Best Asian Restaurants for Families in the Triangle
The Triangle has a phenomenal Asian food scene, thanks in large part to the diverse community around Research Triangle Park. From authentic dim sum to kid-friendly hibachi, there's so much more than the typical Chinese takeout. Here's where we take our family.
Chinese & Dim Sum
Grand Asia Market food court in Stallings (near Cary) is an experience. The attached food court has multiple authentic Chinese vendors serving everything from hand-pulled noodles to roast duck. Kids love watching the noodle-pulling, and the portions are generous. Meals $7-12 per person. It's cafeteria-style, so food arrives fast. The attached grocery store is worth exploring too.
Dim Sum House on N. Harrison Avenue in Cary does traditional dim sum with carts on weekends. Kids love the interactive experience of choosing dishes from the carts, and items like shumai, steamed buns, and egg custard tarts are natural kid pleasers. Budget $15-25 per person for a full dim sum meal. Go before 11 AM for the best selection and shortest wait.
Gourmet Kingdom in Morrisville has authentic Sichuan and Cantonese dishes. While some items are spicy, there are plenty of mild options (sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, lo mein) that kids enjoy. Entrees $10-15.
Japanese
Hibachi & Co in Cary has teppanyaki-style cooking that doubles as entertainment. Watching the chef flip shrimp and create the onion volcano keeps kids mesmerized. It's a splurge ($15-25 per person), but the entertainment value makes it worth an occasional treat. High chairs available.
Sushi Mon on Buck Jones Road in Raleigh is our go-to for family sushi nights. The chicken teriyaki bento box is perfect for kids who aren't ready for raw fish, and the rolls are fresh and well-made. Budget $35-50 for a family of four. Booths accommodate families well.
Boba Tea House on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh has Japanese-style popcorn chicken and boba teas that are a huge hit with kids. The customizable drinks (pick your flavor, sweetness level, and toppings) make it interactive. Drinks $5-7, snacks $4-8.
Thai
Bida Manda on S. Wilmington Street in Raleigh is one of the best restaurants in the city β period. The Laotian-Thai food is incredible, and while it's an upscale atmosphere, they're welcoming to families, especially at early dinner. The chicken satay and noodle dishes are kid-friendly. Adult entrees $14-20. Reservations recommended.
Thai Villa on Kildaire Farm Road in Cary is a reliable family choice. The pad thai is solid, the kids menu has approachable items, and the atmosphere is casual. Budget $30-40 for a family of four.
Vietnamese
Pho Far East in Raleigh (multiple locations) serves some of the best pho in the Triangle. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the large bowls are easily shareable. Kids who like noodle soup take to pho naturally. Bowls $10-14. The rice plates are another good kid option.
Banh's Cuisine on N. Harrison Avenue in Cary has excellent banh mi sandwiches ($6-8) and pho. The banh mi are a great option for kids who want a sandwich β the baguette is crispy and the fillings are flavorful.
Korean
Soo Cafe in Cary serves Korean comfort food including bibimbap (rice bowls) and bulgogi that are natural hits with kids. The stone pot bibimbap creates a crispy rice bottom that kids find exciting. Entrees $12-16.
Bonchon has multiple Triangle locations and specializes in Korean fried chicken that rivals any chicken nugget. The double-fried technique creates an incredibly crispy coating. Wings and tenders $8-14. The fries and coleslaw round out a kid-friendly meal.
Tips for Asian Restaurants With Kids
Quick Reference
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Location | Price | |βββββ-|ββββ-|βββββ|βββ-| | Grand Asia Market | Chinese food court | Stallings/Cary | $ | | Dim Sum House | Dim sum | Cary | $$ | | Hibachi & Co | Japanese hibachi | Cary | $$-$$$ | | Bida Manda | Laotian/Thai | Raleigh | $$-$$$ | | Pho Far East | Vietnamese | Raleigh | $ | | Bonchon | Korean fried chicken | Multiple | $ |
The Triangle's Asian food scene is one of its greatest strengths. These are the spots where our family has found something everyone enjoys.
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