Find Uptown Chicago's Best Asian Food
Looking for the best Asian food Uptown? Here's a quick answer with standout Uptown Asian restaurants known for authentic flavors, vibrant atmospheres, and local acclaim:
Best Asian Food Uptown — Quick Picks
- Furama Restaurant – Legendary daily dim sum; recognized by Time Out as one of America's top dim sum spots.
- Immm Rice & Beyond – Beloved by locals for Thai street-food classics and a must-try Night Market vendor.
- Sun Wah BBQ – Famed for Hong Kong–style roast duck and group feasts.
- Tank Noodle – Iconic Vietnamese pho destination, with a menu loved by chefs and night owls.
- Ba Le Sandwiches – French-Vietnamese banh mi, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
- Amazing Thailand Uptown – Northern Thai specialties in a trendy setting; spice customization available.
- Hoban Korean BBQ – Table-grilled meats and festive ban-chan spreads for groups.
- Momofuku Noodle Bar Uptown – Creative ramen and steamed buns with seasonal twists.
- Hai Yen Restaurant – Classic Vietnamese favorites and vegetarian-friendly options.
Uptown Chicago stands out as a culinary crossroads, thanks to its vibrant Argyle Street corridor. With over 70 Asian-owned businesses in just a few blocks, you'll find everything from family-run Vietnamese restaurants and late-night pho shops to dim sum palaces and trendy Thai cafes.
Historic neon signs, busy night markets, and decades-old recipe traditions make Uptown a true destination for Asian food lovers. Whether you're a newcomer or a local, the neighborhood's mix of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese eateries means there's always something new and delicious to find.
Why Uptown Is Chicago’s Little Asia
If you’re wondering why the best Asian food Uptown keeps coming up in foodie conversations, the answer is simple: the Argyle Street corridor is one of the most concentrated Asian dining districts in the Midwest. Hop off the Red Line at Argyle, and you’re instantly immersed in a world of culinary delights—neon-lit storefronts, sizzling grills, and the aromas of star anise and lemongrass wafting down the block.
Argyle’s Asian food scene is shaped by generations of immigrants—Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, and Cambodian families—who built the neighborhood’s identity. Family-owned groceries, festive murals, and the annual Argyle Night Market (which attracts thousands each summer) have transformed Uptown into Chicago’s “Little Asia.” Here, late-night eats are a tradition, and fusion trends mingle with classic recipes. From street-food stalls to banquet halls, every visit is a chance to taste living history.
Best Asian Food Uptown: 9 Essential Restaurants to Try
From Vietnamese pho to Korean barbecue, these are the spots locals and critics agree you can't miss when searching for the best Asian food Uptown.
Furama Restaurant — Dim Sum & the Best Asian Food Uptown
Furama Restaurant is a true Uptown legend. Family-owned since 1985, Furama serves authentic Chinese cuisine and offers daily dim sum service that's become a weekend ritual for generations. Time Out named it one of the 16 best dim sum restaurants in America.
Signature Experiences:
- Dim Sum: Rolling carts deliver steaming baskets of siu mai, har gow, and barbecue pork buns.
- Banquet-Style Dining: Spacious rooms perfect for group celebrations.
- Daily Service: Dim sum available every day.
Immm Rice & Beyond — Street-Food Taste
Immm Rice & Beyond brings Thai street-food culture to Uptown. Their daily "Khao Rad Gang" lunch plates and rotating specials make it a destination for bold Thai comfort food.
Signature Experiences:
- Khao Rad Gang: Mix-and-match curries and stir-fries over rice.
- Street Snacks: Spicy sausage, crispy tofu rolls, and Thai iced tea.
- Night Market Vendor: Highlight at the summer Argyle Night Market.
Sun Wah BBQ
Sun Wah BBQ is famous for Hong Kong–style barbecue and group feasts. Their Beijing Duck service is legendary—whole roasted duck carved tableside with pancakes and hoisin.
Signature Experiences:
- Beijing Duck Feast: Perfect for celebrations and sharing.
- Hong Kong BBQ: Char siu pork, soy sauce chicken, and roast pork belly.
Tank Noodle
Tank Noodle is a late-night institution beloved by chefs and locals. If you're hunting for the city's best pho, this is your spot.
Signature Experiences:
- Pho: Rich, aromatic broth simmered for hours.
- Late Hours: Perfect for night owls.
- Celebrity Favorite: Serves visiting chefs and food writers.
Ba Le Sandwiches
Ba Le Sandwiches is Uptown's banh mi specialist. This French-Vietnamese sandwich shop offers the perfect balance of crunchy baguette, creamy pâté, pickled veggies, and savory meats.
Amazing Thailand Uptown
Amazing Thailand Uptown offers northern Thai specialties in a chic setting. Spice levels are fully customizable, and the cocktail menu pairs perfectly with aromatic dishes.
