Who makes the best pho, Pad Thai, soup dumplings, Filipino comfort food, and Indian street snacks in Asheville? As locals who eat out a lot, Tom and I have spicy opinions. For the best Asian restaurants in Asheville, NC, we keep coming back to Master BBQ, Wild Ginger, Red Ginger Dimsum & Tapas, Bee Thai Kitchen, and Neng Jr.’s – but honestly, this list could keep going.
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Lovingly nicknamed “Foodtopia,” Asheville is famous for its restaurant scene, and the Asian food here won’t disappoint. I regularly crave steamy dumplings, Pad See Ew, Ramen, Pork Lo Mein, sushi rolls with mango, and fried okra on a rotating basis. Tom is all about those curries and Pad Thai. He will always share a bubble tea with me.
📸 All experiences and photos are our own, based on years of living and dining in Asheville since 2019. I eat at these restaurants frequently and update this list regularly – with both our stomachs and reader input guiding every addition. Let us know your favorites in the comments. đź’™ Christine of Uncorked Asheville
Where We Actually Eat: Best Asian Restaurants In Asheville
Keep reading for reviews of our favorites – and links to many, many more.
Wild Ginger Noodle Bar
Wild Ginger Noodle Bar is one of the best Asian restaurants in South Asheville – and one of the first Tom and I ever ate at, even before living here. In that time, this once-hidden gem has exploded into the number one place to go for Pho and noodles. I especially enjoy their meatball or brisket Pho.
However, you cannot go wrong with Wild Ginger’s spring rolls, vermicelli, or pork chops with rice (Tom’s favorite). Find anything from wings and salmon to beef satay, Bánh Mì, calamari, and egg rolls. Expect huge portions, and order a bubble tea. We appreciate that they label their menu for allergens, vegan, and gluten-free diners.
Wild Ginger Noodle Bar | 1950 Hendersonville Rd. Suite 12, Asheville, NC 28803
Neng Jr.’s
For unforgettable Asian food in West Asheville, Neng Jr.’s has made quite the splash as a James Beard finalist. Enter through the back alley for delectable Filipinx cuisine with a Southern twist. Staff will explain the menu, filled with seasonal sharables and larger entrees.
So far, I most enjoy their salty oysters with quail eggs, duck with gravy (or duck adobo), seafood in a rich coconut sauce, and veggies covered in a peanut butter dressing. Our dairy-eating friends loved their unique cheesy ice cream.
I swear that the food is SO good here, it brings literal tears to my eyes. Definitely make advanced reservations. With limited seating, they book up quickly.
Neng Jr.’s | 701 Haywood Rd Ste 102, Asheville, NC 28806
Bee Thai Kitchen
Bee Thai Kitchen sits just outside the main Downtown Asheville restaurant chaos, which means mostly locals – and anyone who follows Uncorked Asheville (cough, cough) – dines here. Tom and I have eaten at Bee Thai Kitchen more times than I can count, especially for their lunch specials: one entree, one appetizer, $15+. It’s unbeatable for its quality and flavor.
Their menu covers all the Thai classics. Think Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Drunken Noodles, Basil Fried Rice, Tom Yum Soup, and steamed dumplings. Their Wonton soup warms me up on a chilly day.
✨ Insider tip: Right next door is Pollen, an Asheville coffee and flower shop serving lavender matcha and cookies the size of your face. It feels like spring 24/7 here. Make an afternoon of it.
Bee Thai Kitchen | 45 S French Broad Ave #190, Asheville, NC 28801
For more delicious Thai food in Asheville, I highly recommend Thai Pearl (West Asheville) and Siam Thai (North Asheville), too.
Red Ginger Dimsum and Tapas
A delicious Downtown Asheville restaurant, if Chinese dim sum and Asian tapas are your jam, Red Ginger won’t disappoint. This is my go-to if I am craving pork or shrimp with chive dumplings.
Everything at Red Ginger is delicious: sushi rolls, fried rice, soups, Shu Mai, marinated meats, and any noodle, rice, and seafood dishes. I like to order their chicken lettuce wraps, pork short ribs, and Gua Bao.
