Four Asian Restaurants You Must Try in DFW

1. Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar

If you never had sushi in the form of a handroll before, Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar is the perfect place to start. Located in the heart of Fort Worth, TX, in the West 7th district, Hatsuyuki is easily one of the best handroll bars in Texas. Once seated, you will be handed an order sheet and pencil to write down what you want. The service is incredible—everything is made to order right in front of you, making this a very unique experience. The quality of the fish they serve is so fresh, and I always leave the bar wanting more!

The most special thing about Hatsuyuki are their rotating daily sushi specials—with Salmon Belly, Black cod, Toro, Red Crab, Red Shrimp, Japanese A5 wagyu, and Uni being fan-favorites! It might be tempting to only go for the handrolls, but do not skip the daily specials—they are a must! They also offer great to-go box options for those who don’t feel comfortable dining in.

TIPS: They don’t take reservations, so I recommend going as soon as they open or on a weekday due to the limited capacity at their restaurant (wait times can be over an hour). The basic menu is very simple – X amount of handrolls for X amount of dollars, with some side items and drinks. I recommend going with a friend or an even party if it is your first time to try as many things as possible so you know what you like and do not like – get the 6 handroll set and ask the chef to split them in half with a friend, then add as many daily special sushi pieces as you’d like to fill you up (with salmon belly and black cod being the most popular)! The special menu is also hard to read since it is far away, so find them on Instagram and you can find their rotating specials on their story!

2. Mike’s Chicken

For all fried-chicken lovers, LOOK NO FURTHER! Mike’s Chicken is seriously the best of the best. Although not TRULY an Asian food item, Mike’s Chicken is Asian-owned. Everything is hand-battered and made after they receive your order (nothing is pre-cooked)! There is a constant fight between whether their fried chicken or chicken tenders are better, so go ahead and try both so you can contribute to the ongoing argument! Both are extremely tender and juicy, and if you order them “spicy” it adds a nice kick to the chicken that is not overpowering (rather than your typical Popeye’s spicy chicken, which is barely spicy at all). They also have a set of homemade sauces, with their buffalo sauce being a fan-favorite! Definitely a must try in the heart of Dallas, TX.

TIPS: They are known for being extremely busy, so call ahead, call ahead, call ahead—whether or not you are getting takeout or eating in! Since nothing is pre-cooked, it takes 10 minutes for tenders, and 20 minutes for fried-chicken every visit. They have 2 different phone numbers you can try just in case their lines are busy (which is common). I recommend avoiding calling between 6 and 8 pm, as that is their peak dinner hours. If it is your first time, I recommend getting the 2 piece combo plate (dark meat or white meat, adding spicy for spicy lovers) with 2 sides of your liking, with 1-2 spicy chicken tenders on top. That way, you know what you would come back for and order next time. All plates come with a piece of bread (either biscuit or toast), but I recommend getting the biscuit!

3. Niwa Japanese BBQ

Located in the historic neighborhood of Deep Ellum, Niwa is the perfect place to eat for a special occasion before heading out for some fun! Niwa provides an authentic “yakiniku” experience, where cooking and eating take center stage! A server brings out premium marinated meats and vegetables, and then everyone begins cooking on the grill at the table! Don’t worry if you’re nervous about your weak culinary skills—you can become an expert cook with the help of the staff, and the restaurant provides a label with each meat that gives recommended cook times. This is a fun, unique experience that brings your entire party together with laughter and conversation, making it the perfect choice for dates, families, and catching up with friends!

TIPS: The easiest way to ensure your spot here is to make reservations online. If you’re balling on a budget, I highly recommend you go to Niwa on Tuesday evenings where they offer a special “happy hour” menu that lasts from 6 PM to close! The meat portions are smaller, but the prices are cut in half! I recommend ordering at least 4 orders of meat to leave satisfied, but you can always order more if you’re still hungry! Fan-favorites include Hanger steak, Beef belly, and Japanese A5 wagyu for special occasions!

4. Wabi House

Wabi house—a staple for ramen located in Lower Greenville! It is well-stated that Wabi is one of the best ramen houses in Dallas to fulfill your noodle needs. Their menu also includes a variety of delicious Japanese small plates and drinks. The most special thing about Wabi house is their Tsukemen ramen—a dipping ramen with a creamy, concentrated broth made for dipping, not slurping (although you can)! The broth is simmered for 36 hours and served with thicker noodles and chashu (Japanese braised pork belly). If it’s ever ramen weather, definitely choose Wabi for your needs!

TIPS: Wabi house can get a little crowded around peak hours, so plan accordingly by going early during opening hours! I recommend going for lunch Monday through Friday because they have $8 dollar ramen special for all ramens except for their special Tsukemen dipping ramen, which is served for dinner only. If you’d like to try the Tsukemen, go right when the restaurant opens for dinner hours because it’s likely to sell out by 6:30-7 PM daily! If not, go for the Tonkotsu (add spicy rayu for that extra kick) or Spicy Miso, which are both fan-favorites! Get the Karaage small plate as a starting appetizer if you’re feeling very hungry.