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Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
Asian Food in Belfast
Belfast has some fantastic places to get 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. Unique 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 excellent Asian food in Belfast?
Where to get Asian Food in Belfast?
This article covers where to get the best…
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 crispy 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
This cafe is part of the Asia Supermarket on the Ormeau Embankment and serves some of the best Bahn Mi in Belfast. Its menu includes Asian food delights, such as Bulgogi Beef sandwiches and Bubble Tea. Next time you stop by to grab all your Asian cupboard staples, try out the fantastic selection of food and drinks at the cafe.
Location: 40 Ormeau Embankment, Belfast BT6 8LU
Opening Hours: We are open Monday, Thursday, and Friday (9 am-4 pm) and Saturday and Sunday (9 am-5 pm).
Madame Pho
I’m sure you can guess where else this excellent Vietnamese restaurant will appear 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 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 (12 pm-9 pm)
Where to get Bao Buns in Belfast?
What are Bao Buns?
Originating in 3rd century China, Bao (pronounced “bow”) Buns are soft buns steamed and filled with various meats, vegetables, and sauces. Bao Bun dough is super smooth and slightly sweeter than dumpling dough. There are two main types of Bao Bun: a closed bun with fully encapsulated fillings and 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
It is a great place to get Taiwanese street food in Belfast. This casual, fun dining experience 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, including Pork, Chicken, Beef, Popcorn Chicken, Popcorn Cauliflower, Walnut Mushroom, jackfruit, and Tofu. To your protein, you can add a combination of ingredients to make your bao bun spicier and sweeter or even add an aioli kick.
Locations & Opening Times:
Ballyhackamore: 269 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3JF
Sun – Thurs 12 pm – 9 pm
Fri – Sat 12 pm – 10 pm
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 that we can’t tell where the first dumpling was created or by whom. Dumplings are traditionally small, bite-sized filling parcels wrapped in a thin dough. They can be cooked in various ways, such as steaming, boiling, and pan-frying, and are filled with different ingredients and sometimes even soup.
Dumpling Library
The Dumpling Library is an exciting Pan-Asian restaurant in Belfast that serves 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, ensuring you get the freshest and best dumplings in Belfast. They also serve Bao Buns in pork, chicken, beer, and even eel varieties.
Location: Unit 6, St. Anne’s Square, Edward St, Belfast BT1 2LR
Opening times:
| Thursday | 12–2:45 pm, 5–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12–2:45 pm, 5–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 1:30–10 pm |
| Sunday | 12–2:45pm, 5–10:30 pm |
| Monday | 12–2:45 pm, 5–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–2:45 pm, 5–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–2:45 pm, 5–10:30 pm |
Where to get Korean BBQ in Belfast?
What is Korean BBQ?
Korean BBQ is a cooking and dining method involving meats, vegetables, ssamjang sauce, and leaf wraps. In Korean BBQ restaurants, the customer often cooks the meat on grills built into the table. Korean BBQ is the pefect meal for groups as you can order many dishes to share and cook when you are ready for them.
Steam Boat
Belfast’s first Korean BBQ experience is available at Steam Boat. It is a great place to experience Korean BBQ dining and food. Their main menu includes hot pot, buffet Korean BBQ, and classic Chinese food.
Location: 15 Donegall Pass, Belfast BT7 1BS
Opening Hours: Open seven days a week (5 pm – 12 am)
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 and noodles with additives such as coriander, chilli oil, sesame seeds, and more. It’s 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 fantastic 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 and BBQ pork neck, and their vegan option is tofu, broccoli, and eggplant served in a vegan broth. They also provide 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 (12 pm-9 pm)
BaoBun Street Food
Bao Bun Street Food is already mentioned on this list, but it’s worth repeating that they also offer fantastic pho 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 12 pm – 9 pm Fri – Sat 12 pm – 10 pm
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 is on 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 at getting pho at Yugo is their lunch menu. Yugo is a great place to try innovative and fusion Asian food in Belfast.
Where to get Sushi in Belfast?
What is Sushi?
Sushi is a traditional dish mainly consisting of rice with vinegar and high-quality fish wrapped in seaweed. It is hugely popular worldwide and is probably the easiest dish to get on this list. However, these places still provide 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, fantastic service, and a varied menu for those who don’t like sushi.
Location: 69 Donegall Pass, Belfast BT7 1DR
Opening Hours: We are open six days a week, 12 pm-4 pm and 5 pm-9 pm. We are closed on Wednesday.
Ginza
Ginza is named after Japan’s upmarket entertainment and dining district. It uses the best and freshest ingredients to develop exciting 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 seven days a week, 12 pm-3 pm, 5 pm-10 pm.
Sumo Cat
Sumo Cat is a cute little sushi restaurant on 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 (12 – 9 pm).
Where to get Teppanyaki in Belfast?
What is Teppanyaki?
The term ‘Teppanyaki’ is derived from the Japanese terms ‘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 an excellent option for parties and events. The food consists of meat, seafood, vegetables, and noodles cooked in various sauces.
3 Levels
Belfast’s first Teppanyaki restaurant and an all-around fantastic place to eat is at 3 Levels on University Road. A truly unique dining experience and a varied menu will keep you wanting to return. Their dedicated team will give you dinner and a show!
Location: 31 University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NA
Opening Hours:
| Thursday | 1–10 pm |
| Friday | 1–11 pm |
| Saturday | 12–3 pm, 5–11 pm |
| Sunday | 12–3 pm, 5–10:30 pm |
| Monday | 12–3pm, 5–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–3 pm, 5–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–3 pm, 5–10:30 pm |
Conclusion
Belfast is booming with fantastic Asian cuisine, and this article shows a sampling of the best Asian food in the city. Did we cover your favourite place? Or would you recommend a new secret gyoza spot? Let us know in the comments below!