Signature Experiences:
- Northern Thai Curries: Khao soi, laab, and jungle curry.
- Craft Cocktails: Creative drinks with Thai herbs.
Hoban Korean BBQ
Hoban Korean BBQ offers the full table-grill experience. Fire up the grill for premium cuts accompanied by colorful ban-chan side dishes.
Signature Experiences:
- Tabletop Grilling: Cook your own meats.
- Ban-chan Variety: Kimchi, pickled radish, and more.
Momofuku Noodle Bar Uptown
Momofuku delivers Japanese ramen with creative twists. Their menu rotates seasonally, featuring house-made noodles and steamed buns.
Signature Experiences:
- Seasonal Ramen: From classic pork broth to vegan miso.
- Steamed Buns: Soft buns with pork belly or veggie fillings.
Hai Yen Restaurant
Hai Yen is a long-running Vietnamese favorite offering traditional recipes in a cozy setting. Great for both first-timers and regulars.
Signature Experiences:
- Clay-Pot Fish: Fragrant, caramelized catfish with rice.
- Noodle Soups: Pho, bun bo hue, and fresh spring rolls.
Choosing the Right Spot for Every Occasion
Not sure which restaurant to pick for your next meal? Uptown’s Asian food scene has something for every mood and group size. Here’s how to match the right spot to your plans:
- Casual Lunch: Grab a banh mi from Ba Le, a quick Thai plate from Immm, or pho at Tank Noodle.
- Date Night: Amazing Thailand’s craft cocktails and stylish décor set the mood, while Momofuku offers cozy booths and creative bites.
- Family Gathering: Furama’s banquet rooms and dim sum carts make every meal a celebration.
- Birthday Feast/Group Meal: Sun Wah BBQ’s Beijing Duck or Hoban Korean BBQ’s table grills are built for sharing and toasting.
- Solo Food Trip: Pull up a stool at Tank Noodle for pho, or try a ramen bowl at Momofuku.
Atmosphere & Signature Dish Comparison
| Restaurant | Atmosphere | Best For | Signature Dish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furama | Busy, family | Family, groups | Shrimp dumplings, siu mai |
| Immm Rice & Beyond | Laid-back, colorful | Lunch, solo | Khao Rad Gang plates |
| Sun Wah BBQ | Lively, casual | Groups, parties | Beijing Duck |
| Tank Noodle | Bright, informal | Casual, solo | Pho |
| Ba Le Sandwiches | Grab & go | Quick lunch | Banh mi |
| Amazing Thailand | Trendy, modern | Dates, friends | Khao soi curry |
| Hoban Korean BBQ | Festive, interactive | Groups, celebrations | Grilled bulgogi |
| Momofuku Noodle Bar | Minimalist, hip | Solo, dates | Pork belly ramen |
| Hai Yen Restaurant | Cozy, welcoming | Family, casual | Clay-pot fish, tofu pho |
Practical Tips: Hours, Reservations & Dietary Needs
- Operating Hours: Most open for lunch and dinner; some run late.
- Reservations: Smart for Furama's dim sum, Sun Wah's Beijing Duck, or Hoban's group grilling.
- Takeout & Delivery: Nearly all offer online ordering or delivery.
- Dietary Accommodations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Immm's salads, Hai Yen's tofu dishes, Momofuku's vegan bowls.
- Gluten-Free: Ask at Momofuku for noodle swaps.
- Allergies: Alert staff—most kitchens accommodate.
For more on Uptown dining:
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Asian Food Uptown
What makes Uptown different from Chinatown?
Uptown's Argyle Street corridor brings together Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cuisines in a few walkable blocks. Unlike single-cuisine neighborhoods, it's a true cultural melting pot with night markets and community festivals.
Which restaurants take reservations for large groups?
- Furama Restaurant: Spacious banquet rooms for events.
- Sun Wah BBQ: Reserve for Beijing Duck feast.
- Hoban Korean BBQ: Book ahead for group grilling.
- Amazing Thailand Uptown: Modern setting for celebrations.
Are there good vegetarian options?
Yes! Immm offers vegetarian curries and salads. Hai Yen features tofu dishes and vegetarian pho. Momofuku can modify dishes for gluten-free diners.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to eat your way through one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, Uptown’s Asian food scene is ready for you. With its walkable flavor trail, mix of heritage and innovation, and restaurants for every craving, you’ll never run out of new dishes to try. And for those lucky enough to call Uptown home, The Teller House Apartments puts you just steps from all the culinary excitement of Argyle Street and beyond.
Ready to live at the heart of Uptown’s dining scene? Live steps from Uptown’s dining scene
Come hungry, leave happy, and don’t forget to bring friends—because the best Asian food Uptown is even better when shared!
