ORLANDO, Fla. – If you’re looking for a refreshing boba tea to sip on after you slurp down a tasty bowl of pho, there are plenty of Asian-owned restaurants in Orlando to help you meet those foodie goals.
Orlando even has its own cultural hub, formerly known as Little Vietnam, in the Mills 50 district where you can find Asian supermarkets, cuisine from a variety of countries, Eastern medicine spots and several other shops that help enhance the experience.
The influence of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander business owners goes well beyond that area and expands to other parts of the region as well.
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To help highlight those entrepreneurs during AANHPI Heritage Month, we’ve put together this list of Asian-owned restaurants in Central Florida.
Chuan Lu Garden: Those looking for Sichuan-style Chinese cuisine need not look further, this restaurant was named runner up in the Orlando Sentinel’s Foodie Awards. 1101 E Colonial Drive, Orlando.
DOMU: While ramen is the main dish here, the crispy wings coated with kimchi butter sauce have proved popular as well. 3201 Corrine Drive site 100 and 7600 Dr. Phillips Boulevard, both in Orlando.
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Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi: Fish are flown in from Japan to this Dr. Phillips restaurant. Talk about authentic. 7972 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando.
Hawkers Asian Street Fare: The food here tastes as good as it looks and the locations aren’t lacking in terms of atmosphere, either. 103 North Mills Ave., Orlando and 9100 Conroy Windermere Road suite 110, Windermere.
Hotto Potto: Hot pot may be one of the more amusing ways to eat a meal. Your waiter will place a big pot of broth of your choosing in the middle of the table and let you put the ingredients inside to make a customized bowl of soup. 1700 N. Semoran Boulevard suite #118, Orlando.
Izziban: All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and sushi? Say no more. 5310 E. Colonial Drive, 1700 Sand Lake Road and 6996 Piazza Grande Ave. site 100, all in Orlando.
Kabooki Sushi: This contemporary Japanese restaurant likes to brand itself as big and beautiful and it’s not wrong. The attention to detail when it comes to the décor and the dishes will leave you wanting more. 3122 E. Colonial Drive and 7705 Turkey Lake Road, both in Orlando.
Kadence: You’ll need a reservation, likely several weeks in advance, at this exclusive Audubon Park eatery. Expect an intimate experience that you won’t forget at this nine-seat restaurant with a multi-course menu. 1809 Winter Park Road, Orlando.
Kiko Japanese Cuisine: Located on Semoran Boulevard, Kiko is known for its expansive vegetarian menu plus it has plenty of options for omnivores, too. 110 S. Semoran Boulevard, Winter Park.
Krave Tea: Imagine drinking a dessert, that’s what it’s like to have one of these milk teas with black sugar boba down at the bottom and cheese foam on top. 839 South Orlando Ave., Winter Park.
Le House Vietnamese Restaurant: From the owners: “Le House is (a) Vietnamese inspired restaurant concept that combines fresh, affordable, healthy food and great service in a modern oriented atmosphere. Our dishes originate from our family’s hometowns of Ninh Hoa and Nha Trang of Vietnam.” 595 W. Church St. site L, Orlando.
Le Ky Patisserie: One of the newest additions at the Hourglass Social House offers sweet treats and more savory options. 2411 Curry Ford Road, Orlando.
Light on the Sugar: Everything about this place is adorable. Go to take Instagram pictures, stay for the cakes and tarts. 4270 Aloma Ave. suite #112, Winter Park.
Morimoto Asia: Round off a trip to Disney Springs with a stop at this Pan-Asian restaurant with a menu curated by Japanese master chef Masaharu Morimoto of “Iron Chef” fame. 1600 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista.
Ming’s Bistro: With 33 different ways to get your dim sum, you’re sure to find something you like on this expansive menu. 1212 Woodward suite 6, Orlando.
Nha Trang Subs: The banh mi, or Vietnamese subs, here are thick and flavorful. 1216 E Colonial Drive suite 9, Orlando.
Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria: A Thanksgiving sandwich probably isn’t what you’d expect to see in a restaurant owned and operated by a Thai woman but it’s the item most diners rave about. 67 N Bumby Ave., Orlando.
Pho Hoa: Start your visit outside with a look at the colorful and eye-catching murals then head inside for a tasty bowl of noodle soup. 649 Primrose Drive, Orlando.
Royaltea: This boba tea chain is popular in China and now, locations are starting to pop up in the U.S., including in Orlando. Don’t be surprised to see a line out the door. 714 N. Mills Ave., Orlando.
Saigon Noodle and Grill: If you’re dining in a pair, try one of the deal for two options that includes an appetizer, two entrees and two drinks for $22.95. 101 N Bumby Ave., Orlando.
Sticky Rice: This may be the only place in Orlando to get Laotian street food, so take advantage. 1915 East Colonial Drive, Orlando.
Sun Pearl Bakery: How does pickle and brown egg bread sound to you? Or maybe a crunchy strawberry bun is more your style? Try them all, there’s plenty to choose from. 5082 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando.
Sushi Katana: Reviewers say both the food and the service keeps them coming back time and time again. 4192 Conroy Road site 103, Orlando.
Taglish Filipino American Fare: In case the name didn’t give it away, you can expect traditional American food like burgers and royales plus Filipino dishes such as longsilog and sisig. 3191 W Colonial Drive, Orlando.
Tasty Wok: With a four-star rating on Yelp, reviewers say they love the char sui and the roasted duck. 1246 East Colonial Drive, Orlando.
Thai Thani: From the hand carved wooden furniture to the gilded Buddhist shrines, it doesn’t get more traditional than this. 11025 International Drive, Orlando.
Tori Tori: Billed as a pub, this isn’t your typical sit-down restaurant. You’ll order from a variety of small plates at the bar then sit, grab a number then relax with a drink until your food is ready. 720 N. Mills Ave., Orlando.
Urban Hibachi: Get your hibachi any way you like it or try the robatayaki skewers. 3120 S. Kirkman Road and 3042 W. Sand Lake Road, both in Orlando.
Qi Dragon Bakery: If you can’t decide which warm bun or frosted cake to get just grab one of each, you can’t go wrong. 7400 Southland Boulevard suite #109, Orlando.
Vietnam Cuisine: The name says it all. This no-frills restaurant offers all the Vietnamese staples. 1224 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando.
Viet-Nomz: Viet-Nomz upholds its promise to deliver “a modern street-fare concept to traditional Vietnamese cuisine.” 7581 University Boulevard, Winter Park and 11798 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando.
Did we miss anything? Send any other suggestions our way for a chance to have them added by emailing acutway@wkmg.com.