If you find yourself longing for the savory smells and bold flavors of Asia’s finest cuisines, your journey to authentic food from lands abroad are much closer than you might think.
This not-so-hidden gem is quite literally bursting with tradition, pride and gastronomies from every corner of its vast hometown communities.
Nestled in the Williamsburg entertainment epicenter, with the likes of Home Run Dugout and Popstroke, Katy Asian Town proves to be a destination all its own that brings together over 80 restaurants plus shops for an epicurean experience that is out of this world. Or at least, this continent.
And whether it rings of sights and sounds from your own upbringing, or you’re just reaping the benefits of having countless culinary options right in your own backyard - one could visit 100 times and still never try the same thing twice.
From Michelin-awarded Chinese dim sum, to straight-off-the-spit Cantonese BBQ.
Traditional Japanese sushi & ramen meet trendy Korean-style street food.
Sipping your way from Vietnamese coffee houses, to Taiwanese boba and even fusion crepes.
And when the sun goes down, choosing from upscale date nights, authentic Seoul nightlife & private karaoke rooms.
Awaken your appetite and adventure as we tour Katy Asian town.
CHINESE CUISINE
Our Chinese list starts with the world-renowned and Michelin-starred dim sum specialists at Tim Ho Wan. A concept in only five locations in the US, Hong Kong chefs Mak Kwai Pui and Leung Fai Keung brought their award-winning specialty to our corner of the world, highlighting the tastes of their BBQ Pork Buns, Steamed Shrimp Dumplings and Deep Fried Spring Rolls.
Down the lane hangs Chung Wang, a Cantonese BBQ quick-service eatery with savory spits of sweet and crispy slices of pork, ribs, chicken, duck, and pork belly to name a few. Paired with their stir fried noodles or fried rice, this simple box packs an authentic experience, flame to table.
For a more formal dining experience, the fresh dumplings and impeccable aesthetic inside Supreme Dumplings is unmatched. From the stacked bamboo steamers, to peeking behind the kitchen window where dumplings are made from scratch, their Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings, and eccentric-looking Pan-Fried Buns will serve as an unforgettable meal in an unforgettable atmosphere. And, don’t forget to try their signature bar concoctions that also reign supreme.
If one hot spot gets top notch for vibes alone, it’s Chocho Hot Pot. From the moment you walk in the carefully curated door, you know this premium hot pot spot is the place to be. With custom hot pots at every seat, and an elegant array of choose-your-own add in’s - each seat is crafted just for your tastes, as daring or simple as you’d like.
JAPANESE & KOREAN CUISINE
A unique date night fit for any occasion is a night at 8ounce Korean Steak House. Quality 8oz cuts are high and flames are higher as each dish is flame-broiled to perfection, right in front of you. From table side searing to steamy sides and show stopping shaved ice desserts, 8oz will score perfect 10s across the board.
If you’re more in the mood for dinner and a show, Soju 101 has you covered. With a full bar + kitchen and karaoke rooms, you and your crew can get a taste of both Seoul cuisine and nightlife with bites like their spicy edamame, kimchi pajeon (pancakes), octopus balls and Teriyaki tofu - all served with a side of K-pop.
Little Sakana serves up a fresh and traditional sushi menu that packs big flavors into little bites. Their endless plates made fresh include starting favorites like miso soup and fried calamari, classic nigiri bites and rolls, and specialty rolls like the Dragon, the Firecracker and the Tsunami. Meaning little fish, make sure you bring a big appetite.
One quick stop into Two Hands Corn Dogs, and the popular Korean street food eatery will show it’s much more than a simple stick. With unmistakable pairings, outer coatings include their signature corn dog with two hands seasoning and creamy ranch drizzle, or if you’re feeling more daring, give their spicy dog a try, coated in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Two Hands Dirty Sauce.
A comforting bowl of Ramen awaits at Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya. Touted as the most authentic Japanese ramen experience directly from Tokyo, their lineup includes favorites like their All Star Ramen or Spicy Miso Ramen that let the rich pork broths, soft-boiled eggs and warm noodles do the heavy lifting.
SOUTHEAST ASIAN CUISINE
Trendy meets traditional at PHAT Eatery. A Malaysian street food concept from the late James Beard Award Semifinalist Chef Alex Au-Yeung, his legacy lives on with impeccable dishes like the Kerabu Prawn (sweet, tangy shrimp), Nasi Lemak (coconut rice + curry chicken), PHAT Dim Sum Platter, and their Beef Rendang (braised beef shank). If it gets too hot in the kitchen, they also have refreshing Malaysian Milk Tea, and fresh juices like prickly pear & watermelon, and passion orange guava.
No Asian cuisine list is complete without the popular Vietnamese comfort food, Pho. At Yummy Pho & Bo Ne, giant, warm bowls of nourishing broth and noodles are served up alongside their signature Bo Ne dishes of stir-fried beef with fried rice and peppers. Feeling hungry? They are proudly home to the Pho Challenge - where you put your noodle slurping skills to the test to eat two pounds of noodles and two pounds of meat + broth within 45 minutes.
If sipping is more your style, stop in WANPO Tea Shop to see an impressive selection of Taiwanese teas from steeped to iced, from boba to smoothies, and every topping in between. Seasonal favorites also grace their extensive menu packed with milk teas, tea lattes, and pure teas that will leave your tastebuds in a twister.
SWEET SPOTS
Topping off a visit to Katy Asian Town with something sweet is our list of coffee & dessert spots like Manna Crepe, a fusion crepe cafe, and Beard Papa’s stuffed cream puff bakery. Yomie’s Rice Yogurt shop blends frozen smoothie concoctions featuring a healthy base of pure red bean yogurt or purple rice yogurt that packs a nutrient-dense probiotic punch.
Blending the fast-paced, digital world the region is known for with traditional Vietnamese coffee is Trung Nguyen E-Coffee. With kiosk ordering and handcrafted beverages, it’s the best of both worlds.
And finally, a more indulgent treat awaits at Bubble Egg. Known for puffy, bubble-like waffles filled to the brim with ice cream and toppings, it serves up a perfect cone of flavors to share, or keep all for yourself.
For more information on some of the shops and restaurants in Katy Asian Town, you can find a map and guides atKatyAsianTownandMarketplace.com.