"Miami Asian food"

Miami Spice 2022: 29 Restaurants for Asian Food Lovers!

August 17, 2022 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

If you love Asian food, Miami Spice 2022 from August 1 to September 31 gives you a chance to try a three course meal at a reasonable cost from their regular menu. From Chinese, Korean, Japanese to Pan Asian, Miami Spice is a great way to get a taste of restaurants you want to try and possibly was beyond your budget.

**Hutong, Peking Duck carved at the table.**

These are not reviews or even recommendations, just my personal observations from times I’ve dined at certain restaurants. I’m shocked how many I have been to.

Below is my complete list of 29 Asian restaurants. For the list of over 200 restaurants, go to Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). Go soon. This is a massive undertaking, so be understanding and patient.

I’ve been slacking posting about Asian restaurants in S. Florida, be patient and you’ll be rewarded with some soon, I promise.

Enjoy! Drop a comment below which one you liked, your dining experience or if I missed any out. And if you’re interested in joining one of my Wok Star Supper Club events where we visit usually a chef owned Asian restaurant, click on the CONTACT tab and specify you want to get on my list for this.

Here are a few tips to help you get the best experience for Miami Spice…

Spice Menu… check to make sure you understand menu and options PRIOR to making reservations and if in doubt, call and have them clarify so you won’t get disappointed.

Parking…check this prior to making reservations. South Beach is a challenge.

Reservations…definitely a must, do not just show up. Mention you’ll be having Spice Menu.

Clarify…some Entrees have extra costs, check so you don’t get sticker shock.

Certain Days & Times…make sure to double check the days and time range they offer Spice menu. It is posted on the GMCVB website.

Lunch or Dinner…some only offer Lunch OR Dinner, some offer both.

Two Dinner Menus…some offera $45 OR $60 menu or both.

**Cote, Korean BBQ, Design District. 4 oz. of hangar and rib eye steak with banchan**

COTE Miami, a Korean Steakhouse
Today, I had a mini Butcher’s Lunch BBQ for extra $12 (total $40) with 2 meats, Ribeye and USDA Prime Hanger Steak, 4 ounces total but enough for me. Cooked by your server at BBQ table. Accompanied by 7 dishes of banchan which included a souffle. See photo. Tricky timing when other guests ordered the Prime Rib Baguette and finished much earlier, so they had to watch me eat and wait for their dessert.

CH’I, pan Asian
Only had lunch bites from the Mercardo not restaurant when they opened. Beautiful modern Asian artwork. Restaurant is run by Chef Raffa who is very good with Asian flavors. I have not tried dinner there. It’s at Brickell City Center.

Chotto Matte, Peruvian with Asian flavors
I went when they first opened. Everything was beautifully executed. Interesting decor and the front door is in an alley in South Beach!

Da Tang Zhen Wei, Chinese
I went when they first opened many years ago. It’s inside a condo hotel when you enter Key Biscayne. I see they’ve modernize and now specialize in Hot Pot.

**Dragonfly Izakaya, Doral. Dining and lounge area.**

Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market, Japanese
I’ve been several times for lunch and dinner and really like it there. Beautiful Japanese decor and high ceilings. So, I’m sure the Spice Menu will be delightful.

Drunken Dragon, Korean BBQ
Interesting restaurant/bar lounge with Korean BBQ. I had a sold out Wok Star Supper Club when Chef Xavier Torres cooked up a feast including a very addictive Cracked Ribs. What we had was very well executed.

**Est.33 Thai Craft Brewery, Brickell City Centre. Asian flavors, American BBQ and Singha Beer**

EST.33 Thai Craft Brewery & Kitchen, Asian
Thai food with craft brew right there! We had very good grilled meats, their pork belly was tender with a really crispy skin. Knockout venue, wide space filled with light and seating out on the balcony. It’s at Brickell City Center.

**Est.33 Thai Craft Brewery, Brickell City Centre serving Singha Beer**

Hakkasan Miami Beach, Chinese
Fabulous chefs who know about Chinese techniques. Looks like a nice menu with lots of choices and Dim Sum, that’s what they specialize in. The traditional wood panels and decor is outstanding. Set inside Fountaineblue Hotel.

**Hakkasan Dining Room, Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach. Exquisite Chinese carved wood panels**. Photo courtesy Hakkasan.

I had another sold out Wok Star Supper Club! They treated us like royalty and surprised us with a complimentary glass of champagne!

**Hakkasan, Fontainebleau Hotel. This is just an example of their dim sum, not ones offered during Miami Spice.** Photo courtesy Hakkasan.

**Hutong, Brickell City Centre, vibrant dining room and bar area**

Hutong, Chinese
Hands down, is one of our favs, food is EXCELLENT. Modern, cheerful and tasteful decor and food was top notch. There’s option to have Peking Duck on the Spice Menu for extra cost! It’s just how I remember it made in Hong Kong. So, if you’ve not experienced it, it’s highly recommended. In Brickell but not City Center. Has lovely outdoor dining area as well.

