Hai: Exploring Vietnamese Cuisine in Atlanta’s International Restaurant Scene

If you searched for “Hai” and landed here, you’re likely curious about Vietnamese food in Atlanta—maybe you’ve heard people say “hai” in Vietnamese (it means “two” and is also part of friendly phrases like xin chào, hai!), or you’re just exploring Asian and international restaurants across the city.

In Atlanta, “hai” often shows up in the names of Vietnamese or pan-Asian restaurants, on menus, or in greetings from staff at international spots. This guide walks you through what to expect from Vietnamese and broader Asian dining in Atlanta, where to go, and how to get the most out of the city’s international cuisine scene.

Understanding “Hai” in the Context of International Cuisine

In the Vietnamese language, “hai” means “two”, but in Atlanta’s restaurant world, you’re more likely to encounter it in:

• Restaurant names (especially Vietnamese or fusion spots)
• Menu item descriptions
• Casual greetings or phrases from staff who speak Vietnamese or other Asian languages

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, seeing “hai” is a reminder of how globally influenced the city’s food culture has become, especially along corridors like:

• Buford Highway – Atlanta’s best-known strip for international cuisine, including Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Mexican, and more
• Doraville, Chamblee, and Norcross – suburbs with dense clusters of Asian markets and restaurants

If your goal is to dive into Vietnamese and broader Asian food, you’re in the right city.

Where Vietnamese and Other Asian Restaurants Cluster in Atlanta

Atlanta doesn’t have one single “Vietnamese district,” but several areas are packed with options.

1. Buford Highway: The Heart of International Dining

Buford Highway (often called “BuHi”) is the most important area to know if you’re interested in international cuisine. Stretching from Brookhaven through Chamblee and Doraville, it’s lined with:

• Vietnamese pho restaurants
• Chinese, Korean, and Thai eateries
• International bakeries and bubble tea shops
• Large Asian supermarkets and food courts

Landmarks and major shopping centers you’ll see along Buford Highway include:

• Plaza Fiesta – 4166 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
• Asian Square – 5150 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville, GA 30340
• Doraville/Chamblee area near I-285 and the Doraville MARTA Station

Many Vietnamese restaurants here serve classics like:

• Phở (noodle soup)
• Bánh mì (crisp baguette sandwiches)
• Bún (vermicelli bowls)
• Cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled meats)

If you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine, Buford Highway is usually the most convenient starting point.

2. Midtown, Westside, and In-Town Neighborhoods

Inside the Perimeter (ITP), Vietnamese and Asian fusion restaurants are more spread out but still easy to reach if you’re staying near:

• Midtown
• Old Fourth Ward
• Inman Park
• West Midtown / Westside Provisions District

Here, you’re more likely to encounter:

• Modern or fusion menus blending Vietnamese with Southern or contemporary American flavors
• Trendy spots that might feature dishes like crispy pork belly bao, Vietnamese-inspired wings, or creative takes on phở

Parking can be tighter in these areas, but many locations offer validated garage parking or nearby pay lots.

3. Suburban Hubs: Duluth, Norcross, and Gwinnett County

North and northeast of Atlanta, especially in Gwinnett County, you’ll find some of the largest Asian communities in the metro region. Areas to know include:

• Duluth (Pleasant Hill Road corridor)
• Norcross
• Suwanee

These suburbs feature:

• Vietnamese bakeries
• Full-service Vietnamese restaurants
• Pan-Asian plazas with hot pot, Korean BBQ, and bubble tea

If you live in the suburbs or are staying near I-85 north, these areas may be more convenient than driving into town.

What to Expect When Dining at Vietnamese and International Restaurants in Atlanta

Whether the restaurant’s name includes “Hai” or not, most Vietnamese and international spots in Atlanta share some common traits.

Typical Menu Highlights

You’ll often find:

• Phở – Beef or chicken noodle soup with herbs, lime, and bean sprouts
• Bánh mì – Sandwiches with pickled veggies, cilantro, and various meats or tofu
• Spring rolls (gỏi cuốn) – Fresh rolls with shrimp, pork, or tofu and herbs
• Fried rolls (chả giò) – Crispy rolls usually served with fish sauce-based dipping sauce
• Rice and noodle bowls – Grilled meats, herbs, and vegetables over rice or vermicelli

At fusion or modern Asian spots, you might see:

• Vietnamese-style rice bowls with a Southern twist
• Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes on the same menu
• Creative appetizers ideal for sharing

Price Range and Payment

In Atlanta:

• Casual Vietnamese restaurants along Buford Highway and in the suburbs are typically budget-friendly, often in the range of fast casual prices.
• Trendy in-town spots may cost more but usually still feel accessible compared to fine dining.

