Our Favorite Asian and Pacific Islander Owned Restaurants in NYC & LA
Growing up in a Filipino household, everything revolved around food. Someone’s birthday? Forget the decorations — let’s set up the menu. A couple getting married? Cute cake, but let’s talk about the real winner and true centerpiece: The Lechon (roasted pig served with a liver sauce).
At any social setting (or at home, or anytime, really) the kitchen and dining table were the places to be. Not once have I lived in a home with my parents that didn’t include two fridges and freezers. And growing up with over three dozen extended family members, I learned to eat quickly, or else I wouldn’t eat at all.
But to Filipinos, it’s not just about eating — it’s also about sharing.
Anthony Bourdain said it best when he took a trip to the Philippines for Parts Unknown: “Filipinos love feeding people.” That’s simply how we show our love and generosity. Enter a Filipino gathering, and you’ll leave with several tupperwares full of rice, pancit bihon (rice noodles in soy sauce, fish sauce, veggies, and of course, meat), and chicken adobo (chicken thighs cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, and peppercorns). No tupperware? No problem — you’ll walk away with several paper plates covered in tin foil and an auntie insisting you didn’t take enough leftovers.
One of my fondest memories of childhood is having a Kamayan meal (meaning: eat with your hands). Rows of banana leaves would be laid down on the dining table and act as your plate, place mat, napkin, and rice, shrimp, pork, chicken wings, sausages, shrimp paste, fried fish, and a mango, tomato, and onion salad would be placed on top.
Mouth watering yet?
Kamayan, and other traditional Filipino meals always meant so much more than satiating myself. It was where the best conversations, the biggest laughs, and the deepest bonds were formed among our family and friends (except… there are no friends — you immediately gain a “cousin” or “uncle” upon meeting someone new).
This is, of course, not only the case for Filipinos, but other Asian and Pacific Islander cultures — and beyond. But for this month, which happens to be Asian Pacific Heritage Month, we’re honoring it the way we know best: Eating and the act of sharing a meal.
Our D1A team in New York and LA have put together a list of the best restaurants owned by Asian and Pacific Islanders on our two coasts. And while we may not be able to dine-in right now, sadly — save these for your must-visit lists for the future, or for takeout.
NYC
Check in with your favorites for their most up-to-date hours and delivery options.
Tito Rads
Tito Rad’s Grill serves up authentic Filipino cuisine, just like how grandma used to make it. From simple comfort food to national favorites, all ingredients are carefully chosen, freshly cooked and prepared to satisfy your craving for “lutong bahay” (a taste of home).
Win Son
Win Son is a Taiwanese-American restaurant in East Williamsburg (and corresponding bakery, @winsonbakery). Opened in 2016 byJosh Ku and chef Trigg Brown, Win Son serves up creative dishes like the “nutritious sandwich,” which is actually a doughnut sandwich. During Covid19, Win Son is only taking orders through Caviar for pick up and delivery.
Bunker
Vietnamese street food restaurant Bunker was opened in 2013 by chef and co-owner Jimmy Tu. Bunker offers homestyle Vietnamese dishes like beef pho, catfish banh mi, pork spring rolls, papaya salad, and more. As an added plus, Bunker only uses vegetables and heritage meats from local farms, with recipes passed on from generation to generation.
SriPraPhai
SriPraPhai began as a small Thai bakery in Elmhurst by founder Sripraphai Tipmanee. Eventually, it expanded into a restaurant in Woodside (and another in Long Island), and offers over 120 dishes representing food from different regions of Thailand. Order the watercress salad, northern style curry noodles, and ground meat laab — you won’t be disappointed.
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong
Hands down the best Korean barbecue spot in NYC — and Anthony Bourdain, David Chang, and Dominique Ansel are just a few of the celebrity chefs that have frequented there. Co-owner Bobby Kwak “wanted people [of all backgrounds] to come in and get the closest thing to what a real Korean barbecue in Seoul is like.” The cheese corn will change your life.
Adda
Restaurant owner Roni Mazumdar and Executive Chef Chintan Pandya founded Adda as a “place to hang out” (that’s what it translates to, after all). Adda serves up classics like junglee maas, paneer tikka, and masaledar lipatwan murgh — and isn’t for the faint of heart when it comes to spiciness. Think: simple, homestyle Indian cooking.
LA
Check in with your favorites for their most up-to-date hours and delivery options.
Lunasia Dim Sum House
Originally located in Alhambra (with now a second location in Pasadena), Lunasia is hands down one of the best places to get dim sum. With a huge selection of menu from gourmet chinese dishes to Macao style egg custard–you really have to go in with a game plan.
Pa Ord Noodle
Located in Thai town, Pa Ord Noodle has become one of thai people’s go-to restaurants here in Los Angeles. Pa Ord’s signature boat noodle dish is by far the best boat noodles you will ever find in the city. If you’re looking to get that authentic Thai spiciness and flavor, you’re in the right place.
Iki Ramen
Iki Ramen is truly a hidden gem in koreatown with a casual, and cozy atmosphere. Unlike other ramen places that specialize in one kind of ramen, Iki has a whole range from an amazing light citrusy yuzu shio ramen to a heavy truffle butter ramen. They also serve a variety of hand rolls and rice bowls with fresh fun modern twist.
Sun Nong Dan
Whether you’re in the mood for a Galbi jjim for lunch, or at 2AM in the morning, you can always find it here at Sun Nong Dan. Being open 24/7 with a constant line out the door is a true proof of serious good food. Their Yuk Gae Jung soup comes with many side dishes that hit the right spot of your comfort food cravings.
Din Tai Fung
Famous for their soup dumplings and wontons, Din Tai Fung is second to none when it comes to great Chinese food. With so many great dishes on the menu, nothing can go wrong. Nice warm rice with just the right amount of seasoning and not at all oily, you really can’t beat their fried rice.
Woon Kitchen
This adorable Eastside pop-up is home to some of the best homestyle Chinese food in the city, not to mention some of the kindest vibes, thanks to mother and son owners Keegan and “Mama” Fong. Standout dishes include the house-made bao and Mama’s famous Five Spice party wings.
Omiso
If you’ve ever had real-deal miso, you’ll understand why Ai Fujimoto’s food is worth hunting down. Together with fermentation specialist Nozomi Jinguji, Ai creates umami-filled soups, cookies, and pastes that are as flavor-packed as they are beautiful.
