Galway’s foodie offerings span the length and breadth of the globe, providing an authentic glimpse into the cultures and cuisines of far off places. When it comes to Asian food in Galway, there are loads of fantastic restaurants that showcase the niche flavours and nuanced approaches to cooking across various regions of the continent. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick spice bag or some tasty pad Thai, here are our top picks for the best Asian food in Galway.
Osaka
Bringing brand new tastes to the West of Ireland, Osaka Japanese and Korean BBQ restaurant offers visitors a dining experience of the finest Japanese and Asian cuisine. Their kitchen uses only the freshest ingredients and never uses MSG. Serving hot pot, donburis, currys, sushis, noodles and wok stars, there is something to suit everyone, with a variety of gluten free and vegan/vegetarian options available too. Be sure to check out their daily special bento box, available for both lunch and dinner, which is both delicious and affordable.
157-159 Upper Salthill // more here
above: photo courtesy of Osaka
Mary Mullens Bar
Providing a fresh new take on Asian fusion cuisine, the menus at Mary Mullens Bar are crafted to satisfy every craving from the first bite to the last. For an forgettable culinary experience, indulge in a symphony of bold flavours that will elevate your day. Their food menu is available seven days a week from 1pm until late. Their menu features items such as; Taiwanese crispy chicken bowl, Katsu curry and Korean spiced fish fingers.
12-14 Prospect Hill // more here
above: photo courtesy of Mary Mullens Bar
Ré Nao
A traditional Chinese restaurant that uses only the finest locally sourced produce they lovingly recreate delectable Chinese dishes that have withstood the test of time. Their team of experienced chefs and excellent front of house staff are all passionate Chinese food and culture, guaranteeing you bold flavours and great cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to offering an authentic Asian menu, they also provide a full vegan menu with its own separate kitchen area.
Spanish Arch // more here
above: photo courtesy of Ré Nao
Thai Garden
This authentic Thai restaurant has been a family-favourite in Galway for decades. Thai Garden is a must visit for both locals and visitors alike. They specialise in group gatherings and with their combination of beautifully presented dishes and restaurant’s own unique ambiance, they can turn all events into a five star occasion. Did you know that 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.
Spanish Arch // more here
above: photo courtesy of Thai Garden
Umbrella Asian Tapas
Umbrella Asian Tapas is perfect place to try new things and discover amazing flavours with pals. This vibrant and welcoming restaurant that specialises in small portions and Asian-style sharing plates means you can try a little bit of everything, and you’ll want to! Spring rolls, all kinds of sticky and delicious chicken skewers, sushi, fried noodles, BBQ ribs and aromatic duck pancakes. What makes them even more unique is their quirky décor with umbrellas and colourful birdcages, you’ll really feel like you’ve just stepped into an Eastern market.
2 Middle Street // more here
above: photo courtesy of Umbrella Asian Tapas
City Sushi Galway
For an authentic taste of the sea, City Sushi Galway has partnered with Galway Bay Seafoods to offer you the best locally caught seafoods in a range of delicious dishes. Chefs Helio and Lucas are bringing Galway city a fresh new take on Japanese cuisine infusing each dish with bold but simple flavours. The atmosphere is traditional but unique, and each dish is composed to ensure a bold yet simplistic culinary adventure. . At City Sushi Experience, the courses are built on seasonal properties, utilizing only the freshest, most delicious ingredients available.
Galway Bay Seafoods, The Docks // more here
above: photo courtesy of City Sushi Galway
Khow Thai
At Khow Thai, they have put together the perfect ingredients to enable you to enjoy a truly authentic Thai experience. Their skilled chefs use only the freshest ingredients and products from their unique Thai suppliers to create all the wonderful and authentic Traditional Thai dishes. Whether you go for a wholesome bowl of noodle soup or a panang curry, this restaurant will have you coming back for seconds. They also have a collection and take away service and will deliver right to your door at very affordable prices.
19A, Merrion House, Liosbán Industrial Estate // more here
above: photo courtesy of Khow Thai
Xi'an Street Food
If you haven’t tried one of Xi’an Street Food’s legendary spice bags yet, where have you been?! Showcasing Chinese food culture to the masses, this 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.
9 Quay Street & Corralea West, Tuam // more here
above: photo courtesy of Xi'an Street Food
LANA Asian Street Food
Bringing the tastes, colours and smells of Asian street food to Ireland, the team at LANA come from Thailand, Indonesia, China and Malaya and reflect the nuances of these different areas in their variety of options. From spicy dishes such as Sweet Chilli Chicken to creamy, slow-cooked curries and noodles packed with flavour, it’s hard to pick just one dish. With fragrances and flavours that will make your mouth water just from reading the menu, you’ll find a huge range of dishes to suit all tastes at LANA.
20A Mary Street & 224 Upper Salthill // more here
above: photo courtesy of LANA Salthill
Ré Tea
Specialising in traditional Chinese street food inspired by ancient recipes from the Shandong Province, Ré Tea provides us with exceptionally unique options that always keep us coming back for more. This spot also serves bubble tea, which is made by blending a tea base with milk, fruit and fruit juices before toppling in the signature flavoured tapioca pearls. It’s a sweet, cool refreshing and really delicious treat. It comes in as many flavours as there are teas and fruits, so you can pick and choose.
6 Quay St // more here
above: photo courtesy of Ré Tea
Jalan Jalan
This Galway location is where all the deliciousness of Jalan Jalan first began. From the success of this location they have gone on to open three more locations around the West of Ireland so if you needed any assurance of their great flavours and impeccable reputation this is it. They serve Thai street food perfection at all of their locations and their menus include items such as; rice noodles, duck noodle soup, gyoza, kao pad, curries and much much more.
37 Newcastle Rd // more here
above: photo courtesy of Jalan Jalan
Wa Café
Wa Café is a modern and authentic Japanese restaurant and sushi bar serving high quality, award winning healthy, well balanced & homemade fresh dishes locally sourced and cooked in Japanese traditional way. Their mission is to introduce their customer to a higher sushi experience and to also create new value on Irish seafood. They are open for takeaway, indoor dining, omakase fine dining and sushi workshops, you'll also find them every weekend at the Galway Market by St. Nicholas Collegiate Church.
13 New Dock St // more here
above: photo courtesy of Wa Café
Feature photo by Ré Nao
