25 Asian-owned restaurants to support for AAPI month

AAPI-owned restaurants (those owned by Asian-American Pacific Islanders) are an essential part of New Jersey’s rich and diverse food scene.

Whether you’re craving a hot bowl of ramen, spicy Indian curries, steaming dumplings, bold flavors from Pakistan, savory Filipino food or sizzling Korean barbecue, there are incredible AAPI-owned spots tucked into nearly every corner of the state.

Every May — recognized nationally as AAPI Heritage Month — we take a moment to honor the contributions, resilience, and vibrant cultures of AAPI communities. One delicious way to do that? Supporting the local restaurants that bring these traditions to life through food.

While there are countless AAPI-owned restaurants across the state, we picked out several standout spots in New Jersey worth visiting — not just during AAPI Heritage Month, but all year long.

Check out our list below of 25 AAPI-owned restaurants in New Jersey to support, alphabetized by town.

Binh Duong, Bloomfield

Owner Vu Cao has been stewing comforting bowls of pho that the Bloomfield community has loved since 2004. This no-frills Vietnamese spot is a local favorite for its richly flavored broths, tender meats and authentic dishes like crispy bánh xèo (savory Vietnamese crepe) and spring rolls. The BYOB restaurant is casual and consistently cures any pho craving. It was featured on NJ.com‘s best bowls of pho list.

Bamboo Leaf, Bradley Beach

A Jersey Shore gem for more than two decades, this Thai favorite — now owned by Ratchathon Tiajaroen — serves up classics like pad Thai, curries, fried rice, and standout dishes like roasted duck and grilled salmon offered with a choice of their signature sauces. Don’t leave without trying their decadent sticky rice with mango for dessert. They came in No. 1 in NJ.com‘s ranked Bradley Beach dining guide.

Chashni Cafe, Chatham and Montclair

One of the only cafes in the state where American and Pakistani cuisines collide, Chashni Cafe is owned by husband and wife Usman Chaudry and Amena Chaudri. I constantly crave their gulabi waffle — a fluffy Belgian waffle topped with pistachios, cardamom syrup, edible rose petals and kulfi ice cream (a frozen dairy dessert from Pakistan). I never went back to drinking chai from large chains after trying Chashni’s, which features a perfect balance of warmth and spice. The cafe is also the sister restaurant to the fiery Namkeen Hot Chicken.

Banh Mi Ngon, Cherry Hill

Vietnamese natives Nghia Nguyen and Nuong Vu opened this Vietnamese sandwich shop in 2023. Just a few months after opening, they made NJ.com‘s list of the best banh mis in the state. They offer 13 different types of the comforting sandwich. I love the banh mi heo quay, which stuffs crispy pork belly, pate, carrots, daikon, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeños and mayo into a toasty baguette.

Nan Xiang Xao Long Bao, Cherry Hill

What began as a small soup dumpling shop in Flushing, Queens earning nine consecutive Michelin Guide recommendations and has grown into a tri-state favorite with seven locations. The restaurant opened its first New Jersey outpost in 2022. Their soup dumplings are among the best in the state, filled with a rich and deeply flavored broth. They also offer colorful varieties of the dish made with natural ingredients and unique fillings.

Domoto, Closter

The ultimate Japanese comfort food dishes can be found at Domoto, the sister restaurant to the acclaimed DOMODOMO in Jersey City and New York City. With DOMODOMO’s Michelin pedigree, Domoto had big shoes to fill — and it absolutely delivered. This cozy Bergen County spot serves up refined takes on classics like spicy pork udon, katsu, omurice, and hand rolls — a beautiful blend of tradition and modern flair.

Sagami, Collingswood

A South Jersey institution, Sagami has earned both local and national recognition — including James Beard semifinalist nominations for outstanding restaurant in 2017 and 2019, and for outstanding chef in 2023 under founder Shigeru Fukuyoshi. Now led by Alan Su after Fukuyoshi’s retirement, Sagami continues to serve some of the freshest sashimi and most decadent sushi rolls in the state. It also ranked No. 3 on NJ.com’s best sushi restaurants list.

Cafe Zio, Edison and Milltown

Cafe Zio was founded by husband and wife duo of Dave Jeon and Grace You, who named the restaurant after their son. I’ve been a regular here for nearly eight years, watching their store go through renovations and upgrades. It became increasingly popular without ever compromising on quality. Even after opening a second location in Milltown in 2023, their Thai tea and taro flavors remain unbeatable. NJ.com named Cafe Zio the best bubble tea shop in New Jersey — for good reason.

