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10 Best Asian Restaurants in DC

10 Best Asian Restaurants in DC

The top 10 best Asian restaurants in DC are Asia Nine, Shanghai Taste, Chaplin's, Astoria DC, Bar Chinois, Chang Chang, Maketto, Mandu, Anju, and Tiger Fork. Washington DC’s reputation for Asian food is built on its collection of chef-driven and award-winning establishments that offer both authentic regional flavors and inventive fusion concepts. The nation’s capital is a showcase for celebrated chefs like Peter Chang at Chang Chang, while restaurants such as Anju and Mandu have gained national acclaim for their modern approach to Korean cuisine.

DC’s key neighborhoods like Shaw, Dupont Circle, and the H Street corridor serve as hubs for Asian culinary excellence, with Chinese, Korean, and Japanese styles being particularly well-represented. The settings of Asian restaurants in DC range from the multi-level, communal marketplace of Maketto to the intimate, cocktail-focused dining room at Astoria DC. The experience is also defined by unique concepts, including the French-Chinese mashup at Bar Chinois and the silent-film-era theme of Chaplin's ramen bar.

Anju stands out as the premier overall choice for Asian cuisine, celebrated for its James Beard nominations, its creative take on Korean drinking food, and its consistently vibrant atmosphere. Mandu is a top-tier casual option, beloved for its authentic, homestyle Korean dishes and its long-standing presence in the community. The best fancy Asian restaurant in DC is Chang Chang, which offers a sophisticated dining experience centered on the authentic and inventive Sichuan cuisine of a world-renowned chef. Dietary needs are met with vegan restaurants like Pow Pow and gluten-free options at most modern establishments. The city's deep connection to Asian food is also demonstrated during major cultural events like the National Cherry Blossom Festival and city-wide Lunar New Year celebrations.

10 Best Asian Restaurants in DC are listed below.

1 Anju
2 Asia Nine
3 Shanghai Taste
4 Bar Chinois
5 Maketto
6 Mandu
7 Tiger Fork
8 Chaplin's Restaurant & Bar
9 Astoria DC
10 Chang Chang

What Makes Asian Restaurants in DC Famous?

Asian restaurants in DC are famous for their chef-driven, modern interpretations of regional cuisines, their unique fusion concepts, and their collection of nationally acclaimed, award-winning establishments. The city is a hub for celebrated chefs like Peter Chang, who showcases authentic Sichuan cooking at Chang Chang. DC is also known for inventive fusions, such as the French-Chinese mashup at Bar Chinois. This focus on high-quality, contemporary Asian dining is recognized at the national level, with multiple restaurants like Anju earning James Beard Award nominations.

What Types of Asian Restaurant are Commonly Found in DC?

DC's restaurant landscape includes a high concentration of Asian establishments such as Chinese, Korean, and Japanese restaurants, which are found in neighborhoods like Shaw, Dupont Circle, and the H Street corridor. The list below details common Asian restaurant types in DC.

Chinese Restaurants: Many restaurants here serve the best Chinese food in DC including Astoria DC and Chang Chang, which are destinations for authentic Sichuan cuisine, while Shanghai Taste focuses on soup dumplings. These Chinese restaurants DC represent a high level of authenticity and craft.
Korean Restaurants: DC has a dynamic Korean dining scene, from traditional, family-owned spots like Mandu to modern, award-winning establishments such as Anju that offer a contemporary take on Korean drinking food.
Japanese Restaurants: The city's Japanese offerings include popular ramen shops like Chaplin's and a number of sushi bars and izakayas that serve both traditional and modern interpretations of the cuisine.
Cambodian and Taiwanese Restaurants: Maketto is a key destination for these cuisines, serving a menu of flavorful and authentic dishes from both Cambodia and Taiwan in a unique, multi-concept space.
Pan-Asian & Fusion Restaurants: Many Asian fusion restaurant DC establishments combine different culinary traditions. Bar Chinois blends French and Chinese flavors, while Asia Nine offers a broad menu with dishes from across the continent.

Does DC Have Authentic Asian Restaurant?

