Celebrating Arlington’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Businesses
Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, celebrated annually in May, pays tribute to the achievements of generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have shaped United States history and enriched our culture.
Throughout the year and especially during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage month, Arlington recognizes local businesses that are representative of the Asia and Pacific Island region. Here we identify AAPI restaurants and other businesses in 8 different areas of Arlington that are enhancing the vibrancy and diversity of our local economy and community.
1. Ballston
- Urban Tandoor is an Asian restaurant that showcases the culinary delicacies of Nepal and India, including classic curries, tandoor, and grilled items. Be sure to try the momos, which are meat or vegetable-filled dumplings that hail from Nepal and the Himalayas.
- Other favorite Asian restaurants in Ballston: Thai Treasure, Bollywood Bistro Express, Rice Crook, Roll’d, Ice Cream Jubilee
2. Clarendon
3. Columbia Pike
- At Bangkok 54, enjoy authentic Thai food that pays homage to how it was served at home by the owners’ mother. Next door, the Bangkok 54 Market specializes in Asian grocery products and freshly prepared ready-to-eat meals.
- Other favorite Asian eateries in Columbia Pike: Boru Ramen, Thai Square, Good Fortune, Supreme Hot Pot, Takohachi Japanese Restaurant, Top's China, Mrs. Chen's Kitchen, Panda Bowl, Pho Saigon Pearl, Ginger Beef,
Andy's Carryout, and Rappahannock Coffee.
4. Langston Boulevard
- The Asia Halal Supermarket, a well-known spot for halal meat, also sells fresh produce and Bangladeshi goods.
- Head farther east on Langston Boulevard and you’ll find the Philippine Oriental Market and Deli, a locally owned and operated one-stop-shop for Filipino and Asian grocery items, turo-turo style hot food, baked goods, and catering.
- Sushi Zen offers a delicious meal to each person that walks through its doors. The Japanese character for Zen means "dining table" and represents a time for family and friends to share a meal, discuss the day’s happenings, and enjoy their time together in a warm family atmosphere - this is exactly what you will find at Sushi Zen.
- Peter Chang is nestled in the Lee Harrison Shopping Centre. Chef Peter Chang brings his Szechuan cuisine to Langston Boulevard. The restaurant offers excellent selections and an environment fit for gatherings of both family and friends. Duck in a Stone Pot, Chicken with Onion & Chili and Dry-Fried Eggplant are just a few of the delicious options diners can find at Peter Chang. See today why these full-flavored dishes have taken diners by storm, earning the praise of New York Times and Washington Post reviewers.
- Maneki Neko Express was founded in 2002 by best friends Futoshi “Tao” Takazato and Kanya “Fai” Thonprasert, Maneki Neko is a family-oriented place filled with delicious and authentic Japanese cuisine. The restaurant prides itself in being a welcoming environment for all who step through the door, always excited to see regulars and meet new visitors. Stop by for a delicious, memorable meal and some great company.
- Chill Zone has a unique philosophy – taking it back to basics. They pride themselves on bringing high-quality, organic, and traditional foods to their customers each and every day. It is the perfect place for friends and family to stop by for satisfying cuisine, delicious coffee, and a fun, relaxing environment.
- KH Art Framing is a family-owned business open since 1986, KH Art & Framing is an excellent place to get art framed, pick out a new wall color, or find advice on ways to spruce up your home. The business provides consistent high-quality Custom Framing, Digital Photo Processing, and Art Consulting services for their clients.
- Other favorite AAPI businesses on Langston Boulevard: India A1 Grocery and Minerva Express
5. National Landing
- Bun’d Up serves traditional Taiwanese Ga Bao and other Korean street food, soups, and stews in the Pentagon City area.
- Sparrow Room is a speakeasy-style mahjong parlor serving dim sum and cocktails. Located inside the Bun’d Up restaurant at Pentagon Row.
- Other favorite Asian hot spots in National Landing: Kohinoor Dhaba, Bonsai Grill, Neramitra Thai, Urban Thai, Rice Bar DC, Asia Bistro, Sushi Garden, Young Chow, and RASA.
6. Rosslyn
- Gong Cha was founded in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in 2006, and has expanded globally. Stop in for one of their bubble teas or try their specialty “Milk Foam.”
- TNR Café, a neighborhood staple for more than ten years, is a go-to for Chinese food made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Other favorite Asian eateries in Rosslyn: Happy Eatery, Thai Select, Saigon Noodles and Grill, Toryumon Japanese House, Kanpai, Pho 75, Sushi Rock.
7. Shirlington
- At T.H.A.I., dine on sophisticated new dishes inspired by the owner’s grandmother, Old World recipes, and Thai street food, crafted with fresh local produce and meat.
- Consider a trip to Ichiban, which serves a mix of traditional Japanese and Chinese delights, including tempura, gyoza, sashimi and nigiri, and fresh, innovative sushi rolls.
- Another favorite Asian restaurant in Shirlington: Aroma Indian Cuisine
8. AAPI Tech Companies
Many of the leaders of Arlington’s successful tech companies are of Asian American or Pacific Islander heritage. Here are a few:
- Subsystem Technologies, Inc. is a federal government contractor and leading provider of engineering and technical services nationwide.
- Fu Associates, Ltd. is a minority-owned company with deep knowledge of federal programs. They specialize in IT solutions, website development, and data analytics.
- VerticalApps is an IT services company providing Agile application development, data services, and intelligent automation to federal government clients.
- Syneren Technologies Corporation serves the project needs of government and commercial customers and specializes in operating, maintaining, and modernizing applications and IT systems for the federal government.
Author: Kirby Clark