AAPI Restaurants to Make the Most of in Chicago
Haisous Chicago
The month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, making it the perfect time to pay tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched Chicago’s culture. Want a fun way to do just that? Support the businesses they have built in our city, and bring a group along while you do so! Check out this list of AAPI restaurants to support now and always plus a special Restaurant Week you’re going to want to know about…
Haisous Vietnamese Kitchen {1800 South Carpenter Street, Chicago; 312.702.1303}
A Vietnamese favorite on our list is Haisous! Husband and wife Chef Thai and Danielle Dang bring all the flavors famous in Vietnam to their nationally-acclaimed Pilsen restaurant. From Nấm Nhồi Thịt Nướng made with robata pork-stuffed shiitake mushrooms to Bánh Canh Trộn (Vietnamese udon noodles, tương ớt, marinated wakame, carrots, banana blossom, black sesame), culinary explorers will love this creative menu! Plus, you can get $10 off your order when you order with the coupon code in the Culinary Guide ;)
Saigon Sisters {Multiple locations}
Run by two Vietnamese sisters, Mary Nguyen Aregoni and Theresa Nguyen, along with their mother, Mama Suu, Saigon Sisters is the perfect spot for Stir Fry, Banh Mi and so much more. Head to this spot for all things Vietnamese street food including their Caramelized Shrimp Banh Mi or their Deluxe Vermicelli Salad made with traditional curry chicken, shrimp, nems egg rolls, nuoc cham and peanuts. Use our Dine-It-4ward Culinary Guide for BOGO entrees!
Sunda {110 West Illinois Street, Chicago; 312.6440500}
Celebrate AAPI Month at Sunda New Asian in River North! With May menu items inspired by various Southeast Asian countries, there are tons of amazing options to choose from. Their special menu offers dishes like Chao Tom made with grilled shrimp, shrimp mousse, sugar cane, rice noodles, lettuce and nuoc cham as well as the Dan Dan Noodles with szechuan spiced beef. You could eat here over and over and always find something new and delicious to try!
Kasama {1001 North Winchester Avenue, Chicago; 773.697.3790}
As America’s only Michelin-Starred Filipino restaurant, this bakery and modern Filipino restaurant has a lot to live up to (and trust us, it does). Kasma, located in East Ukrainian Village offers mouthwatering bites such as the Kasama Combo sandwich with shaved pork adobo, loganisa sausage and giardiniera, as well as a fantastic tasting menu. Make this your new Filipino spot… you won't be disappointed!
Triple Crown {2217 South Wentworth Avenue, Chicago; 312.842.0088}
Triple Crown, established in 1996, was originally located on one of Chinatown’s oldest streets. Then in 2009 they expanded and moved to the main street of Chinatown Chicago across the street from Pui Tak Center. Known for their Dim Sum, this well-known spot has a lengthy menu with offerings like Sizzling Sliced Beef Tenderloin or Beef Short Rib with Black Pepper and Stir-Fried Shrimp Flat Rice Noodle with Black Bean Sauce.
Chocolat Uzma at The Starbucks Reserve® Roastery {646 Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.283.7100}
Local company Chocolat Uzma recently partnered with the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and that makes me believe that life truly couldn’t get better for the food family in our city. Owner Uzma Sharif often seeks inspiration for her tasty treats from her South Asian heritage and her travels, leading her to pair her delicious chocolates with traditional Pakistani spices like turmeric and cardamom. The Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and Chocolat Uzma pairings are available at the Experiential Coffee Bar at their Magnificent Mile location.
AAPI Restaurant Week From May 13-22
You can also REALLY celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2022 at the inaugural AAPI Restaurants Week 2022, running until May 22. The week features some of the best AAPI-owned restaurants - and specialty menus - across the Chicago area. Try out some of our favorite spots and save others on the list to try all summer long!
By Madison Freeman, Special Correspondent