Yes, DC has authentic Asian restaurants including Mandu, Astoria DC, and Shanghai Taste. Mandu is a long-standing, family-owned restaurant that serves traditional Korean homestyle dishes based on family recipes. Astoria DC is dedicated to genuine Sichuan cuisine, known for its authentic, numbing "ma la" spice that is not altered for American tastes. Shanghai Taste, in the greater DC area, is a specialist in regional Shanghainese food, celebrated for its expertly made, traditional soup dumplings.

Are There Vegan Options in Asian Restaurants in DC?

Yes, DC has Asian restaurants with vegan options, including the all-vegetarian restaurant Pow Pow and others with strong plant-based offerings such as Shouk and Sticky Rice. Pow Pow serves a menu of plant-based, Asian-inspired bowls and giant egg rolls. Shouk is a fast-casual spot focused on Israeli street food, but its menu is entirely vegan and features many dishes with pan-Asian influences. Sticky Rice is a popular sushi bar with an extensive and dedicated menu of vegan sushi rolls and appetizers.

Do Asian Restaurants in DC Offer Gluten-Free Options?

Yes, Asian restaurants in DC offer gluten-free options, with customizable menus at chef-driven spots like Chang Chang and Anju, and naturally gluten-free dishes at others. Modern Korean and Chinese restaurants are accustomed to handling dietary requests for many of their grilled and stir-fried dishes. Thai and Vietnamese restaurants throughout the city can also prepare many of their curry and pho dishes to be gluten-free.

What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Asian Restaurants in DC?

The best Asian restaurants in DC are known for signature dishes such as Whole Fried Chicken, Xiao Long Bao, and Duck Chang Chang. The signature dishes of these establishments are listed below.

Whole Fried Chicken: A standout dish at Anju, this modern Korean preparation features a whole chicken, twice-fried for extra crispiness, and served with a selection of dipping sauces.
Xiao Long Bao: The definitive dish of Shanghai Taste, these are delicate Shanghainese soup dumplings filled with savory pork and a rich, hot broth.
Duck Chang Chang: The signature dish of Chang Chang is a modern take on Peking Duck from chef Peter Chang, featuring crispy duck served with pancakes and house-made sauces.
Mandu Dumplings: The namesake dish of Mandu is a must-try, with these traditional Korean dumplings offered steamed or pan-fried with various fillings.
Cambodian Fried Chicken: A popular item at Maketto, this dish features crispy, flavorful fried chicken seasoned with Cambodian spices.
Dan Dan Noodles: A classic Sichuan dish served at Astoria DC, these noodles are tossed in a spicy, savory sauce with chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and minced pork.

Does DC Enjoy Asian Food?

Yes, DC enjoys Asian food, an enjoyment demonstrated by the high density of acclaimed Asian restaurants and the national awards they consistently receive. The city's dining culture fully supports a wide spectrum of Asian cuisines, from the long lines at casual dumpling spots to the difficult-to-get reservations at Michelin-recognized and James Beard-nominated establishments. The success of multi-concept venues like Maketto and chef-driven destinations like Anju and Chang Chang confirms that Asian food is a central and celebrated part of DC's identity.

What is the Average Meal Price for Asian Restaurants in DC?

The cost of a meal at an Asian restaurant in DC varies significantly, from budget-friendly local spots to high-end, fine-dining destinations. A casual meal at a place like Mandu or Shanghai Taste will cost a person between $20 and $40. Mid-range dining at popular establishments such as Chaplin's or Maketto typically falls in the $40 to $80 range per person. For an upscale meal at a fine-dining restaurant like Chang Chang or Anju, the price for dinner with drinks will start at $50 and can easily exceed $100 per person.

Do Asian Restaurants in DC Offer Takeout and Delivery Options

Yes, nearly all Asian restaurants in DC offer takeout and delivery through services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Casual establishments like Mandu and Shanghai Taste have long-standing takeout operations for their local communities. Even many of the city's most acclaimed and upscale restaurants, including Anju and Chang Chang, provide their menus for pickup or delivery through various third-party apps, a practice that became standard across the industry.