Jaya, at The Setai, Pan Asian
Only been a guest during South Beach Wine & Food Festival Indian dinner. Outdoor dining by the pool is lovely.

Juvia Miami, International
Beautiful views from rooftop oasis, gorgeous plant wall with interesting International menu by Chef Sunny Oh. Went many years ago.

Koari, Mediterranean with Asian flavors
Says Mediterranean but I know has Asian flavors cause Chef Raymond Li is there doing his magic. In Brickell but not the City Center.

Kao Sushi & Grill, Japanese
Sounds like they have Argentinean influences with empanadas and flan.

Katsuya South Beach, Japanese
Only been to an interesting art event with delicious sushi in their upstairs area, so not experienced their dining area.

Kosushi Miami, Japanese
Looks like a nice selection of dinner menu. I’ve never been.

Kyu, Pan Asian
Went for lunch when they first opened, good grilled meats. Lovely dining room with few tables outdoors and an amazing plant wall.

**Minty Z, Coconut Grove. Fun murals with vegan cuisine and loads of dumpling options.**

Minty Z Vegan, Pan Asian
If you’re vegan, you’ll be in heaven! Cute dining area and fun artwork. There are a few outdoor tables. There’s dumplings galore. Of course in my “adopted city” of Coconut Grove.

Mr. Chow Miami, Chinese
I’ve only been to the one in London but I did pop in to take a look at spacious dining room and large outdoor dining, very nice. They are pricey, so might be a great way to get a taste! It’s inside W Hotel in South Beach.

Pao by Paul Qui at Faena Miami Beach Pan Asian
Went when they first opened. The food was divine so was the service. Magical and beautiful settings. Go for walk round the gorgeous gardens after your meal and of course take photo with Damien Hurst’s famous gilded sculpture. It’s at Faena Hotel, notice exquisite artwork on the walls in lobby when you walk through.

Paperfish Sushi, Japanese
My talented friend is executive Chef Mike Asalie. His unique sushi/sashimi combinations really are exotic with gorgeous presentations. I’ve not been here yet but I’ve tasted Mike’s amazing creations.

**Planta Queen, Coconut Grove. Spectacular Singapore Noodles offered on Miami Spice!**

Planta Queen, Vegan
Dined there, beautiful classical Chinese decor and also a modern area. The co-owner chef is Malaysian (my mom was born in Singapore), so there are many dishes I was familiar with. Flavors were spot on. Yay, they have Singapore Noodles on Spice Menu, try it. Another in my “adopted city”, Coconut Grove.

**Planta Queen, Coconut Grove. Beautiful classical Chinese decor.**

Pubbelly Sushi Miami Beach, Aventura,Brickell City Center,Dadeland, Japanese
Four locations! Everything there is so good. Chef Jose Medin is fabulous at making sure there’s consistency at all his restaurants.

Sushiato, Japanese
Have some rolls and then the Oreo Tempura, ha, ha.

Sushi Garage Miami Beach
Only been to their Happy Hour bites, in my “adopted city” of Coconut Grove, nice hanging out in courtyard at Coco Walk. Nice menu selection.

Tanuki Miami , Japanese
I must say the chefs there have the Asian flavors down. I’ve been a guest to their Chinese New Year dinner and also SOBEWFF Asian Night. Both times, excellent.

Zuma Miami, Japanese
Only been for lunch with foodie friends. Beautiful river views, it’s inside Epic Hotel in downtown Miami. Tricky parking.

Traymore by Michael Schwartz at Como Hotel

July 28, 2019 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

Smart move Como Metropolitan Hotel, Miami Beach! Opening a restaurant with a James Beard award-winning chef, Traymore by Michael Schwartz guarantees immediate success.

The reason for his success? That’s easy…his philosophy has always been to cook what’s local and seasonal and provide a “Genuine” dining experience, LOVE that! He puts so much flavor and panache into his dishes. Schwartz created Genuine Hospitality Group in 2007 with his wife and partner, Tamara and has been dominating the Miami culinary scene with 9 restaurants so far and no end in sight. His pan-Asian fusion dishes fit perfectly with Como’s Asian roots.

Michael, you definitely nailed it. Thank you for giving us uncluttered Asian flavors with an upscale ambience!

I love that they respected the Art Deco curved ceiling inlay details accented with lights and soaring columns flanked with huge pots of greenery giving the dining room a tropical look that’s tropical chic yet casual.

About the decor:

It’s a place where people feel comfortable and cozy and appeals to both hotel guests and locals. Como originated from Singapore, founded by Christina Ong and boasts 9 hotels and resorts in Asia, 3 in Europe. I am so thrilled to hear this because my mom was born in Singapore and it feels good to know this luxury brand has chosen Miami Beach as their first USA location.

Como Metropolitan Hotel, Miami Beach’s Lobby, zen and clean.

Porch setting for those who enjoy a little humidity!

Cute area which can be curtained off for private functions!

Banquettes on the back wall. Thank heavens for this, my hubby has a superstition and likes to sit with the wall behind him.

