9 Asian-inspired restaurants, markets, gardens and more in Birmingham

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Bay Leaf food
Birmingham is home to a variety of Asian-inspired restaurants. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Ever dreamed of visiting the Taj Mahal or the Great Wall of China without leaving the city? You’re in luck!

Birmingham is full of authentic Asian-inspired restaurants, markets, gardens and more.

Keep reading to explore the richness of Asian culture we have right here in The Magic City.

This guide was originally created in February 2023 and was last updated in September 2024.

Restaurants + markets

1. Bay Leaf

Bay Leaf food
Bay Leaf has a blend of both Indian + Asian-inspired cuisine. (Hannah Chambley / Bham Now)

Bay Leaf is the perfect companion for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors.

Try their Tahgra Chili Chicken that’s inspired from the eats in the streets of Tangra, Kolkata.

2. Super Oriental Market

mooncakes
These colorful mooncakes from Super Oriental Market look incredible. (Super Oriental Market)

Red Pearl’s Asian market, Super Oriental Market is one of my favorite markets in Birmingham.

It is the perfect place to take in Asian culture and find new and exciting food varieties.

3. Shu Shop

Shu Shop
Shu Shop has some of the best ramen in town. (Grace Howard / Bham Now)

Shu Shop is an authentic Japanese restaurant best 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.

4. Red Pearl

Red Pearl 9 Asian-inspired restaurants, markets, gardens and more in Birmingham
You can’t go wrong with any of Red Pearl’s dishes. (Red Pearl)

For those of you craving genuine Chinese cuisine, Red Pearl has it all and more.

I’ve eaten the General Tso’s chicken more times than I’d like to admit and will continue to do so.

5. Mr. Chen’s

Mr. Chen's
These dumplings from Mr. Chen’s are just as delicious as they look. (Mr. Chen’s)

You can’t think about Birmingham Chinese food without thinking of Mr. Chen’s.

They are best known for their variety in taste and their incredibly fresh ingredients.

6. Hometown Supermarket

Storefront of Mr. Chen's Supermarket
I love a good shopping spree at Hometown Supermarket. (Cheyenne Trujillo / Bham Now)

Hometown Supermarket is the Asian market connected to Mr. Chen’s.

You can find fresh fish, produce, dry goods and more, all without leaving the country.

Gardens + temples

7. Japanese Garden at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

birmingham botanical gardens, asian garden
My favorite view at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. (Emma Johnston / Bham Now)

One of my favorite spots in the city is the Japanese Garden at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

There you can find coy fish, beautiful red bridges, Japanese-style huts, Asian-native plants and much more.

8. Birmingham Museum of Art Sculpture Garden

asian-inspired garden
Find me at the Birmingham Museum of Art’s Sculpture Garden all fall long. (Emma Johnston / Bham Now)

Looking for a place to relax and unwind? Look no further than the Sculpture Garden at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

It has multiple Hindu and Indian-inspired pieces, plus Japanese cherry blossom trees blooming in the spring.

9. Hindu Temple

hindu temple hoover
What a stunning display at the Hindu Temple. (The Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of Birmingham / Facebook)

Whether you’re a part of the Hindu religion or interested in learning more, the Hindu Temple is an awe-inspiring place.

While you explore the rich culture through paintings and temples, it’s hard to remember you’re still in Birmingham.

Map

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Contributors to this guide include Emma Johnston + Sarah Morgan Freeman.

Sarah Morgan Freeman
Sarah Morgan Freeman
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