There are also lots of Asian-owned businesses in the northern suburbs. Who knew that you could find authentic Japanese, Korean food like Grandma's (or what I imagine a Korean grandma's cooking must taste like), and decent boba tea in the Deep South. I had heard about large pockets of Vietnamese-Americans, mainly in Duluth and Norcross. But I had no idea there was a large Korean population until I first visited Atlanta in 2012.
Korean restaurants are everywhere. They have cute, European-style bakeries, like Tree Story. In the mood for bulgogi and bimbimbap? You're in luck; the choices abound. On my most recent trip, I really wanted to try Jang Su Jang, an extremely popular Korean restaurant, but the wait was too long and we were hungry. Maybe next time.
We did, however, wait for Shoya Izakaya, and it was soooooo worth it. Talk about exotic. Here are some of the dishes that we feasted on:
 |
| Fried purple potato |
 |
| Sauteed clam organs! |
If you're craving for a good bowl of pho, I Luv Pho and Lotus Vietnamese Restaurant are both great options. Lotus's pho bowls come in extra large!
Also, make time to check out Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Mission. This church's social hall is where it's at. You don't have to attend mass, just go here on Sunday morning to buy things like banh mi, Vietnamese pork-and-wood-ear-filled rice crepes (banh cuon), assorted desserts, and "green tea waffle," which is one of my absolute favorite snacks.
Now that I'm home, all I can do is bitterly complain about the inferior Asian offerings in the DC metropolitan area. Atlanta's Asian restaurants, from what I've seen, offer more plentiful portions and better quality food at more affordable prices. This southern city is now one of my favorite foodie cities. On my next visit, I will definitely try more New American and Southern restaurants, but I will also make time for a comforting bowl of soondubu, more Japanese pub fare, possibly vegetarian or seafood ramen, and down-home Vietnamese dishes. :D
