Galway’s food scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself, with global flavours served up on every corner. Among them, Asian cuisine shines especially bright, offering everything from steaming bowls of noodles to delicate sushi and fiery curries. Whether you’re craving a comforting spice bag, a plate of pad Thai, or an authentic Japanese experience, Galway has no shortage of incredible Asian restaurants to explore. Here’s our guide to the best Asian restaurants in Galway, each one bringing its own unique flavour, culture, and dining experience to Galway.
above: photo courtesy Osaka
Osaka
What is it? - Korean and Japanese Restaurant
This is Galway’s order: The Bento Box of the Day. It’s a go of ours, and we’re always delighted with what the daily special is.
Address: 157-159 Upper Salthill and 32 Prospect Hill, Galway City Centre
Discover more here
With two locations in Galway (city centre and Salthill), Osaka offers authentic Japanese and Korean flavours with plenty of budget-friendly options. Affordable sushi & sashimi, gyoza, wok stars, curries and donburis dishes make it a fantastic spot for a delicious meal. With plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, Osaka makes sure everyone feels right at home. And, if you fancy switching up your regular order, be sure to try their bento box of the day, which is served with a bowl of miso soup.
Ré Nao
What is it? - Traditional Chinese Restaurant.
This is Galway’s order: The Traditional Nasi Goreng. A deliciously filling and wholesome meal, order it with dumplings as starters for complete satisfaction.
Address: Spanish Arch
Discover more here
If you are looking to try Chinese cuisine for the first time this restaurant is one of the best in Galway. Ré Nao is all about traditional Chinese cooking with a modern Galway twist. Using fresh, locally sourced produce, their chefs craft bold, flavourful dishes while dumplings and noodles are made from scratch daily in the open kitchen. With a full vegan menu prepared in a separate kitchen, Ré Nao is both inclusive and authentic. We recommend that you pair your meal with one of their signature Trouble Bubble cocktails for the full experience.
above: photo courtesy Khow Thai
Khow Thai
What is it? - Authentic Thai Restaurant
This is Galway’s order: The Red Duck Curry. Ordering this dish will get you fully hooked on Thai cuisine - you’ve been warned..
Address: 19A, Merrion House, Liosbán Industrial Estate
Discover more here
Khow Thai’s chefs use fresh Irish produce alongside authentic Thai ingredients from Thai suppliers to create wonderfully authentic dishes that just burst with flavour. From fragrant noodle soups to rich panang curries, the menu is full of dishes that will keep you coming back. With both collection and delivery available at affordable prices, it’s a great choice for dining in or enjoying Thai food at home. To visit Galway’s best Asian restaurants, a visit to Khow Thai is essential.
LANA Asian Street Food
What is it? - Asian Street Food Restaurant.
This is Galway’s order: The Pad Thai. It’s their staff’s favourite dish and also ours so you best believe that it’s good.
Address: 20A Mary Street, city centre & 224 Upper Salthill
Discover more here
LANA brings the hustle and bustle of Asian street food markets straight to Galway. With influences from Thailand, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia, their menu is a colourful mix of fragrant curries, spicy stir-fries, and flavour-packed noodles. Perfect for those who love variety, LANA has something to tempt everyone’s taste buds. LANA has restaurants across the Republic of Ireland, with multiple locations in Galway, so rest assured you’re never far from your next delicious Asian street food fix.
above: photo courtesy Kombu
Kombu
What is it? - Ramen and Bao Bar
This is Galway’s order: The Pork Belly Ramen. It’s their speciality and totally comforting.
Address: Druid Lane, Galway City
Discover more here
Inspired by Head Chef JP McMahon’s long-standing passion for Japanese food, Kombu, named after the Japanese seaweed, is characterised by a bold, flavour-driven menu rooted in the traditions of Japanese street food. As a Galway chef’s "love letter to Japan," it won’t surprise you that ramen takes centre stage here, with rich, comforting bowls of broth and Dan Dan noodles both popular options on the menu. Additionally, pillowy bao buns come filled with pork belly, crab, or maitake mushroom and are always a delightful lighter option.
Thai Garden
What is it? - Authentic Thai Restaurant
This is Galway’s order: The Pad Gra Prow stir fry. It’s packed with flavour and beautifully presented. After a long day of work, this dish never fails to delight.