LaoWu Shanghai Dumpling, Edison

This restaurant may be small in size, but it’s big on flavor. The cozy Edison gem serves up some of the best dim sum-style dishes in the area— from juicy soup dumplings to crisp scallion pancakes and boldly spiced minced pork noodle soup. During peak hours, lines often stretch out the door, a testament to the restaurant’s loyal following. But tables turn quickly, and the wait is well worth it.

Sigiri, Edison

One of New Jersey’s few Sri Lankan restaurants, Sigiri first opened in New York City in 2005. It was founded by Tanya DeSilva and Mala Rajapakse with a mission to bring the bold, vibrant flavors of Sri Lanka to a broader audience. In 2011, they expanded to Edison, introducing locals to the island nation’s rich culinary traditions. The menu showcases an array of comforting and complex dishes including aromatic stews, spicy curries and hopper kottu — thin strips of rice noodles stir-fried with vegetables, meats, and fragrant spices. Sigiri remains a rare and cherished destination for Sri Lankan cuisine in the state.

Aarzu, Freehold

Indian food is already an extremely delicious cuisine on its own, but Aarzu in Freehold is redefining the genre with their innovative and artistic dishes. Standout plates include their truffle butter pav bhaji (spiced vegetable gravy served with bread rolls), duck paratha taco (flatbread with confit duck breast, tamarind hoisin and cucumber) and anjeer kofta (fig and cheese dumplings with a cashew nut cream sauce). These dishes showcase the kitchen’s ability for a modern take on tradition that both honors and elevates the cuisine. They were named as one of the best restaurants in the country by USA Today earlier this year.

Wooga, Fort Lee

Formerly known as Taste 1080, Wooga is one of the marquee destinations in the state for top-tier Korean barbecue. Owned by Ryan Lee, the restaurant has consistently topped NJ.com’s list of the best Korean barbecue spots — not just for its expertly grilled, mouthwatering meats, but also for its clean, modern atmosphere and impeccable service. Whether you’re a KBBQ connoisseur or a first-timer, Wooga delivers a high-end dining experience that’s both approachable and unforgettable.

Tiam Tiam, Harrison

After stumbling upon this cozy Taiwanese eatery years ago, it quickly became one of my favorite restaurants in New Jersey. In 2022, husband and wife Jesse and Jennifer Kim transformed their former food market into Tiam Tiam, a space dedicated to the nostalgic flavors of Jennifer’s Taiwanese childhood. Jesse’s Korean heritage adds a creative twist to the menu, resulting in a fusion that feels both fresh and deeply personal. Their inventive Sunday brunches and standout bagels earned them a well-deserved spot on NJ.com’s best restaurants of 2024 list.

Baking Mama, Hoboken

Owned by Tina Rivera, Baking Mama is a beloved small-batch bakery nestled in Hoboken. Known for its cozy charm and community feel, it offers an array of sweet treats including cupcakes, macarons, brownies, and custom cakes. In addition to its baked goods, Baking Mama hosts summer baking camps for children, providing hands-on culinary fun and learning for aspiring young bakers.

Khokha, Jersey City and Piscataway

Khokha is a fast-casual restaurant known for its fusion of American and Pakistani flavors. Founded by Faisal Chaudhri in 2021, the original Piscataway location quickly gained popularity, leading to the opening of a second spot in Jersey City in early 2025. The menu features a variety of bold, flavorful offerings including burgers, sliders, paratha (Indian flatbread) wraps, lamb chops, wings, and more — delivering a modern twist on street food classics in a casual, welcoming setting.

Korai Kitchen, Jersey City

What began as a small catering business has grown into one of New Jersey’s only Bangladeshi restaurants to earn both local and national acclaim. Founded by mother-daughter duo Nur-E Gulshan Rahman and Nur-E Farhana Rahman, Korai Kitchen offers an immersive dining experience with Friday and Saturday night dinners featuring an eight-course, three-hour meal. Select takeout specials are also available on certain days. The restaurant has earned a spot on NJ.com’s list of best Jersey City restaurants and in 2024, Gulshan Rahman was nominated for a James Beard Award for best chef in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Garden Shabu, Little Ferry

While New Jersey has no shortage of hot pot spots, Garden Shabu in Little Ferry stands out with its expansive buffet and next-level dining experience. Guests are welcomed by a generous spread of fresh ingredients — vegetables, dumplings, tofu, noodles, and more — alongside one of the largest sauce stations around, featuring options like ponzu and even a unique blueberry-based sauce for endless flavor combinations. Housed in the former Minado space, the restaurant was rebranded as Garden Shabu in 2018 by owners Sung Woo Lee and Jonathan Lee, transforming it into a go-to destination for hot pot-lovers in North Jersey.