About the food:

“I have always loved the ingredients and tastes of Asia” says Schwartz. As a long time fan of Chef Michael Schwartz, we were pleased to see his signature Wok Charred Salmon on the menu as well as the inclusion of Black Rice in many dishes, another of his favorites from when he helmed the kitchen at Nemo back in 1995. I’m so happy Chef Michael gets to bring back his love of Asian flavors at Como. His culinary genius is respecting each ingredient and bringing out its best potential with sourcing from excellent purveyors.

Everything we ordered was exquisitely executed, very tasty and well presented. Quite reasonable considering this is Miami Beach. Raw Bar ranged from $17-$29. Market Table were $6-$10. Appetizers, $12-$20. Entrees, $21-$42. Dessert, large $12, small $5.

Miami Spice starts August 1st and continues to September 31, with lunch and dinner menu. It’s a great way to get a sampling. Umm, just saw Pork Belly Ramen and Black sticky rice with mango, I’m so THERE!

About the service:

As this was a media tasting, the Como staff as well as the restaurant managers were there to greet us, we appreciated the attention! Our server ‘knew’ the menu and shared his favs.

Top: Broccolini with Thai peanut sauce and black rice, staff know how to wok it, crispy crunchy. Tuna Sashimi with kaffir lime vinaigrette, very refreshing and light.

Lobster stuffed Zucchini blossoms, preserved lemon dressing. Light and fluffy.

Pan Fried Pork & Kimchi Dumplings with Papaya Mustard. I couldn’t taste the Kimchi though? Otherwise, this crispy disc was genius. Who doesn’t love crispy dumplings?

Wanted to show how each dumpling was underneath!

Grilled Rib Eye, green sambal, chile fried long green beans and black sticky rice in small plate. That was one of the most TENDER and juicy steaks I’ve ever had. It had the perfect temperature for medium rare. Stir Fried Thai Eggplant Curry was also delicious. Of course, so good as leftovers next day.

I loved how a server poured hot water to make the Vietnamese coffee which seeped into Sundae beneath and when she removed it, TA DA, there was our Vietnamese Coffee Sundae!
I posted on my Instagram story @wokstar Switch on notification for latest updates.
Vanilla ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, sesame-hempseed crunch, toffee, whipped cream, house maraschino. With Hemp Seed Balls from the Small Bites section. I’m not sure how we managed to fit this in but we did! Very rich, blame it on my hubby for ordering it, I would have preferred Miso Flan.

Disclosure: this media tasting was complimentary. As a cooking teacher and authority on Asian food, my audience enjoys my reviews and recommendations.

Wok Star Supper Club

July 23, 2010 By Eleanor Hoh 3 Comments

WOK STAR SUPPER CLUB (previously HOH Wok Club)

Wok Star Eleanor Hoh is a Miami food personality, wok cooking teacher, brand spokesperson, blogger, event curator/programmer, producer and influencer at @wokstar

My popular WOK STAR SUPPER CLUB is a series of gatherings held throughout the year in South Florida. Started in 2006, these gatherings are centered around celebrating Asian culture and cuisine, usually held on the LAST SUNDAY of the month.

View list of upcoming as well as past WOK STAR SUPPER CLUB gatherings below.

After a few years hiatus, I have resurrected my WOK STAR SUPPER CLUB gatherings. I’m thrilled to introduce numerous new restaurants focusing on modern Asian eats and Asian Fusion like Peruvian Japanese (Nikkei), Chinese Cuban (Chifa)etc. For me, eating out has to be a complete experience.

GOAL

My goal is to create a tasting sampler at a great value, support chef-owned restaurants while creating an evening filled with camaraderie and good Asian food. Mostly SOLD OUT events from 81 at Hutong Miami to 36 for a 3 course exotic Indonesian at Krakatoa Cuisine.

Many who’ve attended have gone back to these restaurants to try other dishes and told friends about them, so win win for everyone.

The evening starts off with a meet and mingle with a complimentary welcome drink then onto a sit down CURATED 3-4 course dinner. I also curate like-minded people to dine at the same table and people have enjoyed meeting new friends. These gatherings are an excellent way to be introduced to what the restaurant has to offer and give the chef an opportunity to talk about their philosophy and style of cooking.

SUBSCRIBE
to my newsletter for Asian related news and get first dibs participating!

I like a foodie friend, Joan’s take…”it’s like you’re giving your seal of approval’ when you review their restaurants or bring your Wok Star Supper Club there!”

NOTE:
Please understand, when chefs are dealing with a large number of guests all at once, it’s already difficult. It’s difficult to accommodate any substitutions or diet requests.

If you have food related allergies, strict dietary requirements, religious restrictions; are salt sensitive, vegetarian, pescatarian, or vegan or are pregnant: these gatherings are probably not for you. Please visit on your own.

WOK STAR SUPPER CLUB: upcoming and past gatherings…

LIST OF WOK STAR SUPPER CLUB EVENTS…