Provo, Utah, has a growing number of Asian restaurants. It can be overwhelming to decide which restaurant to visit first because of the many options. That’s why we’re bringing you the most exceptional Asian dining experiences available!
I have sampled some Asian cuisine in and around Provo and selected the best options.
But before we delve into the best Asian restaurants in and around Provo, Utah, let’s first explore why Asian food is so popular here.
What Makes Asian Food Popular in Provo, Utah?
Asian cuisine is incredible! There’s just something about it that has captured people's hearts worldwide.
The blend of flavors in Asian cuisine is unique, with the perfect mix of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes. It’s impossible to resist! It’s no wonder foodies in Provo are drawn to these bold and exciting flavors.
But it’s not just the flavors that make Asian food so beloved. It’s also the variety of dishes available. The list goes on from Chinese to Thai, Japanese to Korean, and Vietnamese. It’s like taking a culinary tour of Asia, all in one place. That’s definitely a big plus!
One of the things that makes dining in Asian cuisine so special is the communal aspect. Sharing dishes is a cherished tradition in Asian cultures, aligning perfectly with Provo’s sense of community.
Gathering around a table with friends and family and sharing an array of delicious Asian dishes – creates a memorable experience.
Let’s not forget about the vibrant community that Provo has. The young and adventurous population is always seeking novel and exciting experiences. Trying something different and stepping out of their comfort zone makes dining out so thrilling.
Provo’s Asian food scene should definitely be on your radar if you want an unforgettable dining experience.
What are the Best Asian Restaurants In and Near Provo, Utah?
1. Thai Hut - Provo, Utah
Location: 410 N. University Ave. Provo, UT 84601
Contact Information: 801-69101822
Hours of Operation: Open daily, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Have you been to Thai Hut in Provo, Utah? If not, it’s time to add this restaurant to your list of go-to spots for delicious Thai cuisine!
Thai Hut has a fascinating story that makes the restaurant even more special. The co-owner, Dao Vannarath, immigrated to the United States from Laos in 1987, bringing with him his passion for Asian cuisine.
After years of perfecting his recipes, he opened Thai Hut in 2004, and it’s been a local favorite ever since. At Thai Hut, Dao is dedicated to creating unique and tasty dishes based on his cultural heritage, and you can really tell with every single bite.
The food at Thai Hut is to die for, and with such an extensive menu, there’s something for everyone. You must try their crispy shrimp rolls, or the chicken satay served with mouth-watering peanut sauce.
The fresh rolls, deep-fried spring rolls, and Papaya salad are also a must-try. Absolutely delicious!
When it comes to main dishes, Thai Hut doesn’t disappoint. Indulge in their iconic Pad Thai dish or opt for something more adventurous like the Khao Soi, a Northern Thai curry dish with egg noodles and chicken in curry paste. Their curries are fantastic, too.
Don’t worry, vegetarians. Thai Hut’s got you covered as well. Mixed Vegetables are a healthy blend of baby corn, mushrooms, broccoli, and cabbage. Lunch specials are served until 3:00 p.m. on weekdays, including popular dishes like sweet and sour chicken or Pad Thai.
To complement your meal, Thai Hut has a variety of beverages, sides, and desserts.
2. Happy Sumo Restaurant + Sushi Bar
Location: 4801 N. University Ave. Provo, Utah
Contact Information: 801-225-9100
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Friday 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Saturday 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Sunday 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Happy Sumo Restaurant + Sushi Bar is one of the most sought-after Asian dining destinations in Provo, Utah. It has been transforming the sushi experience in Provo since 1999.
Their commitment to excellence sets The Happy Sumo apart from the rest. Their menu features some of the most exceptional sushi rolls ever created. The Happy Sumo has options for gluten- and soy-free guests and vegan-friendly choices upon request.
Our favorite menu items include the Sunset Roll, Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll, and the Veggie Tempura Roll. But you can’t go wrong with any of their special rolls. They are crafted with attention to detail and delicious flavors.
The Happy Sumo also contributes to environmental conservation by recycling glass, paper products, and food waste. You can even request paper straws to help reduce plastic waste and protect our oceans.
3. CupBop Korean BBQ in a Cup
Location: 815 700 E Provo, UT 84606
Contact Information: 801- 383-0144
Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
You should check out CupBop Korean BBQ in a Cup. Its founder, Junghun Song, had a vision of bringing the authentic flavors of Korean cuisine to the people of Utah. He started with a food truck in 2013, offering a limited menu of his favorite dishes.
The demand for CupBop’s food grew beyond the capabilities of the food truck, leading to the opening of their first restaurant location. This expansion was a huge success, and the brand became a staple in the Provo dining scene.