Dita’s Market, Metuchen

Tucked away in Central Jersey, Dita’s Market stocks a range of Indonesian grocery staples — but the real gem lies in the back. Since opening in 2022, owners Nita Sumarauw and Denny Assa have been serving up a rotating buffet of home-style Indonesian dishes in the back of their storefront. Regular offerings include hearty main courses like rendang, sapi garo (spicy beef with potatoes), and ayam woku (fragrant lemongrass chicken), alongside plant-based staples such as tempe orek (stir-fried tempeh) and other options that change daily.

Ram & Rooster, Metuchen

Sean Yan — formerly the pastry chef at the acclaimed Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge — opened Ram & Rooster in July 2024, a modern Chinese restaurant that draws from his cultural roots. The restaurant offers both a chef’s tasting menu and a seasonal prix fixe menu, each reflecting Yan’s refined yet playful approach to Chinese cuisine. Dishes like tea-smoked duck, corn wontons, and mochi beignets are just a few examples of the inventive combinations that balance tradition with modern technique. Set in an intimate space with minimalist decor, Ram & Rooster delivers a thoughtful, elevated dining experience rooted in memory and flavor.

Kai Yang, Montclair

Sheree Sarabhaya grew up savoring the vibrant street food of Bangkok — flavors she deeply missed after moving to the United States in 1984. In 2018, she partnered with her son, Luck Sarabhayavanija (of Ani Ramen and Pasta Ramen lore), to open Kai Yang, a tribute to the bold, comforting dishes of Thailand’s bustling markets. The Montclair eatery has since become a go-to for Thai street food lovers, with standout dishes like green papaya salad, kra-prao (basil stir-fry), and its namesake kai yang —herb-marinated roasted chicken that’s smoky, tender, and packed with flavor.

Dolsan Korean BBQ and Sushi, Mount Laurel

After finding success with Cherry Hill’s beloved Dolsot House, Craig Vogt opened Dolsan just 10 minutes away in Mount Laurel, bringing with him the same passion for Korean flavors — this time with a twist. Dolsan sets itself apart as one of the few Korean barbecue restaurants in New Jersey that also offers a full sushi menu, making it a destination for both grill-your-own meats and fresh, artfully prepared rolls. Guests can choose between grill tables or standard seating, with menu highlights like bul-dak (spicy stir-fried chicken), sizzling hot stone bibimbap, and japchae (glass noodles sautéed with vegetables and beef).

Ramen Nagomi, Freehold, Lawrence Township and New Brunswick

What began in 2016 as a humble ramen operation in the basement of a New Brunswick home has grown into a mini empire with four locations across Central Jersey. Co-owned by Jeffry Undiarto and Sebastian Karyadi, Ramen Nagomi has earned a loyal following — and is home to the best ramen bowl in the state. The menu showcases rich, slow-simmered broths, springy house-made noodles, and thoughtful toppings that balance comfort and depth.

Butterfish, Rutherford

From the team behind Ramen Nagomi, Sebastian Karyadi and Jeffry Undiarto bring a more refined touch with Butterfish — this time drawing on Undiarto’s Michelin-starred background. The sushi here is intentionally minimalist, letting the pristine quality of the fish and the precision of technique take center stage. Guests can choose between a curated omakase experience offered at multiple tiers or order a la carte for a more flexible approach. Either way, expect a meal that’s understated, elegant and deeply satisfying.

Moksha Eats, South Plainfield

Nepal, squeezed between India and China, is home to a rich culinary tradition — and Moksha Eats brings a slice of that to Central Jersey. It’s rare to find authentic Nepali cuisine in the area, but this spot delivers. Their momos (Nepali dumplings) are a must— steamed or pan-fried and stuffed with your choice of vegetables, chicken or paneer (Indian cheese). For a broader taste of Nepal, try the Nepali Festive Thali: a colorful, satisfying platter featuring rice, curries, roti and more. It’s a flavorful deep-dive into a cuisine that deserves far more attention.

Nimit Palace Indian Restaurant, Voorhees

Ashu Singh opened this establishment in 2010 and has since become a go-to spot for some of the best Indian food in the area. Known for its elegant atmosphere and expansive menu, Nimit Palace offers everything from richly spiced curries to sizzling tandoori dishes. One standout is their mixed tandoori with chicken marinated in a variety of sauces. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, the flavors here are bold, authentic, and consistently impressive.

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Lauren Musni may be reached at lmusni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Laurengmusni and on Instagram @laurengisellemusni.