Moving to a new city, especially from overseas, can be exciting and a little daunting. One of the first things on my mind when I arrived in Baltimore as a student was to find the Best Asian Food Near Me. Whether you’re craving a taste of home or eager to explore new flavors, Baltimore near Johns Hopkins University has a fantastic range of Asian restaurants just waiting to be discovered. After a semester of exploring, here are some of my top picks for satisfying those Asian food cravings.
Orient Express: Szechuan Flavors Just Steps Away
Just a 10-minute walk from campus, Orient Express is a haven for anyone seeking authentic Szechuan cuisine. This Chinese restaurant, located right on St. Paul Street, is famous for its bold and spicy flavors, particularly the distinctive mala spice that creates a unique numbing sensation. Don’t be intimidated if you’re not a spice enthusiast – Orient Express also offers plenty of delicious non-spicy Chinese dishes.
As someone who didn’t grow up eating spicy food, I can attest that the spice level here is perfectly manageable, and truly enjoyable! However, I highly encourage you to embrace the spice, as that’s where Orient Express truly shines. My absolute favorite is the chicken with Szechuan pepper – the crispy chicken paired with the vibrant spice is simply irresistible. For the more adventurous eaters, I highly recommend trying the beef lungs in chili sauce. I know it might sound unusual, but trust me, it’s a culinary experience worth having. The unique texture of the beef lungs is wonderfully complemented by the rich chili sauce, making it a surprisingly refreshing and bold appetizer. It’s the perfect dish to step outside your comfort zone and try something new during your college years.
Kajiken: Experience Authentic Japanese Aburasoba
A short 8-minute walk from campus will lead you to Kajiken, where I had my first experience with aburasoba, a unique Japanese noodle dish. I honestly didn’t expect to discover a new favorite Japanese dish in Baltimore! Aburasoba is similar to ramen, but delightfully different – it’s served without broth. This might sound simple, but it allows the incredibly flavorful umami sauce to truly take center stage. The homemade noodles are perfectly textured, adding to the overall satisfying experience.
For a truly memorable meal, order the homura aburasoba, Kajiken’s most popular dish. It delivers a fantastic spicy kick that I’ve grown to love. After years of avoiding spice, I’ve truly become an appreciator, and Kajiken has definitely fueled that appreciation. If you are searching for a unique and flavorful Japanese culinary experience, Kajiken is a must-try for best asian food near me.
Sakoon Indian Fusion: A Welcoming Introduction to Indian Cuisine
Sakoon Indian Fusion, also conveniently located a 10-minute walk from campus on St. Paul Street, is a fantastic option for those beginning to explore the diverse world of Indian food. Let me preface by saying I’m not an Indian food expert, so I won’t comment on authenticity. However, Sakoon offers a delicious and approachable introduction to Indian flavors. You’ll find all the popular and comforting dishes here, like butter chicken served with mouthwatering garlic naan. Honestly, I’ve yet to meet anyone who can resist garlic naan!
When ordering, be prepared for a bit of fun when choosing your spice level. The waiters will playfully ask if you mean spice on an “Indian or American scale,” which is both helpful and humorous! Sakoon also features a lunch buffet seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and I’ve heard they include unlimited mango lassi as part of the buffet. Unlimited mango lassi? That’s an opportunity no one should miss. For a tasty and accessible Indian food experience, Sakoon is a great choice when looking for best asian food near me.
Ekiben: Asian Fusion Buns That Will Change Your Mind
A slightly further walk (20 minutes, or a quick 10-minute shuttle ride) will take you to Hampden and Ekiben, an Asian-fusion restaurant that completely changed my perspective on fusion cuisine. I’ve always been skeptical of fusion food, wondering if it can truly be exceptional. Ekiben proved me wrong, serving up some of the best buns and sandwiches I’ve ever tasted.
My regular order, the Neighborhood Bird, is a brilliant creation: Taiwanese curry fried chicken, spicy sambal mayo, all nestled in a soft, pillowy bun. Words can barely describe the incredible combination of flavors and textures. It’s a culinary experience I couldn’t have imagined before trying it myself. Vegetarians, take note: my friend raves about their tofu buns and hasn’t stopped thinking about them. Don’t forget to check out their drinks too – the iced tea was absolutely fantastic. So, don’t just walk, run to Hampden and experience the magic of Ekiben for some truly best asian food near me in a unique style.
Bodhi Corner: Authentic Thai Flavors in Hampden
Also located in the vibrant Hampden neighborhood (20-minute walk or 10-minute shuttle), Bodhi Corner is a fantastic Thai restaurant. I know it might sound basic, but pad thai has always been my go-to Thai dish. And as someone who has eaten a lot of pad thai, I can confidently say Bodhi Corner serves some of the very best. The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, creating an exquisite flavor profile.
During my visit, I also ventured out and tried panang curry for the first time, and it’s now a permanent addition to my list of favorite Thai dishes. Bodhi Corner has ignited my desire to explore the vast and diverse world of Thai cuisine further. I can’t wait to return and continue my culinary journey here, discovering more of the best asian food near me.