Most places accept credit and debit cards; some small, family-run businesses still prefer cash, especially for small purchases like snacks or drinks.

Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors Trying Vietnamese Cuisine

If “hai” is your entry point into Atlanta’s Vietnamese and Asian scene, these tips can make your experience smoother.

1. Getting Around

• By car: Buford Highway and Gwinnett-area restaurants are easiest by car. Expect busy traffic during rush hours.
• By MARTA:
  • Take Gold Line trains toward Doraville; many restaurants are a short rideshare from Doraville or Chamblee stations.
  • In-town restaurants in Midtown or near Arts Center are walkable or a short ride away.

For system information or help planning your route, you can contact:

MARTA Customer Information Center

• Phone: 404-848-5000
• Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

2. Navigating Language and Menus

Most international restaurants in Atlanta provide English-language menus, often with:

• Dish descriptions
• Numbered items (you might literally see “#2 – Hai” or similar)
• Photos for more popular dishes

Staff at many restaurants are used to helping first-time guests. You can say:

• “I’m new to Vietnamese food. What do you recommend?”
• “I’d like something mild/spicy/with no pork/vegetarian.”

3. Dietary Preferences and Allergies

If you have food restrictions, it helps to know and communicate clearly:

• Vegetarian or vegan: Many places can make tofu or vegetable-based dishes, but fish sauce is common in Vietnamese cooking, so be specific if you avoid it.
• Gluten concerns: Rice noodles are frequently used, but some sauces and marinades may contain gluten.
• Nut or shellfish concerns: Some dishes and sauces include peanuts or shrimp-based ingredients; asking ahead is important.

Atlanta restaurants are increasingly familiar with dietary requests, but asking before you order is still the safest approach.

Simple Cheat Sheet: Exploring Vietnamese & Asian Cuisine in Atlanta

Finding International Restaurants and Markets in Atlanta

If you’re ready to move beyond seeing “hai” on a page and actually taste what Atlanta’s international cuisine scene offers, here are practical next steps.

1. Use Local Mapping and Review Tools

Search for terms like:

• “Vietnamese restaurant near me”
• “Buford Highway restaurants”
• “Asian market Atlanta”

Filter by:

• Distance from your location or hotel
• Price range
• Takeout or delivery options

2. Visit Major International Plazas and Markets

Even without naming individual businesses, it’s useful to know a few reliable centers where multiple options cluster:

• Asian Square – 5150 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville, GA 30340
• Plaza Fiesta – 4166 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
• Doraville area near Buford Hwy & I-285 – numerous Asian and Latin American spots

These plazas often offer:

• Multiple restaurants sharing parking
• Bubble tea and dessert shops
• Grocery stores carrying Vietnamese and other Asian ingredients

3. Ask Locals and Community Groups

Atlanta has active neighborhood and food-focused communities, both online and offline. You can:

• Ask coworkers or neighbors for trusted spots
• Visit community centers or cultural festivals that highlight Asian and Vietnamese food
• Look for food events hosted around Midtown, Downtown, and the Atlanta BeltLine neighborhoods

Bringing Vietnamese and International Flavors Home in Atlanta

If you’ve enjoyed dining out and want to cook at home:

• Shop at large Asian supermarkets along Buford Highway and in Duluth/Norcross for:
  • Fish sauce, soy sauce, and chili sauces
  • Rice noodles and rice paper
  • Fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro
• Many stores have simple recipe cards or product suggestions on shelves.

You can also look for local cooking classes in Atlanta that focus on Asian or Vietnamese cuisine, often held at:

• Community centers
• Cooking schools
• Cultural organizations

These classes typically walk you through staple dishes like phở, spring rolls, and stir-fried noodle dishes, adapted to ingredients commonly available in Atlanta.

For someone in Atlanta, “Hai” is a small word that opens the door to a much larger world of Vietnamese and Asian food—from steaming bowls of phở on Buford Highway to stylish fusion spots in Midtown. With the neighborhoods, tips, and resources above, you can confidently explore the city’s international restaurant scene and find the flavors that fit your taste and budget.