Spend 24 Hours Supporting Asian-Owned Businesses in Charlotte
There are many exciting, rich and diverse Asian-owned businesses in Charlotte.
by Alice Lee
As you’re making weekend plans or simply thinking about what to eat or do next, here’s a 24-hour guide to help you support and enjoy Asian-owned businesses across the area.
Morning
Jumpstart your morning with Dim Sum, a large range of small dishes that’s typically enjoyed family style for breakfast or lunch, at Open Rice in Midtown or Ballantyne. While you’re there, order the authentic bubble waffle that’s filled with ice cream and comes with toppings of your choice. Dim sum is served daily, but Saturdays and Sundays offer a push cart service that brings the options right to your table.
Next, head over to Asian Market to grab some groceries. This supermarket features handmade bao buns, an expansive assortment of fresh produce, live seafood and an ever-rotating buffet line of Chinese dishes you can order as part of a lunch box with steamed rice.
With your belly full and your pantry stocked, it’s time for some self-care. Schedule an appointment with owner and hairstylist Binh at Binh Beauty Salon in Plaza Midwood. Binh only accepts cash so you may need to stop by an ATM beforehand. While you’re at it, grab some tip money and head to Mimosas Nail Bar for a luxury manicure and pedicure.
Now that your nails are Instagram-worthy, make your way to ShareTea on Central Avenue for a bubble tea to hold in the perfect shot. Keep it classic and get the fresh milk tea with bubbles or get a customer favorite, the Wintermelon tea with light ice. You can personalize your drink by adding countless topping options, such as boba, pudding, herbal jelly, aloe vera or fresh milk foam, and even adjust the sweetness level and specify the amount of ice in your drink.
Noon
Hungry again? Grab a bowl of noodle soup or pho, a dish with rice noodles, beef broth and herbs, from Lang Van Vietnamese. Or head over to one of Rai Lay’s locations for Khao Soi, noodles in a spicy and sweet coconut-based broth. Opt for Vegetable Ramen at YUME in South End. If you're looking for a deal, Red Ginger, a Japanese steakhouse in Uptown, has popular hibachi and bento box lunch specials. Venture to south Charlotte and check out the Niu Rou Mian, a beef noodle soup, at Riceblossom: Sushi & Asian Cuisine.
Next, source some local goods to bring home, starting with a cactus or tropical house plant at The Cactus Club in Plaza Midwood. You might even spot Cactus Club around town doing pop-ups from a cool green bus. If you’re still in the shopping mood, head to Society Social and scope out beautiful homewares. If you just need to spruce up what you already own, drop off your furniture at Sara Chen Design for a facelift.
Schedule a viewing of local artist Duy Huynh’s paintings at his personal studio, Lark and Key. Purchase one of his whimsical pieces as a keepsake from your day’s adventures. Didn’t make an appointment? For an on-the-fly art experience, check out The Fuse Project by artist Kenny Nguyen. His art installation on Brevard Street, on the Brooklyn Collective building, uses recycled materials.
Evening
There are countless dinner options to choose from in the Queen City. Go for the Yakiniku (Japanese grilled meat) at Gyu-Kaku in Uptown, sushi at Yamazaru in South End or Japanese food at Musashi in south Charlotte. For authentic, handmade dumplings, the Dumpling Flight at Sun's Kitchen is a must try. Or check out Botiwalla at Optimist Hall, an Indian street food concept from James Beard-nominated chef Meherwan Irani. From lamb burgers to the chicken tikka roll and skewer, there’s no shortage of delicious Indian food to try.
No evening is complete without a nightcap. Try the Yogurt Soju, a drink with Korean distilled alcohol and Yakult yogurt, at Seoul Food Meat Company. Or, sip a craft cocktail at Hawkers Asian Street Food. End the night with some dancing at one of the many places DJ Billy Leng spins. Check out his Instagram for his latest bookings.
When your day winds down, you will have a new appreciation for small, Asian-run businesses here in Charlotte. Hopefully these will become favorites in your dining, shopping and leisure repertoire.
Article originally written by Alice Lee. Updates by Arielle Patterson in April 2024.
