As well as some of the most expensive real estate in the world, the city of New York is known as the financial, cultural, entertainment and media capital of the world, full of famous buildings and landmarks that have tourists flocking to it all year round. Central Park, Wall Street, Broadway – all immortalized in countless songs and movies, and that’s before you visit them in person!
New York City has a very rich and diverse culture and, at the time of the 2020 census, was home to the largest Asian community in the United States. Asians and Asian-Americans have been hugely involved in the city’s development over the last few decades.
One result of this involvement is that it is extremely easy to find good Asian restaurants in New York, if you’re ever in the mood for some spicy noodles or a bowl of soup dumplings. Not to mention the wide range of places serving Asian street food, some of the most delicious cuisine you could ever hope to try.
Maybe you don’t have time to go exploring through the whole city in search of the perfect Asian restaurant for a night out. If that’s the case, you should look into available food tours of New York City!
A food tour in New York involves walking around town for a few hours, trying different restaurants that are popular amongst the locals while listening to your guide tell you all about the city’s history and culture, as well as the changes which New York’s cuisine has gone through over the years.
Food tours are an excellent idea if you’re traveling on a tight budget or schedule, but still want to guarantee a fun experience. There are many options to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.
They also represent an enjoyable and unusual activity to do as a family. Even for locals who already know all the tour stops, it’s still fun to see the city from a different perspective. A lot of food tours cater to children as well, and to people with a sweet tooth!
Keep in mind that if you’re looking to book a food tour of New York, you should try to do so in advance, because spaces are limited, and make sure the itinerary is to your liking.
If you want to explore the city by yourself or in a group, we’ve compiled a list of some great Asian restaurants to add to your NYC bucket list.
Katsuya
Katsuya is considered to be one of the best Japanese restaurants in New York. Its menu features sushi and sashimi alongside traditional Japanese dishes like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), tonkotsu ramen (noodle soup) and karaage (fried chicken).
Izakaya Matsuri
If you want to go out for some drinks, perhaps Izakaya Matsuri is what you’re looking for, offering a wide range of Japanese beers, sake and whiskey at its Midtown location.
Yuzu Ramen
Yuzu Ramen serves authentic Japanese ramen in Midtown Manhattan. If you’re looking for a more refreshing dish, their specialty is yuzu ramen – a broth infused with citrusy flavors.
Sushi Tsukiji
Sushi Tsukiji is known to serve some of the freshest seafood in the city. Located in Midtown Manhattan, they offer a full selection of nigiri (Japanese raw fish) and sashimi.
Tokyo Dining Room
Tokyo Dining Room is a restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine. It offers a comfortable atmosphere where diners can enjoy their food and talk quietly among themselves, making it a great option if you’re looking for a date night venue.
Nobu
Nobu is a famous Japanese restaurant chain owned by chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. It has over 30 locations across the USA, including one location in Manhattan. Nobu specialises in modern Japanese cuisine but what really sets the place apart is Matsuhisa’s blend of traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients.
Tetsu
Tetsu is a restaurant in Midtown that also specializes in delicious Japanese cuisine. The restaurant was established in 1961 and has been featured on several television shows, including Iron Chef America.
Danji
Danji is a Korean restaurant that prides itself on their preparation of authentic flavours, using classic techniques to enhance each dish’s aesthetic, textures and, of course, taste.
Wagamama
Wagamama’s menu offers its patrons a diverse mix of dishes derived from across the Asian continent.
Sei Less
Be sure to pay close attention, otherwise it’s easy to miss the door to this establishment, located near the Garment District and Madison Square Garden, and hidden behind a beautiful Midtown mural. The venue’s modern art, Pan-Asian menu and incredible cocktails and mocktails will surely win you over.
This is just a small sampling of all the incredible restaurants which can be found on the streets of New York City, but it’s a good place to start if you’re looking for something new.
When it comes to Asian cuisine, you have to be open to trying new things, especially in a city like New York where innovation is everything, and tastes are constantly changing. It’s hard to keep up with so many different flavours and textures, cold and hot dishes, sweet and salty… and some of the strongest drinks too!
That’s all for now – we hope you enjoy your stay in New York, and make sure to give at least one of these venues the opportunity to blow your mind!