Address: Spanish Arch
Discover more here
A family-friendly staple of Galway’s dining scene, Thai Garden is famous for its vibrant dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Specialising in group gatherings, the incredible culinary team at this exquisite Thai restaurant transform every meal into a five-star experience. Fun fact: the central Thai food style is also referred to as Royal Cuisine due to the elaborate preparation that goes into each dish? So if you’re after a meal fit for a king, pay a visit to Thai Garden in Galway.
above: photo courtesy Xi'an Street Food
Xi'an Street Food
What is it? - Casual Chinese Restaurant
This is Galway’s order: The Spicebag. It’s iconic, and we’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love it so be sure to check it out.
Address: 9 Quay Street, Galway city & Corralea West, Tuam
Discover more here
Showcasing Chinese food culture to the masses, this Asian restaurant honours the central Chinese city of Xi’an, and their array of noodles, dumplings and burgers are the tastiest way to be introduced to the region’s unique food culture and history. A true highlight has got to be watching their expert chefs make Biang Biang noodles by slapping these big thick lengths of dough against the counter as they’re pulled - also, they’re seriously tasty. Bold flavours, rich history, and unbeatable value make Xi’an one of the best Chinese restaurants in all of Ireland.
Ré Tea
What is it? - Bubble Tea & Chinese Street Food Restaurant
This is Galway’s order: The Breakfast Jianbing. If you’re starting your day in Galway City this spot is unmissable. Packed with great flavours their jianbing are unbeatable.
Address: 6 Quay Street
Discover more here
For something a little different, Ré Tea serves up authentic Chinese street food inspired by recipes from Shandong Province. Their bubble tea is a fan favourite, available in countless fruit and milk tea variations topped with chewy tapioca pearls. Refreshing, fun, and delicious, it’s the perfect companion to their more savoury dishes. Their unique menu is a huge draw and they also offer an incredible range of vegan and gluten free options ensuring there’s something for everyone.
above: photo courtesy City Sushi Galway
City Sushi Galway
What is it? - Japanese-inspired Sushi Restaurant
This is Galway’s order: The Spicy Salmon Hossomaki. Taking their Salmon Hossomaki to a new spice level, these rolls are addictive in the best sense.
Address: Galway Bay Seafoods, The Docks
Discover more here
Located at Galway Bay Seafoods, City Sushi is redefining Japanese dining in Galway. Chefs Helio and Lucas combine freshly caught local seafood with authentic Japanese cooking techniques, creating simple yet bold flavours. Their menu changes with the seasons, guaranteeing the freshest taste every time. At City Sushi Galway, guests can expect a dining experience that feels both modern and rooted in tradition. This is a restaurant for those who appreciate high-quality sushi paired with a curated selection of wines and sake.
Wa Café
What is it? - Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar
This is Galway’s order: The Nigri Set. Ideal for sharing or for enjoying solely on your own, if you love sushi this platter is guaranteed to hit the right spot.
Address: 13 New Dock Street
Discover more here
Wa Café is Galway’s go-to for sushi lovers. Known for its fresh, beautifully crafted dishes, Wa Café champions Irish seafood while honouring Japanese tradition. Alongside takeaway and dine-in options, they also offer sushi workshops and an omakase fine dining experience. For something truly special, catch them at the Galway Market by St Nicholas Collegiate Church on weekends. Where you can enjoy some of the freshest sushi Galway has to offer while you browse the gorgeous stalls.
above: photo courtesy Jalan Jalan
Jalan Jalan
What is it? - Thai Street Food Restaurant.
This is Galway’s order: The Lan Zou Beef Noodle Soup. Hearty and comforting, this dish is soul food done right.
Address: 37 Newcastle Road
Discover more here
Their Galway restaurant is where all the deliciousness of Jalan Jalan first began, and its popularity has only grown since. Their restaurants have now expanded to locations across the West, and for good reason. Jalan Jalan’s Thai street food is loved for its bold flavours and variety, think duck noodle soup, gyoza, kao pad, curries, and more. Whether dining in or taking away, this spot never disappoints.
Feature photo courtesy Thai Garden, by Anita Murphy.
Published on Updated on
