Asian Food in Belfast: 11 of the Best Places for Hard-to-Find Asian Dishes

Updated On: November 22, 2023 by   Ciaran Connolly

Asian Food in Belfast

Belfast has some fantastic places to get food, both street food and sit in dining. In recent years Asian food in Belfast has become more diverse with restaurants offering Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese dishes in restaurants. This big boom in popularity is great for lovers of asian foods as now that Belfast is jam packed with new restaurants it is easier to get some Asian food in Belfast that is usually harder to get. Amazing dishes such as Bahn Mi, Korean BBQ, and Pho are now great options even more people are discovering. Belfast has even got 7 different places to grab bubble tea!

So, with this in mind where are the best places to grab some of the amazing Asian food in Belfast?

Where to get Asian Food in Belfast?

This article covers where to get the best…

• Bahn Mi
• Bao Buns
• Dumplings
• Korean BBQ
• Pho
• Sushi
• Teppanyaki

Where to get Bahn Mi in Belfast?

What is Bahn Mi?

This Asian sandwich dish is the product of French colonialism in Vietnam, which introduced the baguette to Vietnamese cuisine. Bahn Mi is a delicious sub style sandwich filled with savoury protein such as cripsy pork, pate, or even chicken. These meaty fillings are combined with pickled vegetables such as carrot and cucumber and often drizzled with Sriracha making for a lightly spicy and refreshing sandwich.

Asia Supermarket Café

Part of the Asia Supermarket on the Ormeau Embankment this cafe is serving up some of the best Bahn Mi in Belfast. Their menu is full of Asian food delights such as Bulgogi Beef sandwiches and Bubble Tea. Next time you stop by to grab all your Asian cupboard staples make sure to try out their amazing selection of food and drinks on offer at the cafe.

Location: 40 Ormeau Embankment, Belfast BT6 8LU

Opening Hours: Open Monday, Thursday, Friday (9am-4pm) Saturday & Sunday (9am-5pm).

Madame Pho

I’m sure you can guess where else this amazing Vietnamese restaurant is going to show up on the list next. Madame Pho does more than just the best Pho in Belfast, they also serve some of the best Bahn Mi in Belfast. They offer a range of fillings for your Bahn Mi including BBQ pork neck, Lemongrass chicken, and their Vegan Vietnamese Tofu. You can also try Vietnamese coffee here or some lovely local craft beers.

Location: 17 Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1JG.

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (12pm-9pm)

Where to get Bao Buns in Belfast?

What are Bao Buns?

Originating in 3rd century China Bao (pronounced “bow”) Buns are a soft bun which is steamed and filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces. Bao Bun dough is super soft and slightly sweeter than dumpling dough. There are two main types of Bao Bun, one being a closed bun with fillings fully encapsulated, these are steamed with their fillings. Alternatively you can have an open bao bun which is folded to contain fillings (similar to a soft taco).

Baobun Street Food

A great place to get Taiwanese street food in Belfast. This casual fun dining experince at Bao Bun allows you to experience a whole range of the best bao buns in Belfast. Their menu is entirely customisable letting you choose what you have in your bao bun. They have a wide range of proteins to choose from including Pork, Chicken, Beef, Popcorn Chicken, Popcorn Cauliflower, Walnut Mushroom, Jack Fruit, and Tofu. To your protein you can add a combination of ingredients to make your bao bun spicier, sweeter, or even add an aioli kick.

Locations & Opening Times:

Ballyhackamore: 269 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3JF

Sun – Thurs 12pm – 9pm
Fri – Sat 12pm – 10pm

Botanic: 48 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JR

Mon – Sun 11:30am – 10pm

Lisburn Road: 338 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6GH

Mon – Sun 12noon – 10pm

Where to get Dumplings in Belfast?

What are Dumplings?

A variation of dumplings exists in every Asian cuisine and they are so old we can’t tell where the first dumpling was created or by whom. Dumplings are traditionally a small, usually bite-sized, parcel of filling wrapped in a thin dough. Dumplings can be cooked in a variety of ways such as steaming, boiling, and pan frying and are filled with a range of ingredients and sometimes even soup.

Dumpling Library

The Dumpling Library is a exciting Pan-Asian restaurant in Belfast serving up Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisine. Their menu features a selection of Steamed/Pan-Fried dumplings made in the Traditional Chinese style. All their dumplings are made to order making sure you get the freshest and best dumplings in Belfast. They also serve Bao Buns with varieties that include pork, chicken, beer, and even eel.

Location: Unit 6, St. Anne’s Square, Edward St, Belfast BT1 2LR

Opening times:

Thursday	12–2:45pm, 5–10:30pm
Friday	12–2:45pm, 5–10:30pm
Saturday	1–11pm
Sunday	1:30–10pm
Monday	12–2:45pm, 5–10:30pm
Tuesday	12–2:45pm, 5–10:30pm
Wednesday	12–2:45pm, 5–10:30pm

Where to get Korean BBQ in Belfast?

What is Korean BBQ?