The menu at CupBop is a feast for the senses. Their range of entrées includes various Korean BBQ options like the B Bop (BBQ beef), Piggy Bop (BBQ pork), Kko Kko Bop (BBQ chicken), Doochi Bop (fried tofu), and many more.
Their sides are equally tasty, with options like the deep-fried potstickers called Mandoo and the spicy Korean cabbage dish Kimchi. For those with gluten-free dietary restrictions, they offer GF Noodle substitutions for their noodle dishes.
Keep up with CupBop’s latest updates and dishes by following them on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
4. Taichi Bubble Tea
Location: 1280 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84604
Contact Information: (801) 691-1827
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Taichi Bubble Tea is a must-visit destination. This restaurant has been serving delicious bubble tea, ramen, and healthy poke bowls since 2015. They became a local favorite.
Thai Bubble Tea is dedicated to providing an unforgettable culinary experience that brings people from diverse backgrounds and cultures together.
One of the things that I love about Taichi Bubble is the extensive menu. There are ramen options, from spicy Tonkutsu to vegetarian Tomato. You also can’t go wrong with their Poke Bowls!
Their fruit tea selection includes options like Blueberry, Grapefruit, and Passionfruit. The Milk Tea and Smoothie selections will satisfy those with a sweet tooth, with options like Taro, Chocolate, and Vanilla.
But what makes Taichi Bubble Tea stand out is the warm and inviting atmosphere. The inviting space is perfect for meeting friends or family while enjoying delicious drinks and food.
Make sure to pay them a visit!
5. Spicy Thai Restaurant
Location: 3230 North University Ave, Provo, UT 84604
Contact Information: (801) 370-0707
Hours of Operation:
Mon - Thurs 11:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Spicy Thai Restaurant is one of Provo’s best and most popular options for Asian cuisine. This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving authentic Thai flavors since 2008.
Among the standout dishes in Spicy Thai Restaurant are the chicken satay and the potstickers. The Tom Yum and Tom Kha Gai soups are also must-try items.
Stir-fry dishes like Pad Himapan, Pad King, and Pad Grapao are flavorful and satisfying. We cannot forget about the noodle dishes like the crowd favorite, Pad Thai.
6. Bumblebees KBBQ Restaurant
Location: 1254 North State Street, Provo, Utah 84604, United States
Contact Information: (801) 607-2543
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
The menu at Bumblebees KBBQ is bursting with Korean flavors!
The K-POP FRIES is a must-try. This dish combines Korean BBQ with fresh-cut tries, cheese, spicy mayo, sriracha, and green onions. The restaurant’s Korean BBQ selection also includes a choice of Bulgogi Beef, Spicy Fork, and Bulgogi Chicken.
Among the most popular dishes is the KOR-ISPY CHICKEN SANDWICH - a fried chicken thigh, Korean BBQ sauce, and Korean Cheese Corn, served on a brioche bun.
A visit to Bumblebees KBBQ is worth considering!
7. Asa Ramen Restaurant
Location: 1120 S State Street, Orem, UT 84097
Contact Information: 801-472-7869
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM; 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday Closed
Asa Ramen restaurant stands out as one of the best Asian restaurants in Orem, Utah. The restaurant serves authentic Japanese cuisine.
The restaurant offers a selection of mouthwatering appetizers, including Fried Tofu, Gyoza (dumplings), and delicious Shrimp Tempura. These appetizers are perfect for starting your meal!
Asa Ramen has ramen options, including Tonkotsu, Shoyu Blend, Chashu, Miso, Shoyu, and Karai. Each bowl is customizable! You can choose your preferred noodles and add extra toppings.
Asa Ramen also has a selection of Japanese-inspired desserts to end your meal. Try their Cheesecake in Green Tea or Mango flavors or Mochi ice cream, available in flavors like Mango, Green Tea, and Strawberry.
Their drink options include Kern’s fruit juices in flavors like Peach, Mango, Apricot, and Guava.
8. Bok Bok Restaurant
Location: 1181 N. Canyon Rd., Provo, UT 84604
Contact Information: (801)-691-0921
Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 11:00 AM- 9:00 PM
Bok Bok restaurant’s specialty is their Korean-style fried chicken. They offer three different styles of chicken - boneless strips, wings, and a combo of leg quarters, wings, and boneless strips. All of these options come seasoned, battered, and double-fried.
Different sauce options are available, like their signature house sauce and candy garlic sauce. For a cheesy layer, you can also try their snow cheese seasoning on your chicken.
