Return on Ingredients: The Best Asian Restaurants in Evanston

By: MaryAlice Peng

Lao Tian Dumpling House Source

Let’s level-set expectations here: Evanston is not a food mecca. Despite over 25% of Northwestern’s 8,000+ undergraduate population identifying as Asian, finding authentic Asian food in town is like going on a greasy, bland treasure hunt. Luckily, I’ve dedicated too much of my time and wallet to looking for culinary gems in the rice stack—here’s my guide to the best local Asian restaurants.

Best Chinese: Lao Tian Dumpling House

One of MKTG-430’s most valuable lessons is that a business shouldn’t try to be everything to everyone, and Chinese food is no different. Luckily, Lao Tian is locked in on dumplings. From zucchini and mushroom to lamb and cilantro, or classics like pork and cabbage, Lao Tian never fails to deliver a perfectly juicy dumpling. Whether you choose boiled or steamed is personal preference—I grew up on doughy boiled dumplings, but I love the delicate chew of steamed dumplings as well. If you’d like to venture outside dumplings, the pork flatbread (like a Chinese torta), chilled pork ear slices, and wood ear mushroom salad are delicious as well. Hands down, Lao Tian is my favorite restaurant in Evanston.

Runner-up: Tian Bistro. Rest in peace Peppercorns Kitchen, hello Tian Bistro. This newly opened restaurant next to Cupitol has generous portions, solid flavor, and a higher-end vibe. It couldn’t compete in a place like Chinatown, but it’s a welcome addition to Evanston.

Best Sushi: Kuni’s Japanese Restaurant 

Kuni's Japanese Restaurant Source

Kuni’s is everything a local sushi restaurant should be—unpretentious, relaxing, and well-priced. Tucked away on a side street in south Evanston, Kuni’s wood interior and homey decorations create the perfect ambience for a quiet weeknight dinner. If you’re feeling some sushi decision paralysis, I’d recommend the madai (sea bream) nigiri for a light, almost citrus-y fish that isn’t commonly offered at casual sushi joints. For an elevated staple, try the buttery salmon belly sashimi with ponzu sauce on the side. Kuni’s also o

ffers a variety of appetizers and hot dishes, but the sushi is really what you’re coming for. And if you’ve simply traveled too far today by walking to the Hub and back, Kuni’s saves the day—they offer a reasonably priced delivery service within Evanston.

Runner-up: Mira. Like its Chicago parent, the Evanston Mira location has a solid deal for AYCE at $25.99 for weekday lunch. However, the quality is inconsistent—the nigiri was top-notch during opening week, but my last visit had dry, small pieces of fish. I’d stick to the rolls to be safe.

Best Japanese comfort food: TOMO Japanese Street Food

When you’ve got a hankering for the Japanese version of diner food, TOMO hits the spot. This small restaurant is easy to miss because its signage looks almost exactly like Kilwins’, just next door. However, once you find your way inside, comforting bowls of karaage chicken curry, butadon pork belly, and niku ramen await you. The price point is slightly higher than your average Evanston spot, but the portions are generous enough to match. Plus, they’re usually playing anime on the TVs—a perfect distraction if your dinner mate won’t stop yapping about recruiting!

Best Indian: Mumbai Indian Grill

The Indian food in Evanston is shockingly dismal considering its proximity to Devon Street, but thankfully Mumbai Indian Grill carries the team on its back. When looking for a taste of home away from home, Indian foodie Gaurav Gandhi (MMM ’26) says of Mumbai: “Dal makhni slaps.” For a more detailed recommendation, the malai kofta is the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, and the cloud-soft texture doesn’t fall apart in the sauce. Note that the only dine-in vibe is a concerning smell of cleaning chemicals (we love hygiene?), so I would recommend taking your food to-go.

Best Korean: Soban Korea

Soban Korea Source: @sobankoreaevanston Instagram

Why go to D&D when you can stop next door at Soban? This cozy gem on Noyes executes on Korean classics like bulgogi, japchae, spicy sundubu soup, and chewy tteokbokki. The prices are fair for the portions and flavor, which includes serious spice if you ask for it (a rarity in Evanston.) With winter fast approaching, Soban is an ideal spot to warm up over a bowl of hot ttuk bulgogi soup and sizzling dolsot bibimbap. The only downside is that Soban is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Best Thai: Siam Splendour… begrudgingly.

Siam Splendour is acceptable. In a sea of bland Thai restaurants, Siam Splendour seems to be the only restaurant that isn’t fighting some secret fish sauce shortage. Despite producing sloppy catering (see my Lunch Catering Power Ranking), Siam Splendour’s individual portions, which really feed two people, hit the spot when you’re craving a plate of chewy pad see ew or fragrant panang curry. The ambience certainly leaves something to be desired, but it’s still a better option than flavorless Dozika, Yasotorn, NaKorn, or Shinse.

Best Vietnamese: Don’t even try.

Just order delivery from somewhere in Argyle (888 Pho and Ba Le Sandwiches are my favs.)

Note from the author: Want me to review more restaurants in Evanston? Well at least buy me lunch, geez. I ain’t made of takeout money! Read More Food Reviews: Battle of the Midwest Burger Chains Lunch Catering Power Ranking My Eating Evanston: Sea Ranch + Evanston Pour