I recommend ordering 2 to 3 dishes to share with two people. We also enjoy Red Ginger takeout/delivery. Just know they won’t seat you until your entire party arrives.
Red Ginger Dim Sum & Tapas | 82 Patton Ave, Suite 100, Asheville, NC 28801
Mizu Noodle & Asian Cuisine
I enjoy Mizu for dine-in and takeout/delivery, especially for casual Asian restaurants in Asheville serving a little bit of everything done exceptionally well. If you dine in, know that it’s friendly and efficient counter service, perfect for that chill West Asheville vibe.
I’ve ordered anything from sushi, poke, and dumplings to pho and build-your-own ramen. Tom likes Mizu’s Massaman Curry, and you’ll find fried rice, dinner Hibachi, and rice bowls. Next door, head over to the YZ Asian Market.
Mizu | 22 New Leicester Hwy, Suite D, Asheville, NC 28806
Master BBQ
Asheville is known for its stellar food truck scene, and Master BBQ certainly adds to that reputation. Talk about delicious and authentic Filipino comfort food. Find them in two locations: Zillicoah (Woodfin/North Asheville) and RAD Brewing (River Arts District).
Master BBQ serves delicious lumpia, meat and tofu skewers with rice, and what I live for: the ube suman dessert (when on the menu). Say hi to owners, Paul and Julia, for us. They are the BEST.
While here, know that Zillicoah is one of our favorite Asheville breweries (who doesn’t love sitting along the French Broad River on a gorgeous day?). And, after Helene devastated their businesses, both Master BBQ and Zillicoah made strong, heartfelt comebacks. They deserve all the support.
Master BBQ | Food truck | Zillicoah Beer Co. at 870 Riverside Dr, Woodfin, NC 28804 & River Arts District Brewing at 13 Mystery St, Asheville, NC 28801
Chai Pani & Botiwalla By Chai Pani
Chai Pani makes the most famous Indian food in Asheville, with plenty of James Beard Award recognition for both Chef Meherwan Irani and the restaurant itself. Their Downtown Asheville Banks Ave. space is gorgeously and unforgettably decorated, serving up some of my favorite Indian street snacks.
I crave Chai Pani’s okra fries, Bhel Puri, and Corn Bhel. I’m hoping they bring the Chicken Pakoras back (they have kale ones, too!). Plus, imagine drinking a cardamom Old Fashioned and lavender iced tea with a splash of gin.
Botiwalla
Owned by Chai Pani, Botiwalla has two locations, West Asheville and Downtown. These restaurants are inspired by Irani cafes (tea and kabab houses). Think Masala smashed potatoes, rice bowls, and, um, gin slushies…
Chai Pani | 32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 & Botiwalla | 697 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 and 22 Battery Park Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
China Wok
Nothing beats takeout Chinese food. I love China Wok, a North Asheville restaurant, especially for its Pork Lo Mein.
Select from items like fried rice, boneless spare ribs, egg rolls, chicken wings, Chop Suey, Mei Fun, and beef or seafood with rice.
Notably, China Wok has a “health food” section, which Tom orders from for a protein with rice and no sauce. We order delivery on DoorDash.
China Wok | 707 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Murasaki & Maguro
Just like Thai food, there are multiple Asheville sushi restaurants we crave. Along with Zen Sushi – our neighborhood go-to with great tempura Bento boxes and sashimi – Murasaki is a local favorite for South Asheville residents.
They also own Downtown Asheville’s Maguro with similar menus that showcase fresh and delicious sushi, endless Asian tapas, and my favorite, Black Garlic Ramen. Tom’s go-to is any salmon sushi lunch special with a side of spicy mayo. Both Asheville Asian restaurants are large, atmospheric spaces with plentiful booth, bar, and table seating.
Murasaki | 200 Julian Ln Unit 210, Arden, NC 28704 & Maguro | 14 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Typhoon Noodle
If you love Pho, noodles, and curry – and don’t want to spend a fortune – Typhoon Noodle on South Asheville’s Hendersonville Road deserves a spot on your Asheville Asian restaurant list.
