After this past weekend’s debacle at the Asia Collective Night Market, one thing is for sure: there is definitely a hunger for Asian food and culture in Maryland.
So whether you waited in traffic for hours, couldn’t brave the vendor lines, or missed the event in Howard County altogether, here is a list of some Asian restaurants, eateries, and other spots to satisfy your cravings.
Thai Arroy
1019 Light St., Federal Hill
With locations in Federal Hill and Virginia Beach, this gem of an eatery is known for its fried rice (the crab fried rice features lump meat crab pieces and is particularly special) and green, red and yellow curries that will knock your socks off. Save room for something sweet. Their mango sticky rice is a great way to complete your feast.
NiHao
2322 Boston St., Canton
The Chang family has been a fixture in the DMV food landscape for their dedication to sit-down Chinese restaurants. Their Baltimore restaurant has carried on this tradition of excellence, with its owner, Pater Chang, earning a James Beard Foundation Awards finalist acknowledgement this year for the “Outstanding Chef” category. Their menu consists of highlights such as the whole Peking duck, which is served with whole wheat buns and various sweet and savory sauces; a myriad of dim sum items; a mix of fried rice dishes and noodles; and a tasting menu for two ($98) that includes house-made Sichuan pickles; crab and tofu skin dumplings; vegetable spring roll; Sichuan fry vegetables; noodles; smoked sea bass; cumin lamb sausage; and completed with a passionfruit tart.
Heritage Kitchen
3300 Clipper Mill Rd., Clipper Mill
Chef Rey Eugenio brings several decades of experience to his Filipino-themed food stall in Clipper Mill. The garlic chili whole shrimp laing with pork belly, coconut braised kale and jasmine rice, is particularly good.
Mayuree Thai Tavern
2318 Fleet St., Canton
Authentic, homestyle Thai food is the priority at this neighborhood restaurant. Hearty, spicy drunken noodles, crispy shrimp, and assorted dumplings highlight the menu with exciting, tropical cocktails. Also check out their recurring pop-up restaurants, typically held in their top floor dining room.
Kong Pocha
12 W. 20th St, Old Goucher
In addition to being one of the few late-night eating options left in Baltimore, the food is excellent. The Korean fried chicken is top-tier. Get the double crispy breaded chicken with soy garlic sauce on top. The cheese corn is Instagram-worthy. And the beef bulgogi is thinly sliced, tender and expertly marinated. Also inquire about renting out their private karaoke room to make it a night of entertainment.
Honey Pig
10045 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City
Considered by many to be the best chain of Korean barbecue restaurants in the region, Honey Pig has grown into a foodie phenomenon. Founder Micky Kim immigrated to Baltimore in the late 1970s and began her food empire in 2007. Since then, she has expanded to restaurants throughout Maryland, Virginia, Texas, and Taiwan. Reservations for the Ellicott City location can only be made for parties of 10 or more, 24 hours in advance, according to its website.
Spice and Dice Thai Kitchen
1220A E. Joppa Rd. #106, Towson
This Towson hot spot regularly draws Baltimore City residents into the county for dishes like spicy jungle curry, the pineapple fried rice that features shrimp, chicken and cashews, and the 48-hour stewed pork on jasmine rice. Sign up for their rewards program and receive $5 for every $50 spent.
Tiger Sugar
9338 Baltimore National Pike, Suite I, Ellicott City
Known for its “tiger stripe design” bubble tea that is a combination of brown sugar and cream, this place is social media gold. And their brand of boba, which they claim to have originated in Taichung, Taiwan, in 2017, is equal parts pretty and tasty.
Kippo Ramen
606 S. Broadway, Fells Point
The Fells Point restaurant allows diners to customize their orders with a variety of broths (the ginger miso and sesame shio are special) and finishes that appeal to carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike. These rich broths are bursting with flavor, regardless of type. Take your ramen into overdrive by requesting extra noodles. That easily extends your meal into enough leftovers for an evening snack or lunch the next day.
Do It Yourself
Want to cook your own Asian-themed meal at home? The Baltimore region is home to some great Asian markets offering everything from seafood and produce to baked goods and merchandise.
5510 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville
800 N Rolling Rd., Catonsville
8801 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City
johnj.williams@thebaltimorebanner.com