Exploring Atlanta’s Asian Food Scene: Where to Go and What to Try

Atlanta’s Asian food scene is one of the city’s most dynamic, diverse, and fast-growing food landscapes. Whether you live in the metro area or you’re visiting and want to eat beyond the usual spots, you’ll find everything from late-night Korean BBQ in Duluth to classic Vietnamese pho on Buford Highway and refined Japanese omakase in Midtown.

This guide focuses on where to find great Asian food in Atlanta, what neighborhoods to know, and how to navigate the options like a local.

Key Areas for Asian Food in and around Atlanta

While you can find Asian restaurants scattered all over the city, a few corridors and suburbs are especially known for their variety and depth.

Buford Highway: Atlanta’s Best-Known Asian Food Corridor

Buford Highway (often just called “Buford” or “BuHi”) runs through parts of Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville, just northeast of the city. It’s widely recognized as Atlanta’s most concentrated hub for Asian and international food.

Here you’ll find:

• Chinese (regional styles such as Sichuan, Cantonese, Northern Chinese, and more)
• Vietnamese (pho shops, bánh mì bakeries, modern cafes)
• Korean (BBQ, tofu houses, fried chicken spots)
• Thai, Lao, and Malaysian
• Japanese (ramen, izakaya-style spots, sushi)
• Plus Mexican, Central American, and other international options in the mix

Buford Highway is anchored by numerous strip malls and shopping centers, each packed with small, often family-run restaurants and bakeries. Parking is typically free and you can easily make a mini food tour by walking from plaza to plaza within a short distance.

Good for:

• Trying authentic dishes that may not appear on more touristy menus
• Affordable meals and big portions
• Casual, come-as-you-are dining

Duluth, Suwanee, and Gwinnett County: Korean and Pan-Asian Powerhouse

Northeast of Atlanta, Gwinnett County—especially Duluth and Suwanee—is a major center of Korean and broader Asian food in metro Atlanta.

Common finds include:

• Korean BBQ and hot pot restaurants, many open late
• Korean bakeries with sweet and savory pastries
• Bubble tea shops, dessert cafes, and bingsoo (shaved ice) spots
• Chinese hot pot and Sichuan restaurants
• Large Asian supermarkets with in-store food courts

This area is especially popular for group dinners, weekend outings, and late-night eating.

Midtown, Downtown, and In-Town Neighborhoods

Inside the city limits, you’ll find a growing number of Asian restaurants in:

• Midtown – Japanese, Thai, upscale fusion, ramen, and omakase-style dining
• Downtown – Quick lunch spots near offices and attractions
• West Midtown – Trend-forward Asian-inspired menus and noodle-focused restaurants
• Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, East Atlanta – Independent spots with modern interpretations of Asian dishes, plus several ramen and sushi options

These restaurants are often more design-focused, with full bar programs and a mix of traditional and creative dishes.

Chinatown Square in Chamblee

The Atlanta Chinatown Square at 5383 New Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 is a compact shopping center with:

• Chinese restaurants
• Bakeries
• Specialty shops
• Occasional cultural events

It’s smaller than the “Chinatowns” in some larger cities, but it offers a focused cluster of Chinese food and goods close to Buford Highway.

Types of Asian Cuisines You’ll Find in Atlanta

Atlanta’s Asian food options are broad. Here are the main cuisines you’re likely to encounter and what they commonly offer.

Chinese Food in Atlanta

You’ll see everything from American-style takeout to highly regional cooking.

Common categories:

• Sichuan: Spicy dishes, chili oil, and numbing peppercorns
• Cantonese: Roast duck, dim sum, congee, and stir-fries
• Northern Chinese: Hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, buns
• American Chinese: Familiar dishes like General Tso’s chicken and lo mein

You can find Chinese food scattered around the city, but Buford Highway, Doraville, and Gwinnett County have particularly dense clusters of regional Chinese restaurants and bakeries.

Korean Food in Atlanta

Korean food is especially strong in Duluth, Suwanee, Norcross, and Doraville, with plenty of options inside the perimeter as well.

Popular styles:

• Korean BBQ: Tables with built-in grills where you cook marinated meats
• Korean fried chicken: Double-fried wings and drumsticks with sweet, spicy, or soy-garlic sauces
• Kimbap, tteokbokki, and street snacks: Often found in smaller eateries or cafe-style spots
• Korean tofu soup and stews: Hearty, spicy soups served bubbling hot
• Cafes and bakeries: Coffee, cakes, and breads with Korean and European influences

Many Korean BBQ places operate into the late night, especially on weekends.

Vietnamese Food in Atlanta

Vietnamese restaurants are especially common along Buford Highway, but you can also find them in other parts of the metro area.

Typical offerings:

• Pho: Beef or chicken noodle soup with fresh herbs
• Bánh mì: Crusty Vietnamese sandwiches filled with meats, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs
• Vermicelli bowls (bún): Rice noodles topped with grilled meats and vegetables
• Spring rolls and summer rolls

Most Vietnamese spots in Atlanta lean casual and are good for quick, flavorful meals.

Japanese Food: Sushi, Ramen, and More

Japanese food options in Atlanta span from quick bites to special-occasion splurges.

Common formats:

• Sushi and sashimi: Ranging from neighborhood staples to high-end omakase experiences
• Ramen: Brothy noodle bowls with toppings like chashu pork, soft eggs, and seaweed
• Izakaya-style: Small plates, skewers, and casual drinks
• Donburi and katsu: Rice bowls and fried cutlet dishes

You’ll find strong Japanese options in Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and scattered throughout Gwinnett County.

