Have you ever dreamed of taking a trip to the Taj Mahal or the Great Wall of China? Do you think the only place to try real Asian food is in Asia? Well, good news! Birmingham is full of authentic Asian-inspired restaurants, buildings, markets and more. Keep reading to discover The Magic City in a new way.
Restaurants + markets
We already know Bham has an amazing food scene and these Asian-inspired restaurants just add to the fun. Check out these Indian, Chinese, Japanese cuisines and everything in-between. Warning, don’t read on an empty stomach, cause you def will want to try them all.
1. Bay Leaf
If you are a fan of spicy and flavorful meals, Bay Leaf will be your new best friend. Try their Tahgra Chili Chicken if that is inspired from the streets of Tangra, Kolkata.
- Location: 1024 20th St S Unit 101, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9:30PM | Friday-Saturday, 11AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
2. Super Oriental Market
Red Pearl’s Asian market, Super Oriental Market is the perfect place to take in Asian culture and find you new fav food.
- Location: 243 W Valley Ave, Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 9AM-9:30PM | Friday-Saturday, 9AM-10PM
- Website | Facebook
3. Shu Shop
Located in the heart of Birmingham’s theater district, Shu Shop is an authentic Japanese restaurant that is known for its delicious ramen and fun sake flavors. If you are looking for a stellar food menu and good vibes, this is the place to be.
- Location: 1820 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5-11PM | Friday-Saturday, 5PM-1AM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
4. Red Pearl
Those seeking authentic asian food, Red Pearl has it all. The chicken fried rice is out of this world, so be sure to count on Red Pearl if you’re craving Chinese food.
- Location: 243 W Valley Ave, Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Daily | 10AM-8:30PM
- Website | Facebook
5. Mr. Chen’s
You can’t think about Birmingham Chinese food without thinking of Mr. Chen’s. There’s something special and authentic about this spot on Green Springs Highway that people love to visit. They’re know for their variety in taste and their fresh ingredients.
- Location: 808 Green Springs Hwy Ste, Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Thursday-Tuesday | 11AM-9PM
- Website | Facebook
6. Hometown Supermarket
Hometown Supermarket is the Asian market connected to Mr. Chen’s. The staff is super friendly and willing to help you find the perfect products to complete your at-home Asian-inspired meal. You can find fresh fish, produce, dry goods and more, all without leaving the country.
- Location: 808 Green Springs Hwy Ste, Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Daily | 10AM-9PM
- Website | Facebook
Buildings + nature
From Japanese cherry blossom tree to rich, colorful temples, Birmingham hosts tons of Asian-inspired sites that you may not know about.
7. Birmingham Botanical Asian Garden
One of my favorite spots in Birmingham is the Asian Gardens at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. There will you find coy fish, red bridges, Japanese-style huts, Asian-native plants and much more. It truly feels like you are being transported into a quaint Asian town.
- Location: 2612 Lane Park Rd Birmingham, AL 35223
- Hours: Daily | 7AM-5PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
8. BMA Sculpture Garden
Looking for a place to relax and unwind? The outdoor sculpture garden at the Birmingham Museum of Art is the perfect place, especially as Spring is in the horizon. You will find multiple Hindu and Indian inspired pieces, plus Japanese cherry blossom trees blooming.
- Location: 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours:
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. Hindu Temple
Whether you are a part of the Hindu religion, interested in learning more or want to participate in the numerous activities and festivals hosted, the Hindu Temple in Pelham is a stunning and awe-inspiring place. You can see the rich culture through the paintings and temples, it is hard to remember you are still in Birmingham.
- Location: 200 N Chandalar Dr Apt 1, Pelham, AL 35124
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 9-11:30AM, 5:30-8:30PM | Saturday-Sunday, 9AM-12:30PM, 5-8:30PM
- Website | Facebook
Map
In Huntsville? Here is how you can spend an Asian-inspired day.
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