Ohio might not be the first place that comes to mind for amazing Asian cuisine, but the Buckeye State is hiding some incredible food treasures. From steaming bowls of ramen to crispy spring rolls and spicy curries, Ohio’s cities and towns offer authentic flavors from across Asia. Whether you’re craving Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, or Korean dishes, these restaurants serve up the real deal with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
1. Sichuan Chili in Cincinnati
Red lanterns hang from the ceiling of this unassuming strip mall gem that’s become a favorite among Cincinnati locals seeking authentic Sichuan flavors. The menu doesn’t hold back on traditional spice levels, featuring numbing peppercorns and chili oil that transport diners straight to southwestern China.
Their mapo tofu strikes the perfect balance between heat and flavor, while the dan dan noodles offer a comforting tingle. Family-owned and operated for over a decade, the restaurant maintains consistent quality that keeps regulars coming back.
First-timers should try the twice-cooked pork and dry pot cauliflower. Vegetarians will find plenty of options beyond the usual fare, with mushroom dishes that showcase the kitchen’s skill at bringing out complex flavors.
2. Jiu Thai Asian Café in Columbus
Students and professors from nearby Ohio State University pack this modest eatery for its hand-pulled noodles made fresh daily. Through the open kitchen concept, diners can watch as chefs stretch and slap dough against counters, transforming it into perfectly chewy noodles.
Beyond noodles, their Chinese burger (rou jia mo) – seasoned pork stuffed in a flatbread – has developed a cult following. The restaurant specializes in northern Chinese cuisine, which differs significantly from the Americanized Chinese food many expect.
What makes Jiu Thai special is their dedication to traditional techniques and refusal to water down flavors for Western palates. The small dining room creates a communal atmosphere where regulars chat across tables, sharing recommendations with newcomers about which spicy dishes are worth the heat.
3. Bangkok Thai in Cleveland Heights
Housed in a converted Victorian home with creaky wooden floors, Bangkok Thai creates an intimate dining experience that feels like visiting someone’s house for dinner. The family recipes have been passed down through three generations, with subtle adjustments made to accommodate locally available ingredients without sacrificing authenticity.
Their tom kha soup achieves the perfect balance of coconut milk, lemongrass, and lime, while the pad thai avoids the overly sweet trap that many American Thai restaurants fall into. Instead of focusing solely on central Thai cuisine, the menu ventures into regional specialties from northern and southern Thailand.
A hidden gem is their khao soi – a curry noodle soup topped with crispy noodles that’s rarely found outside Thailand. The owner often circulates through the dining room, checking on guests and sharing stories about the dishes’ origins.
4. Tensuke Market & Restaurant in Columbus
More than just a restaurant, Tensuke offers a complete Japanese cultural experience. The market section stocks imported Japanese ingredients, while the attached restaurant serves some of the most authentic Japanese cuisine in the Midwest. Their ramen broth simmers for 48 hours, creating a rich, complex flavor base that rivals shops in Tokyo.
The sushi counter features fish delivered fresh multiple times weekly, with chefs trained in Japan who understand the importance of properly seasoned rice and precise knife techniques. Beyond the expected dishes, Tensuke offers seasonal specialties like cold soba noodles in summer and hearty hot pots during winter months.
What truly sets Tensuke apart is their commitment to Japanese hospitality principles. Staff members remember regular customers’ preferences and take time to explain unfamiliar dishes to newcomers without a hint of condescension.
5. Pho Mi in Dayton
Steam rises from massive bowls of pho at this family-owned Vietnamese haven tucked between auto repair shops. The broth achieves that magical balance of star anise, cinnamon, and beef bones that only comes from overnight simmering. Each table features the traditional accompaniments: bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges, and jalapeño slices.
Beyond their namesake soup, the banh mi sandwiches showcase perfectly crispy baguettes filled with marinated meats and pickled vegetables. The owners fled Vietnam in the 1970s, bringing authentic recipes that haven’t been altered to suit American tastes.
Summer rolls arrive translucent and fresh, packed with shrimp and herbs visible through the rice paper. What makes Pho Mi special is their consistency – regular customers report that their favorite dishes taste identical year after year, a testament to the kitchen’s dedication to maintaining standards.
6. Akai Hana in Columbus
Cherry blossom murals adorn the walls of this upscale Japanese restaurant that’s been serving Columbus for over two decades. Their sushi chefs, some who’ve been with the restaurant since opening day, demonstrate knife skills that transform fish into edible art. The omakase (chef’s choice) option provides a personalized dining journey through seasonal specialties.
Beyond raw fish, Akai Hana excels at traditional Japanese cooking techniques. Their tempura achieves that perfect light crispness without oiliness, while their teriyaki dishes avoid the cloying sweetness found in less authentic establishments.
A separate tatami room offers traditional floor seating for those seeking a more immersive experience. What truly distinguishes Akai Hana is their attention to detail – from properly sharpened knives to precisely 140°F rice for sushi, every element receives meticulous consideration to create an authentic Japanese dining experience.
7. Mizu Sushi in Toledo
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Maumee River at this sleek sushi spot that blends traditional techniques with creative modern touches. The head chef trained in both Tokyo and New York, bringing a fusion approach that respects Japanese traditions while incorporating local ingredients and contemporary presentations.
Their signature rolls feature unexpected combinations that somehow work perfectly – like the Lake Erie roll with tempura perch and local microgreens. The restaurant maintains relationships with regional farmers, featuring seasonal Midwest vegetables in their tempura and side dishes.
The sake selection rivals those found in much larger cities, with knowledgeable servers who can guide diners through the various styles and production methods. What makes Mizu special is their ability to please both purists seeking traditional nigiri and adventurous eaters looking for creative combinations, all while maintaining authenticity in their preparation techniques.
8. Siam Orchid in Athens
College town Thai restaurants often water down spice levels, but Siam Orchid proudly maintains authentic heat in their 1-5 star rating system. Located near Ohio University, this family-owned spot serves regional Thai specialties rarely found outside major metropolitan areas.
Their green papaya salad delivers that perfect combination of sour, sweet, spicy and savory that defines Thai cuisine. The restaurant grows many of their own herbs in a small greenhouse behind the building, ensuring fresh Thai basil, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves year-round.
What makes Siam Orchid remarkable is how they’ve educated their college town clientele about real Thai food over the years. Regular customers now confidently order dishes beyond pad thai, exploring regional specialties like nam tok (waterfall beef) and gaeng pa (jungle curry). The owners take pride in serving dishes as they would be prepared in Thailand, not just what sells easily.
9. Korea House in Cleveland
Built-in tabletop grills sizzle with marinated meats at this cornerstone of Cleveland’s AsiaTown district. Korea House has served traditional Korean cuisine for over 25 years, becoming a cultural hub for both the local Korean community and adventurous food lovers.
Their banchan (side dishes) change regularly, always featuring house-made kimchi fermented in earthenware pots stored in the restaurant’s basement. Beyond barbecue, their soon tofu stew arrives bubbling hot in stone bowls, while their bibimbap features a perfect crispy rice bottom layer.
Family recipes have been preserved through three generations, with subtle regional influences from Busan evident in their seafood preparations. What makes Korea House special is their role as a community gathering place – on weekend evenings, you’ll find multiple generations of Korean families dining together alongside Cleveland locals discovering the depth and complexity of authentic Korean cuisine.
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