Entrées are delicious! The sandwich has double-fried chicken breast and pickled slaw on a toasted Tuscan bun. The salad is fresh and healthy, with boneless chicken breast strips on a bed of shredded cabbage, mandarin oranges, and tortilla strips.
Bok Bok also offers a Kid’s menu with boneless chicken and fries - the perfect options for picky eaters!
9. Bombay House Indian Food
Location: 463 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84601
Contact Information: 801-373-6677
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Saturday, 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed
The Bombay House Indian Food restaurant has served authentic Indian cuisine since 1993. The restaurant’s success is because of its commitment to delivering a complete cultural experience for customers.
The menu offers an extensive selection of dishes that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free options. Each dish uses a blend of spices and ingredients that brings the flavors of India.
You can enjoy tandoor dishes like Chicken Tandoori, Lab Boti Kabob, or Shrimp Tandoori cooked in a tandoor oven. There are vegetarian specialties like Vegetable Coconut Kurma, Channa Raja, and Mixed Vegetable Curry.
The menu also offers meat and seafood, from classic Chicken Tikka Masala to Lamb Boti Masala and Shrimp Masala.
10. Oh Mai Sandwich Kitchen
Location: 280 East 12300 South, Suite 102, Draper, UT 84020
Contact Information: (801) 987-8064
Hours of Information:
Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Oh Mai Sandwich Kitchen delivers fresh, high-quality Vietnamese food. The restaurant’s namesake pays tribute to their matriarch, who inspired a love for creating delicious dishes with fresh, homemade flavors.
Oh Mai Sandwich Kitchen is committed to accommodating various dietary preferences. They avoid using MSG and offer gluten-free and nut-free options.
Their menu includes classic Vietnamese dishes like Banh Mi sandwiches served on an 8” baguette or as a gluten-free lettuce wrap. There are also options like Cold Cuts, Honey Glazed Pork, Curry Chicken, Vegan, Lemongrass Tofu, and more.
You can’t visit Oh Mai without trying their Pho noodle soup. This Vietnamese dish has a rich beef bone broth prepared daily with star anise, ginger, and cinnamon.
It’s poured over fresh rice noodles and your choice of protein, garnished with cilantro, onions, and black pepper. It is served with condiments like bean sprouts, lime, Thai basil, and jalapeños.
Oh Mai also offers sides, beverages, and even a special menu for kids.
11. Ombu Grill - All You Can Eat Korean BBQ
Location: 147 N State St, Orem, UT 84057
Contact Info: (801) 224- 6667
Hours of Operation:
Mon - Sun 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Ombu Grill’s vast menu has 50 options, including meats, seafood, veggies, and gluten-free dishes.
Begin with their delicious appetizers, which include Eddamame, Takoyaki, Fried Shrimp, and many more. Then, move on to their meat selection, which is impressive!
The meat choices at Ombu Grill are of premium quality, some of which include Prime Beef Steak, Prime Pork Belly, Ombu Signature Chicken Thigh Meat, and Spicy Pork Belly.
Don’t miss out on Ombu Grill’s signature dishes, which include Ombu Signature Galbi, Hawaiian Beef Brisket, and Ombu Beef Bulgogi. Rice and noodle dishes, such as Beef Stone Bibimbap, Kimchi Fried Rice, and Ombu BBQ Chicken Fried Rice, are also on the menu.
12. Savory Thai Restaurant
Location: 182 W Center Street, Orem, Utah 84057
Contact Information: 801-802-6000
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 11:00-9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday 11:00-10:00 PM
(Lunch hour ends at 3 p.m.; Lunch isn’t available on Saturday.)
Savory Thai restaurant is located in Orem, Utah. It has been recognized as the best of Utah Valley by the Daily Herald in 2019.
The menu at Savory Thai is a mix of traditional Thai dishes and modern takes on classic recipes. You can choose options like Fresh Spring Roll, Pot Stickers, Cream Cheese Wanton, and Chicken Satay for appetizers.
The Tom Yam Seafood Soup, Wonton Soup, Beef Waterfall, and Papaya Salad are perfect choices if you’re looking for a light meal.
Savory Thai has stir-fried dishes like Pad Thai, Pad Si-Ew, and the spicy Drunken Noodle (Pad Kee-Mao).
The menu also offers entrées such as Kao Nar Ped, Crispy Pork (Moo Tod), Gung Op Wun Sen, and many more. You can check out the lunch specials that include Green Curry Spaghetti, Massmon Curry, Pad Thai, and more if you’re looking for a lighter, budget-friendly meal.
What are the Tips for Enjoying the Asian Cuisine in Provo, Utah?
