12 Must-Try Asian & Pacific Islander Owned Restaurants + Street Food
The latest up-and-comers in Arizona’s food scene are entrepreneurs and chefs who are dishing up Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pan-Asian cuisine, as well as regional Asian street food in the Valley. The rise in more Asian-owned food businesses is due in part to the ever-diversifying population and evolving palates, as well as social media attention that is bringing local, little-known haunts into the spotlight.
Inspiration for many of these entrepreneurs and chefs comes from the desire to represent their roots and bring a taste of home to their community. From traditional family recipes passed down from generations, childhood and street food favorites, to reinventing fusion dishes that blend flavors from multiple cultures, these folks are creating a new culinary journey filled with new flavor profiles and food experiences.
Here are some new local food businesses to check out:
Mr. Momo was created from owner Subash Yadav’s longing for his food roots. After moving to the United States to study medicine, he missed his home flavors and decided to combine his passion for cooking and health with his entrepreneurial mindset, which kickstarted Mr. Momo in 2019.
You can find Mr. Momo products, such as delicious and traditional Nepalese dumplings, samosas, and Choco-Momos, at countless farmers markets and pop-up events throughout the Phoenix area. Follow Mr. Momo on social media.
Lina, the owner and lead baker of Lina’s Macarons, grew up in Indonesia and became enamored with the culinary influences of the Dutch who brought over European baking techniques. After spending years perfecting her macaron recipes, she is now getting her business off the ground at the Local First Arizona Mesa Community Kitchen. Whether you want a custom box of macarons with your favorite cartoon character or a classic French aesthetic, Lina can do it all! Visit their website to place an order and follow Lina’s Macarons on social media to see where they will be popping up next.
PHX LECHON Roasters (Philippines)
Be on the lookout for this local favorite: PHX Lechon Roasters that serves up Filipino food from Lapu-Lapu City. Chef Brian and Margita of PHX Lechon Roasters got their catering business off the ground at Local First Arizona’s Mesa Community Kitchen and have now amassed quite the following from those who experienced their tender, juicy lechon.
Book them for your next event or follow them on social media to find out which night market or food festival they will be popping up to next.
Have you experienced Taiwanese style fried chicken yet? If not, be on the lookout for Herculean Chicken! Created by owner Alberta Chu, a Local First Arizona Bootcamp graduate, Herculean Chicken is bringing traditional Taiwanese fried chicken to Arizona! Alberta was inspired by her fondest memories of going to the night markets in Taipei and enjoying crispy fried chicken cutlets and popcorn chicken. After moving to Arizona, she noticed a lack of Taiwanese dishes, which fueled by her passion and love for these nostalgic dish and bringing Taiwanese fried chicken to the masses.
Follow Herculean Chicken on social media to stay up to date on where they will pop up next.
Paradise Hawaiian BBQ (Hawaiian + Asian Fusion)
Paradise Hawaiian BBQ, established in 2008, is a family-owned restaurant that brings the Aloha spirit to Downtown Phoenix.
Hawaii is a diverse society with cultural influences from all over Asia, and Paradise Hawaiian BBQ delivers dishes that reflect the blend of Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean, and other Asian cuisines. From Teriyaki Chicken and beef plates, to Chicken Katsu and Fried Mondoo, and other island staples like Spam Musubi & Loco Moco, the flavors of Asia are represented in every dish.
Check out their offerings and follow them on social media.
If you’re looking for real-deal Japanese ramen, Ramen Kagawa is your new go-to spot. This Downtown Phoenix restaurant has perfected ramen! Its flavorful ramen broths simmer for over 12 hours to bring out a rich, delicious flavor.
You can also feast on a variety of Japanese curries that pair nicely with their imported offerings of Japanese beers and spirits. The cozy atmosphere, along with their patiently crafted dishes, make Ramen Kagawa the perfect spot to enjoy a taste of Japan.
Check out their menu and follow them on social media!
Aloha Island Market (South Pacific Islands, not only Polynesian, but Micronesian and Melanesians)
After moving from Hawaii, Laukau and JP Pani, the owners of Aloha Island Market in Mesa, yearned for the food and traditions they once had and wanted to bring a sense of community to the Valley. Laukau and JP have now made the leap, recently opening a full storefront. Aloha Island Market is the only Hawaiian market in Arizona that carries a wide range of Hawaiian products, such as snacks, shaved ice syrups, Hawaiian Sun drinks, fresh produce, Hawaiian sauces and Hawaiian clothing and gifts. Swing by their store and follow their journey on social media,
Ready to step off the beaten path and experience Cambodian cuisine in Phoenix?
Look no further than Reathrey Sekong. This local, family-run restaurant offers a diverse menu of Cambodian dishes that are influenced by the country’s geographical location, blending and pulling from traditional Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.
Stop by this local find to try their Cha Kreung, a very popular dish that is loved by many and be sure to give them a follow on social media.
Saap Saap Thaiger (Thai + Laos)
Saap Saap Thaiger is new to the Phoenix food scene and is bringing forward the rich, cultural food connections of Thailand and Laos. This family-owned food business has already caught our attention with its delicious Thai/Laos street food offerings.
Follow them on social media to see where they’ll pop up next and give the Chicken Satay Skewers a try, which are made with thinly sliced chicken marinated for 48 hours in house-seasonings, curry paste, coconut milk, and topped with peanut sauce! Visit their website to check out their menu or have them cater your next event.
Ready to elevate your sandwich game? Head over to Mesa’s hidden sandwich shop called Mekong Sandwiches that serves up lunchtime fare. This family-owned and operated restaurant offers a variety of Banh Mi sandwiches. Banh mi sandwiches are a Vietnamese street food that originated in Saigon and are served on soft French baguettes. They’re a delicious hybrid of French and Vietnamese cuisine and typically contain pickled carrots, daikon, chiles, cucumber slices, cilantro, mayo, and a protein such as marinated pork, chicken, or tofu.
Follow Mekong Sandwiches on social media!
If you’re looking for a taste of Korean pop culture, clever boba concoctions, and inventive bubble waffle snacks, then add Mango Rabbit to your list of places to check out.
In 2018, Peggy Huang and her husband started Mango Rabbit. After living in Taiwan, Peggy was inspired by the Japanese film My Neighbor Totoro and wanted to celebrate their favorite things, such as K-pop bands, anime, and manga, and popular video games.
Along with these fun treats, Mango Rabbit hosts special events, adding another layer of fun at this Tempe shop. Explore their extensive bubble waffle and boba menu on their website and see what events are brewing on their social media.
The Stone Korean Tofu House (Korean)
This beloved Korean family-owned restaurant is devoted to the tradition of tofu. Each morning, tofu is made in-house, from-scratch daily, as well as their side dishes that are prepared using what’s in season at the market. This bustling restaurant specializes in traditional Korean food, including bibimbap, hot pots, and noodle dishes. Be sure to try one of their bubbling tofu hot pots that can include dumplings, Beef Bulgogi, veggies, or seafood that is served in black clay pots with a cracked raw egg on top.
Check out their website and follow them on social media.