA 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, 11963Sen 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, 10013Mishik 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, 60654A 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, 60661Progressive 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 LocationsWith 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, 60640A 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, 60622Urbanbelly 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, 60626The spirit of Cambodia comes alive through bold flavors and vibrant experiences.
Owner & Chef: Mona Sang
California
- Multiple LocationsYour 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, 90026Woon 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, 91103Serving 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 locationsPhorage 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, 91103KAVIAR is an upscale Japanese kitchen serving up an exquisite selection of sushi and fusion masterpieces.
Executive Chef: John Hans Yeo - Multiple LocationsA lively neighborhood hotspot for sushi and classic Japanese dishes.
CEO & Owner: Katsuya Uechi
Executive Chef: Kentaro Uechi - Multiple LocationsBorn 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.
Owners: Ray Yaptinchay & Jay Tugas - 40 W Green Street, Pasadena, CA, 91105Agnes 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, 94122Chef 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, 90013Camphor 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, 92101Choi'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 LocationsMexican x Indian vibes come together in an unforgettable and addictive rotisserie meal. Featuring scratch-crafted, double-dip worthy suaces and craveable sides, discover an experience that's full of possibilities by layering your eats.
Co-owner: Rhea Patel Michel
Across the U.S.
- 1100 East 6th Street, Austin, TX, 78702A 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, 22202American 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, 20002Hiraya 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, 40503Deeply 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, 77007Casual 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.
Owners: Mark Pascual & Giovan Cuchapin
Executive Chef: Salvador "Buddy" Melgarejo - 409 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02171A fun modern Vietnamese dining experience featuring an imaginative menu by celebrated chef, Peter Nguyen.
Co-owner: Tam Le
Co-owner & Chef: Peter Nguyen