Here are some tips for enjoying the Asian cuisine in Provo, Utah:
1. Do your research!
Make sure you do a little bit of research before heading out. Look for restaurants with good reviews and ratings, and find out what dishes are worth checking. You can also check out photos on social media to see what the dishes look like and get an idea of portion sizes.
2. Make a reservation
Some restaurants have unique dishes requiring advance reservations due to their preparation time. So, if you’re eyeing a particular dish, it’s best to call ahead to reserve your spot.
3. Ask for recommendations
Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from the restaurant staff. They are there to help you enjoy your meal and can even assist you in navigating a new menu. They may have suggestions based on their favorites or the restaurant’s specialties.
4. Try something new
Be open-minded and try something new! Don’t stick to only the famous dishes. Branch out and try something you’ve never had before. You never know. You might discover a new favorite!
5. Pair with an appropriate beverage
To complete your Asian dining experience, try pairing your dish with a complementary beverage. Green tea, sake, or a refreshing Thai iced tea can all improve the flavors of different dishes and complete the whole dining experience.
6. Don’t forget about the desserts
Many Asian restaurants in Provo, Utah, offer unique and mouth-watering desserts. So, leave some room for desserts and indulge in something sweet after your meal.
7. Share dishes with friends and family
When it comes to Asian dining, sharing is caring! Don’t be shy to order and share multiple dishes with your dining companions. Not only does this allow you to indulge in different flavors, but it also promotes social interaction and bonding, which is what dining is all about.
8. Embrace the chopsticks
Using chopsticks is an essential part of Asian dining culture. It can add a fun and interactive element to your meal. If you’re new to using chopsticks, don’t worry, practice makes perfect!
My parents loved to eat out at Chinese and Japanese restaurants. Back in the day there were no Vietnamese or Korean restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area. There were Chinese and Japanese restaurants. My parents required us to eat with chopsticks whenever we ate at an Asian restaurant. In fact, even when my dad brought home take-out, he would require us to use the chopsticks.
I lived in Hawaii for five years where it is common to eat with chopsticks and Asian restaurants. I lived in Japan for a while, and also ate with chopsticks there. I visited Taiwon and South Korea, I got a lot of experience eating with chopsticks.
Now, even when I eat any Asian food at home, I still use chopsticks. It is synonymous with eating Asian dishes for me.
9. Know your spice tolerance
Many Asian dishes contain spicy ingredients, which might not be everyone’s liking. If you are sensitive to spice, ask the staff if a dish is spicy before ordering.
10. Try out the sauces and condiments
Make sure to try out the sauces and condiments with your meal. These little jars of flavors are meant to enhance the taste of your dishes. Experiment with the different combinations to determine which suits your taste buds the best!
11. Communicate any dietary restrictions
Make sure to communicate any dietary restrictions clearly to your server. This could be an allergy or intolerance to gluten, dairy, nuts, seafood, or other ingredients. Most Asian restaurants are accommodating and willing to adjust dishes to meet your needs.
12. Ask your server about any seasonal specials or limited-time offerings
Many Asian restaurants in Provo, Utah, will have unique dishes that aren’t on the regular menu. This is an opportunity to try something new and exciting that you might not find at any other restaurant.
13. Try the street food scene in Provo, Utah
Asian cuisine is renowned for its street food culture, and Provo boasts a diverse range of food trucks and stalls serving classic Asian street food dishes. There’s something for every palate to explore, from Korean BBQ to Japanese Takoyaki.
14. Attend Asian Food Festivals
Keep an eye out for Food Festivals in your area. These events offer an opportunity to explore different Asian dishes, meet chefs, and learn more about the various cultural aspects of the food.
15. Attend cooking workshops
Cooking workshops are like super fun cooking classes. You can learn how to make yummy Asian dishes. In Provo, you can head to the Provo Recreation Center for a six-week cooking class.
You’ll learn awesome cooking tricks and recipes from experienced instructors. You can make things like sushi and Thai curry like a pro!
16. Visit the local farmers market
Provo has this awesome farmers market that comes alive on warm Saturdays. It’s a food lover’s dream, especially if you’re into Asian flavors. You’ll find all kinds of Asian-inspired treats there, like sushi rolls, dim sum, and so much more!
But it’s not just about the food. You can support local businesses and discover fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. It’s a great way to be kind to the environment while enjoying fantastic Asian eats.
And guess what? You’ll also find local artists, crafts, and lots of other cool stuff. It’s a fun place for families, friends, and anyone looking for a good time. You can pick up fresh veggies and unique handmade goodies!
17. Show your support
Share your dining experience on social media or food review platforms. This not only helps support local Asian restaurants but also provides valuable insights to other diners. Share photos of your delicious meal and share your thoughts on what dishes you loved and what you would order again.