Korean BBQ is a way of cooking and dining that involves meats, vegetables, ssamjang sauce, and leaf wraps. Often in Korean BBQ restaurants the meat is cooked by the customer on grills built into the table itself. Korean BBQ is the pefect meal for groups as you can order many dishes to share and cook as and when you are ready for them.

Steam Boat

Belfast’s first Korean BBQ experience is available ar Steam Boat. It is a great place to experience Korean BBQ dining and food. Their menu includes hot pot and buffet Korean BBQ food as well as classic Chinese food on their main menu.

Location: 15 Donegall Pass, Belfast BT7 1BS

Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week (5pm – 12am)

Where to get Pho in Belfast?

What is Pho?

Pronounced “Fuh”, Pho is a noodle soup dish originating in Vietnam. This dish usually consists of beef broth and vegetables as well as noodles with additives such as corriander, chilli oil, sesame seeds, and more. A perfect comfort food from the first time you try it. It is also considered Vietnam’s national dish.

As their name suggests, Madame Pho, specialises in providing some of the best Pho in Belfast. Beyond their amazing side dishes (and the Bahn Mi) they serve a range of Pho with various protein options. Some of the protein options they offer include Irish Beef Brisket, BBQ Pork Neck, and their Vegan option of Tofu, Brocoli and Eggplant served in a Vegan broth. They also offer a house special called the Pho King, which includes medium rare beef, beef meatballs, chicken, and prawns.

Location: 17 Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1JG

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (12pm-9pm)

BaoBun Street Food

Already mentioned in this list but worth repeating Bao Bun Street Food offer fantastic pho as well on their menu. Check out their video to see the process of creating their Pho soup.

Locations & Opening Times:

Ballyhackamore: 269 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3JF

Sun – Thurs 12pm – 9pm
Fri – Sat 12pm – 10pm

Botanic: 48 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JR

Mon – Sun 11:30am – 10pm

Lisburn Road: 338 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6GH

Mon – Sun 12noon – 10pm

Yugo

An honourary member to this list as their menu changes quite often but they do offer Pho on some of their seasonal menus, so check them out on social media before you go for Pho. Your best shot as getting pho at Yugo is their lunch menu. Yugo is a great place to try for innovative and fusion Asian food in Belfast.

Where to get Sushi in Belfast?

What is Sushi?

A traditional dish largely consisting of rice with vinegar, high quality fish, wrapped in seaweed. Sushi is a hugely popular dish the world over, and is probably the easiest to get on this list. However, these places are still providing some of the best Asian food in Belfast.

Check out this video from the BBC to learn more about the history of Sushi.

Kamakura

This simple and relaxed eatery is the perfect place to enjoy sushi. They offer a range of sushi including Futomaki, Norimaki, and Hosomakie. They have a reputation for friendly staff and fantastic service and a vaired menu for those who don’t like sushi.

Location: 69 Donegall Pass, Belfast BT7 1DR

Opening Hours: Open 6 days a week 12pm-4pm 5pm-9pm. Closed Wednesday.

Ginza

Named after Japan’s upmarket entertainment and dining district is Ginza. They use the best and freshest ingredients they can to develop interesting and creative food. Ginza’s menu has a wide range of Nigiri and Maki rolls with flavours including prawn, rainbow and even Katsu with cheese.

Location: 245 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7EN

Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week 12pm-3pm 5pm-10pm.

Sumo Cat

Sumo Cat is a cute little sushi restaurant on the Lisburn Road, their menu includes Nigiri, Temaki, and Gun Kan sushi. They also offer a wide range of some of the tastiest Japanese food in Belfast. You can also check out their Instagram to see some of the making of their fantastic food.

Location: 449 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7HN

Opening Hours: Open Tuesday – Saturday (12pm – 9pm).

Where to get Teppanyaki in Belfast?

What is Teppanyaki?

The term ‘Teppanyaki’ is derrived from the Japanese term ‘teppan’ meaning iron plate and ‘yaki’ meaning grilled. Teppanyaki food is usually served directly after it is cooked by a teppanyaki chef and this is usually done in a dramatic fashion as a form of entertainment. This dramatic flair makes teppanyaki a great option for parties and events. The food itself consists of meat, seafood vegetables, and noodles cooked in a variety of sauces.

3 Levels

Belfast’s first Teppanyaki restaurant and all round fantastic place to eat is 3 Levels on University Road. A truly unique dining experience and a varied menu that will keep you wanting to come back. Their dedicated team will give you dinner and a show!

Location: 31 University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NA

Opening Hours:

Thursday	12–3pm, 5–10:30pm
Friday	12–3pm, 5–11pm
Saturday	1–11pm
Sunday	1–10pm
Monday	12–3pm, 5–10:30pm
Tuesday	12–3pm, 5–10:30pm
Wednesday	12–3pm, 5–10:30pm

Conclusion

Belfast is booming with fantastic Asian cuisine and this article has shown a sampling of the best Asian food in Belfast. Did we cover your favourite place? Or would you recommend a new secret gyoza spot? Let us know in the comments below!