Thai, Lao, and Southeast Asian Food

Atlanta’s Thai and Southeast Asian scene is spread across the city, with clusters on Buford Highway and in in-town neighborhoods.

Typical dishes:

• Thai curries and stir-fries
• Pad Thai and other noodle dishes
• Papaya salad, larb, and grilled meats at Lao and Isan-style spots
• Malaysian and Indonesian-inspired dishes at select restaurants

Spice levels can vary widely, so asking staff how hot a dish typically runs is often helpful.

Indian and South Asian Food

While not always grouped under “Asian food” in casual conversation, Indian and South Asian restaurants are an important part of metro Atlanta’s Asian dining landscape.

You’ll find:

• North Indian curries and tandoori dishes
• South Indian dosas and idli
• Buffet and thali-style meals
• Chaat (snacks) and sweets

Strong clusters exist in Decatur, parts of Gwinnett County, and along some of the major corridors connecting the suburbs with the city.

Quick Guide: Where to Go for What

Use this simple overview to match your cravings with likely areas to explore.

How to Navigate Atlanta’s Asian Food Like a Local

1. Expect Strip Malls and Plazas

Many of the best Asian restaurants in the Atlanta area are in unassuming strip malls rather than stand-alone buildings. The parking lot may look plain, but inside you’ll often find:

• Family-run kitchens
• Deep menus with regional specialties
• Very busy dining rooms at peak hours

Don’t be put off by simple exteriors; that’s normal, especially on Buford Highway and in Gwinnett.

2. Plan for Driving and Parking

Metro Atlanta is spread out, and many of the best-known Asian dining clusters are car-dependent.

• Parking: Most plazas offer free surface parking, though weekends can get crowded.
• Public transit: MARTA rail reaches Chamblee and Doraville, which puts you close to the Buford Highway corridor, but you may still need a short rideshare or bus ride to reach specific restaurants.
• Traffic timing: Early evening and weekend mealtimes can be congested along Buford Highway and in Duluth, so planning a bit of extra time can help.

3. Be Ready for Peak Times and Waits

Certain styles of restaurants—especially Korean BBQ, hot pot, and popular dim sum or ramen spots—regularly have waits on nights and weekends.

Helpful habits:

• Aim for early dinners (before 6 p.m.) or late lunches
• For larger groups, call ahead to see if they take reservations or call-ahead seating
• Have a backup spot in the same plaza or nearby, just in case

4. Explore Asian Supermarkets and Food Courts

Atlanta’s Asian supermarkets are destination-worthy on their own and often house in-store food courts, bakeries, and snack counters.

Common features:

• Prepared foods and hot bars
• Fresh seafood and meat counters
• A wide selection of sauces, noodles, dumplings, and snacks to cook at home
• Bubble tea or dessert counters at the entrance

These stores can be a good starting point if you’re new to Asian ingredients and want to try cooking at home after dining out.

5. Understand Menus and Ordering Basics

If you’re trying a cuisine that’s new to you, a few tips can make ordering easier:

• Ask for recommendations: Staff are often happy to point to popular or signature dishes.
• Look for “chef’s specials” or “house specials”: These sections often highlight more traditional or standout items.
• Spice levels: If a dish is marked spicy but you’re uncertain, ask if the heat can be adjusted.
• Sharing plates: Many Asian restaurants in Atlanta serve dishes family-style. Ordering several plates to share across the table is common and often more fun.

Price Ranges and What to Expect

Asian food in Atlanta spans a wide budget range.

• Casual noodle shops, pho, bánh mì, and rice plates: Often relatively affordable, good for everyday meals.
• Korean BBQ, hot pot, and seafood-focused Chinese restaurants: Typically higher per person, especially if ordering premium meats and add-ons.
• Upscale Japanese and modern Asian fusion: Usually more expensive, especially tasting menus and omakase experiences.

Sales tax and optional gratuity are standard. Some places may automatically include a service charge for larger groups; checking the bill before adding a tip is useful.

Dietary Considerations

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can usually find options with a bit of communication:

• Vegetarian or vegan: Many Asian cuisines rely heavily on vegetables, tofu, and rice or noodles. Some menus will clearly mark vegetarian or vegan items, especially at in-town restaurants.
• Gluten considerations: Soy sauce and some noodles contain gluten. If this is important to you, ask whether dishes can be made with gluten-free alternatives or if certain items are naturally gluten-free.
• Nut or shellfish concerns: Dishes in several Asian cuisines frequently include nuts, fish sauce, or shellfish. Alerting staff clearly at the start of the meal is important so they can guide you to safer choices.

Practical Local Tips for Enjoying Asian Food in Atlanta

• Mix exploration with favorites: Use well-known corridors like Buford Highway and Duluth as bases, then wander within plazas to discover new spots.
• Consider time of day: Dim sum-oriented Chinese restaurants may be busiest at weekend lunchtime; late-night Korean BBQ and ramen spots are more active late evenings.
• Cash vs. card: Most restaurants accept cards, but smaller shops and some bakeries may prefer or only take certain payment methods; having a backup card or small amount of cash can help.
• Leftovers: Portions can be generous. Many Atlantans are comfortable taking home leftovers for another meal.

Atlanta’s Asian food scene offers enough variety to keep you exploring for months, whether you’re after a fast bowl of noodles, a big group feast, or a special-occasion tasting menu. Focusing on Buford Highway, Gwinnett County, and the in-town neighborhoods gives you a solid roadmap to start eating your way through the city’s wide range of Asian cuisines.