By Cameron Lee
May 2, 2025
Photo: Anise Pho (Raleigh)
For decades in North Carolina, many authentic Asian-owned restaurants lacked a significant online presence. Staple Asian eateries in major metro areas like Charlotte and Raleigh — often family-owned and operated — have traditionally relied on the quality and consistency of time-honored dishes rather than marketing tactics.
Today, however, authentic Asian restaurants and food trucks are popping up across the state at a brisk pace. Social media food accounts, eager to showcase the latest Korean BBQ joint, Chinese hot pot spot, or Asian dessert trend, have amplified the visibility of this vast cuisine originating from the world’s largest continent.
In Charlotte and Raleigh, the Facebook groups-turned-social meet-up clubs, CLT Asian Eats and RDU Asian Eats, have become go-to sources for discovering new restaurants and delicacies. This week, to kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, they’re launching the first NC Asian Eats Restaurant Week to promote both new dining establishments sprouting in the rapidly growing cities and some longstanding gems.
The idea was conceived by CLT Asian Eats member Carolyn La-Crockett, who asked, “Why isn’t there an Asian Restaurant Week in Charlotte?” Elly Zhong, another member of the group, led the initial planning, and then administrator Jennifer Phan and moderator Colette Lam took the reins.
“We decided to give it a shot, but on a smaller scale. We knew organizing a full-on Charlotte Restaurant Week-style event would be a lot for our all-volunteer team, so instead, we reached out to local Asian-owned spots to see if they’d be open to offering a special or perk for 10 days,” Lam said. “The response was better than we expected, and that’s when we realized we might really be onto something.”
From national chains like KPOT to homegrown Charlotte establishments like Banh Mi Brothers, Doan’s, and Curry Gate, to hidden gems like Korean restaurant Dae Bak, and the authentic yet innovative South Charlotte sushi spot Miku — there’s a healthy mix of options. In Raleigh, offerings include downtown staple MOFU Shoppe, new all-you-can-eat sushi and hot pot spot Umiya, pho favorites like Anise and Pho Tien Phat, and the family-owned Thai eatery Khao Sen in Fuquay-Varina. All participating restaurants will offer either a discount or a complimentary item during NC Asian Eats Restaurant Week.
It’s a commendable array of Asian flavors spotlighted in this grassroots promotional campaign celebrating AAPI Month — and more importantly, it’s another opportunity to support local restaurants and business owners in a challenging economic climate.
“We hope it creates space for deeper cultural appreciation, economic empowerment, and community connection,” said CLT Asian Eats founder Jennie Nguyen.
It’s also a chance for many new transplants in both cities “to explore the city and discover local gems,” added Tim Manglicmot, a moderator of CLT Asian Eats since 2024.
The volunteer-led team behind the campaign hopes to grow the initiative by expanding marketing efforts and incorporating storytelling to better contextualize the heritage behind each dish — and potentially include more cities across the state.
Organizing 40 restaurants was no small task. Coordinating discounts, perks, and creating the messaging behind the state’s first Asian restaurant week required a collective effort.
“We handled everything from communication and graphics to setting up the event structure,” said Jennifer Phan, an early CLT Asian Eats organizer who was instrumental in launching the RDU group. “This was driven by our genuine desire to spotlight Asian-owned businesses and give them the exposure they deserve.”
In addition to sit-down restaurants, the NC Asian Eats Restaurant Week includes a variety of boba tea shops, bakeries, and dessert spots. Attendees can also win prizes donated from the restaurants by posting their visits to participating establishments and tagging @CLTAsianEats on Instagram or DMing a receipt.
It’s just the beginning for a concept that’s likely to grow as the team refines its strategy and more businesses get involved. Two cities that were once underserved in Pan-Asian cuisine are now bustling with culinary variety — and just as importantly, it’s a chance to honor the traditions and heritage behind the dishes while supporting local commerce.
Check out all of the participating restaurants for NC Asian Eats Restaurant Week and simply show you’re in the CLT or RDU Asian Eats Facebook group or following the Instagram accounts to redeem your perks!
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