Bet you didn't know you could get Indonesian food at Nori Thai and Sushi — Lamb. Photo via Nori Thai and Sushi’s Facebook page

As we get ready for The World Games 2022, we keep reaching out to different cultural groups here in Birmingham. This time, we spoke with the Alabama Asian Cultures Foundation, and while we’ll write more about them later, we got sidetracked by a conversation about amazing Asian food here in town that you might not have heard of or tried yet.

1. Seoul Restaurant

Bibimbap is sooo tasty, served at Seoul Restaurant on Green Springs — Bibimbap. Photo via J.T. Thompson on Seoul Restaurant’s unofficial Facebook page

My personal fave is the Bibimbap. In fact, writing about it now makes me want some today.

Location: 430 Green Springs Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35209
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 11AM-9PM
Contact: (205) 945-8007 for takeout

2. Nori Thai & Sushi

Indonesian food at Nori Thai and Sushi on the #secretmenu — One of the items from the #secretmenu. Photo via Nori Thai and Sushi’s Facebook page

Word on the street is that this place has a secret Indonesian menu that’s fantastic, in addition to the Thai and sushi you would expect from the name.

Location: 4704 Cahaba River Rd, Birmingham, AL 35243
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday + Sunday 11AM-9PM, Friday 11AM-10PM
Follow: Website | Instagram
Contact: (205) 970-7570 | Delivery available through doordash.com + postmates.com, online ordering here

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3. Okinawa Sushi + Hibachi Restaurant

Okinawa Sushi and Hibachi creates elaborate artwork from its sushi — Almost too pretty to eat. Photo via Okinawa Sushi + Hibachi’s Facebook page

Sushi is the thing you have to try here.

Location: 148 Wildwood Pkwy, Homewood, AL 35209
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11AM-3PM, 4:30-8:30PM, Friday 11AM-3PM, 4:30-9PM, Saturday 12-9PM, Sunday 12-8:30PM
Follow: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Contact: 205-917-1111

4. Ginza Sushi + Korean BBQ

Ginza Sushi and Korean BBQ also serves delicious Korean food — If you don’t love sushi, you have to try the Korean BBQ. Photo via Ginza Sushi + Korean BBQ’s Facebook page

Location: 5291 Valleydale Road, Suite 101, Birmingham, AL 35242
Hours: Lunch Monday-Saturday 11AM-2PM, Dinner Monday-Saturday 5-9PM
Follow: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Contact: 205-981-1616

This Japanese restaurant, named after the main shopping street in Tokyo, used to have Korean owners who tucked some of their favorite items into the menu. People come in for the sushi and then ask what smells so good…usually, it’s the Korean dishes.

5. Hunan Cuisine

Believe it or not, this Chinese restaurant has a half-page menu devoted to six Korean entrees you won’t see at other Korean restaurants in town. I hear they have a sweet and sour very spicy chicken dish that’s to die for.