Lafayette, LA is second to none when it comes to offering a variety of authentic Asian cuisine featuring family recipes handed down through the generations to classic dishes featuring the chef’s modern interpretation. Whether looking for takeout from a local mom and pop or a dining experience with family and friends, here are the best Asian restaurants in Lafayette, LA.
Tsunami Sushi
In many ways, downtown Lafayette grew up around Tsunami Sushi, with the bar and restaurant located at the midpoint of the Jefferson Street arc. Since opening its doors in January of 2000, Michele Ezell, her husband, Sean; and partners Fred Nonato and Toon Nguyen, have positioned Tsunami as a sometimes funky sometimes fancy always flavorful sushi joint.
Ranging from the traditional to the creative, the menu offers more than simply sushi rolls. The rolls, or Make, range of their own from simple to complex. Much of the Sushi is not rolled at all. An entire section of the menu is devoted to the very simple, traditional class of Sushi consisting of the chosen meat, fish, or other protein simply sliced and served by itself (Sashimi), or atop pressed, vinegar seasoned rice (Nigiri).
Tsunami Sushi is located at 412 Jefferson St. Hours are 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday; 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Blu Basil Wine & Grill
Blu Basil offers a large variety of Vietnamese classics including pho along with signature cocktails such as the Blue Basil martini. Their techniques and flavors center around traditional Vietnamese dishes while their friendly service and modern decor create a relaxing and welcoming environment for all occasions.
Dishes are made to order so always prepared fresh, setting them apart from most chain restaurants. The authentic soups, sauteed stir-fried noodles, and grilled marinated meats are just some of the dishes dinners routinely come in for, while their full menu includes a nice selection of food options including pescatarian and vegetarian preferences.
Blu Basil is located at 5451 Johnston Street, in the Time Plaza shopping center and is open Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saigon Noodles
Saigon Noodles has been introducing Vietnamese food to Lafayette residents since 2011 while providing a home away from home for those who already love their freshly-prepared, uniquely seasoned dishes. Offering a friendly family dining experience for both lunch and dinner featuring moderate prices and dishes that are always made to order.
Started as a family venture by two brothers, it turned out to be an ideal arrangement with one using his background in business and construction to design and build the restaurant while the other created the menu and continues to serve as head chef.
Located at 2865 Ambassador Caffery Parkway Suite 107 in Lafayette, Saigon Noodles is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday – Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Chopsticks
Chopsticks pride themselves on delivering an exceptional dining experience on every level. With a head chef born and raised in China, they feature authentic Chinese recipes from his home town along with the traditions that help create delicious and fresh Chinese delicacies. With authentic recipes and locally sourced ingredients, Chopsticks delivers a true taste of China through a gourmet dining experience.
Visit Chopsticks at 4243 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy, Suite 101 in Lafayette Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
TAO Asian Cuisine
Most notably known for its sushi, TAO Asian Cuisine also offers a large selection of delectable Asian fusion dishes. They pride themselves on providing each of their guests with a unique and balanced combination of all senses; taste, touch, smell, and sight during their experience at TAO.
Located at 114 Meadow Farm in Lafayette, TAO Asian Cuisine is open Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
With so many options available, you’ll have no problem finding a delicious Asian restaurant to enjoy, you may, however, have difficulties limiting yourself to just one.
Image via Flickr by Carol VanHook | Steffen Zahn | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original