Spring is a time for renewal and rebirth, and after the last few months, I know I need a fresh start. We don’t know how long we’ll be in our current state, but I do know that when things get better, I will be dining out at my favorite restaurants.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and as an American-born Chinese woman, I’m trying to support local and family-owned Asian restaurants. Collin County has a wide variety of excellent Asian cuisine that will please any picky palate. These are some of my favorite places to eat in and around Collin County.
My Favorite Asian Cuisine in Collin County
Pho Crystal | Allen/Fairview
My favorite Vietnamese soup in Allen/Fairview. The owner is super friendly, and everything is delicious. My favorites are the chicken rice noodle soup (pho) and the iced coffee with condensed milk. Pho is my comfort food; I can eat this noodle soup dish any time of year, and it’s a staple for many Vietnamese families.
ViVi Bubble Tea | Frisco
This is my son’s favorite restaurant/bubble tea place. Best popcorn chicken in town, and the fried pork chop bento box is my favorite dish. And of course, ViVi has a wide selection of refreshing bubble tea that goes perfectly with the delicious Taiwanese snack food.
85° Bakery | Richardson, Carrollton, Plano, Frisco
This is a weekly stop for my family for our pastries and baked goods. I love the chocolate croissants, Chinese egg tarts, and the freshly baked bread. They also have the most amazing cakes, which you can get them by the slice or whole.
Sweet Rice | Carrollton, Allen, Frisco
I had Laotian friends in college, and they introduced me to so much great Thai/Laotian cuisine. Sweet Rice has all of my faves. If you’re looking for a spicy kick, get the papaya salad. It’s made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, chili, and garlic. My main go-to dish is the Pad See Ew: stir-fried flat noodles with egg, broccoli, and sweet rice seasoning.
Shaka Hawaiian BBQ | The Colony
I eat here at least once a month. The kalua pork is my kid’s go-to meal. Kalua pork is tender, fall-apart pork with a side of white rice and cabbage, a classic Hawaiian staple. I always get the Hawaiian BBQ mix: barbecue chicken, barbecue beef, and Korean kalibi short ribs—so delicious!
Wu Wei Din | Plano
This place taste likes home; it’s Chinese food at its best. My favorites are the pork chop fried rice and beef noodle soup. They recently added soup dumplings, juicy dumplings filled with soup and a pork and veggie mixture. It’s heaven in a bite and my family’s new fave.