Although they are great for takeout and delivery for those pajama movie nights at home, Tom and I don’t mind dining in at Typhoon Noodle. I cannot resist their pho, while Tom thinks their Singapore Curry Rice Noodles are one of the best in Asheville. Splitting a mango bubble tea is also the best.
A counter-service restaurant, order at the register, and grab a seat. The dining room has a cool Asheville mural as a backdrop, and the vibe is casual and welcoming. You’ll catch many families walking in straight from school. Service is friendly and excellent.
With plenty of boba flavors, vegetarian options, and a gluten-free labeled menu, Typhoon is a solid pick for groups with different dietary needs.
Typhoon Noodle | 1834 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Tour Asheville’s Asian Restaurants With Us
Featured in this video:
🥟 Neng Jr.’s – Filipinx cuisine in West Asheville
🍛 Chai Pani – James Beard Award-winning, Downtown AVL Indian street food
🍣 Maguro – Downtown Asheville sushi, Asian tapas, and Black Garlic Ramen
🍜 Typhoon Noodle – Szechuan noodles, curry, Pho, and bubble tea
🥡 Mizu – West AVL counter service with sushi, dumplings, and Massaman Curry
🍝 Pad Thai Asheville – Classic Thai near Southwest AVL, close to the BRP, Asheville Outlets, and NC Arboretum
🍱 Zen Sushi – Our North Asheville neighborhood go-to for sushi lunch specials (get ice cream at The Hop, too)
More Asian Restaurants In Asheville Worth Trying
Along with our list above, enjoy even more great Asian restaurants in Asheville:
- Mehfil – Colorful and authentic Indian cuisine in Downtown Asheville.
- Mela – A Downtown Asheville Indian staple with a warm atmosphere and a lunch buffet.
- Heiwa Shokudo – A beloved Downtown Asheville Japanese restaurant with a devoted local following.
- Green Tea Japanese Restaurant – A family-friendly South Asheville hot spot for sushi, hibachi, and Japanese classics when you want a full sit-down experience. They also own Mr. Sushi at the Asheville Mall.
- Stonebowl Korean Restaurant – South Asheville’s go-to for authentic Korean food.
- Gan Shan Neighborhood Asian – Another West Asheville staple for Asian fusion cuisine. Think comfort food. Their ramen helped me survive the flu.
- Miyako House – A Downtown Asheville Japanese favorite with fresh sushi rolls and a casual vibe.
- Pacific Pagoda – South Asheville Asian restaurant for Pork Lo Mein and oversized sushi rolls. Think Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food.
- Sen Vietnamese Street Food – Fresh Vietnamese street food & one of the city’s newest Asian restaurants.
For a Western North Carolina mountain city, Asheville’s Asian food scene is surprisingly good, and it keeps growing. From James Beard-recognized Filipino cuisine to budget-friendly Thai lunch specials and authentic Szechuan noodles, it can be hard to choose; I hope this guide helps you. I can never resist that sushi craving.
Do you have a favorite Asheville Asian restaurant we missed? Please drop it in the comments, and tell us what you most love to order there. Our stomachs are always open to suggestions. đź’™ Christine of Uncorked Asheville
Sen has amazing vermicelli noodle salad with grilled pork. The grilling is the best in asheville. Very flavorful with those slightly crispy edges. Try this very new restaurant. You’ll be glad you did.
Sen is on our list to check out ASAP, especially as one of the newest restaurants here. I’m personally eyeing their pho, but I love vermicelli noodle salads, too. Thanks for the tip!
Jazmin is pretty yummy. Great roti with a peanut sauce. The closest to Singaporean roti and sauce. Interesting take on a variety of Asian cuisines.
Thank you for sharing your favorite along with what to order. We appreciate it!
Pacific Pagoda , So. Asheville , Hendersonville Rd. Delicious Pacific Rim delicacies. Fresh Sushi & Sashimi.
Andy , Amy and Lisa never cease to satify.
Onee of my favorites, Spicey Singapore Pasta , delicious.
Thanks so much for the suggestion, Gary! Update: We did go and enjoyed it, especially the Pork lo mein and large sushi rolls.