Tran Jenny Le grew up in a Vietnamese household where every meal was a celebration of bold, rich flavors and aromatic spices. The complexity of these flavors ignited her passion for delicious food, something she shares on social media and in her support of Asian restaurants in Pittsburgh. About her choices for our How to Pittsburgh issue, she says, “After adventuring around Pittsburgh, these Asian restaurants are about as authentic as you can get, serving traditional dishes with genuine flavor.”
The Best Asian Food in Pittsburgh
Cafe 33
1711 Shady Ave., Squirrel Hill
Cafe 33 is a small Taiwanese restaurant located in Squirrel Hill; if you are not looking for it, you will probably miss it in the blink of an eye. Although the space might be small, each dish is bursting with bold, delicious flavors, from their Soup Dumplings to Marinated Cabbage, Salt & Pepper Pork Rib Tips, and Fried Rice. If you are vegetarian or vegan, I highly recommend their Stir Fry Soft Tofu with Chives. It’s a dish that I have recommended to many people, and it has never disappointed. Cafe 33 is a go-to recommendation for when you want to share Asian food in a family-style way, especially in large groups.
Kiin Lao & Thai Eatery
5846 Forbes Ave.
A blend of authentic Lao and Thai flavors in Squirrel Hill. Located on the upper level above Ebisu Japanese Life Store, Kiin Lao & Thai Eatery serves what they call “rustic” street foods and drinks. The Thom Som Salad, Pumpkin Curry, and Garlic Noodles with Crispy Chicken are my go-to every time I am there. The restaurant offers a spacious setting perfect for groups to gather, while serving a diverse range of drinks like refreshing Thai iced tea and expertly crafted cocktails.
Mola
6018 Penn Ave., East Liberty
Mola is located on busy Penn Ave., and it is one of the top-quality sushi places in Pittsburgh. Something that has caught my attention from the start is their seasoned sushi rice, which arrives a light brown color, unlike the typical white sushi rice that you see. My favorite dishes are Tuna Tartare served with chips, Spicy Scallop Roll, and the simple Salmon Avocado Roll. They also have a specialty menu which can include high-quality Uni, another favorite of mine. Besides the food, Mola also serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. They recently added a second location in the Novo Asian Food Hall within the Strip District Terminal.
Yotea & Yoka Kitchen
4615 Centre Ave., Oakland
Within walking distance from the University of Pittsburgh, this restaurant is a hidden gem that offers authentic, high-quality Chinese cuisine. Every time I visit, the food, drinks, and desserts have been very consistent in flavor and quality. In speaking with the owner a few times, she assures me that every dish is made from scratch by her and her husband, from rice dishes to noodles to stir-fry, meats, and hot pots. Don’t forget to order their boba tea and desserts. My favorites are the Homemade Egg Tarts and Caramel Creme Brulée.
New Saigon
1429 Potomac Ave., Dormont
A small, hidden, but authentic Vietnamese restaurant that is just a bit outside of the city in Dormont, serving popular dishes like Phở, Bún Bò Huế, and Bánh Mì. Besides the best-known Vietnamese dishes, New Saigon also dives deeper into other Vietnamese cuisine serving Bánh Xèo, Nem Lụi, Bò Kho, and more. My favorite dish is their New Saigon Phở Special, served with a huge short rib or Vietnamese Rotisserie Chicken with rice. They even have weekend specials at certain times, so keep an eye on their website and social media.
Fujiya Ramen
815 S Aiken Ave., Shadyside
Fujiya Ramen is one of the best places in Pittsburgh to get ramen on a rainy day (or any day) when you are craving a brothy, comforting meal. Their broths are always delightful and consistent. My favorite ramen is the Spicy Miso Ramen which is packed with exotic flavors. For an appetizer, I really enjoy their Pork Buns and Garlic Cucumbers, which are both so refreshing. They also serve Yakitori, which are grilled skewers that are cooked over Binchotan charcoal. I love that the atmosphere and service is always consistent and fast every time. You can enjoy their food with a cocktail.
Thai Cuisine
627 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield
Thai Cuisine is a family-owned Asian restaurant in Pittsburgh’s Little Italy, bringing the rich dishes of Thailand to the Italian community. Owned by a Thai family, they take pride in serving authentic dishes made with traditional ingredients and recipes passed down for generations. Their Duck Curry, Golden Rainbow Trout, and Crab Fried Rice are my go-tos every time I am there with my family. The environment is very relaxing, and the staff are always so friendly.
Saigon88 Express
5500 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks
Should a place in McKees Rocks be included in our list of Asian restaurants in Pittsburgh? Yes! Saigon88 Express serves one of the best Vietnamese noodle dishes, Bánh Mì, alongside other Asian cuisines like their Spicy Ramen. Two brothers, Song and Kevin, run the kitchen, making sure every ingredient is fresh, and each dish is served with love. Their goal is to have the freshest and highest quality ingredients in their restaurant. They also serve vegetarian options for those with dietary preferences. The highlight is definitely the friendly and welcoming staff every time I come.
JJ Poke Bowl
110 Atwood St., Oakland
Whenever I hang out with friends in Oakland, I always find myself stopping by JJ Poke Bowl to grab a poke bowl – it has become a must whether we are just grabbing takeout or sitting down for lunch. I have had a few poke bowls around Pittsburgh, but JJ has got to be one of the freshest ones around when it comes to serving raw fish in addition to the variety of toppings that they offer. This is a bang for your buck which is good for students or nurses that are around on Pitt’s campus.
Hong BBQ & Hot Pot
4310 Main Street, Bloomfield
Did someone say all you can eat? Yes, Hong in North Hills, one of six locations nationally in this small chain, serves all-you-can-eat barbecue and hot pot. It’s one of the few places in Pittsburgh to introduce this style of Asian cooking. After being seated, you can pick from a variety of marinated meat options which you grill right at the table. Along with that, you can choose the flavor of your pot of broth, to which you can add raw ingredients such as meat, seafood, vegetables or noodles. It is a fun, interactive experience that I recommend doing with a group of friends. However, make sure you are ready for a bit of a wait for a table when arriving as they are always busy. Trust me, it will be worth the wait.
Story by Tran Jenny Le
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce
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