The 8 best Asian restaurants in Rotterdam that you need to know about!

1. Tai Wu – Authentic dim sum and Cantonese classics Anyone who regularly eats Asian food in Rotterdam is probably already familiar with Tai Wu. This Chinese restaurant on Mauritsweg has been a household name for years and, as far as we’re concerned, is a place that simply must feature on this list. It’s the extensive dim sum menu in particular that makes Tai Wu special. Think steamed prawn dumplings, siu mai and delicious bapao. The traditional Peking duck with pancakes is also highly recommended. Don’t expect a trendy interior, but rather a lively restaurant where you come primarily for the authentic Chinese cuisine. It’s often completely full here, both at lunchtime and in the evening, so we definitely recommend booking in advance! Our tip: Order a variety of dim sum dishes to share.

2. China Town – For lovers of traditional Chinese cuisine Just a stone’s throw from Rotterdam Central Station, you’ll find China Town, a restaurant specialising in Chinese cuisine. This is the place to go, especially for dim sum. From steamed dumplings to crispy snacks and a variety of meat and fish dishes. The menu is quite extensive, so the best thing to do is order a variety of dishes and share them all. But if there’s one dish that keeps us coming back here, it’s the ho fan with beef and bean sprouts. Those delicious wide rice noodles, stir-fried with tender beef, are a real must-try in our opinion! Our tip: The ho fan with beef and bean sprouts. Definitely give it a go!

3. RCKY – Japanese fine dining taken to a whole new level For a completely different Asian experience, head to RCKY in Katendrecht. Here, it’s all about omakase, where you leave the choice of dishes entirely up to the chef. Chef Ricky Biharie takes you on a journey through refined Japanese creations featuring unusual ingredients, stunning presentations and surprising flavour combinations. As you’re seated at the chef’s table, you’ll also hear the story behind the dishes. And whilst there are so many delicious dishes on offer here, our absolute favourite is the nasi with wagyu. A dish we still think back on regularly! Not a restaurant for a quick bite, but definitely highly recommended for a special occasion. Our tip: The nasi with wagyu. As far as we’re concerned, one of the highlights of the menu.

4. Maruki – Japanese favourites in a stylish restaurant At Maruki on the Binnenrotte, it’s all about Japanese cuisine. The menu features fresh sushi, hearty ramen and a variety of rice dishes, amongst other things. But if you ask us, you really must try the wagyu ramen here. A delicious bowl of noodle soup with a rich broth and flavourful wagyu. What also makes Maruki special is that the entire menu is halal. A lovely spot for lunch or dinner when you fancy Japanese dishes in a smart, modern setting. Our tip: The wagyu ramen. We’d come back just for that alone!

5. Little V – A little piece of Vietnam right in the heart of Rotterdam The interior alone makes Little V well worth a visit. This Vietnamese restaurant on Grotekerkplein is full of greenery, warm lighting and cosy corners, making you feel as though you’ve been transported somewhere else entirely. Fortunately, the food is well worth it too. Think fragrant pho, fresh salads, Vietnamese spring rolls and flavourful meat dishes. It’s the combination of the unique interior and the extensive Vietnamese menu in particular that makes Little V a lovely place to dine with friends or family. Our tip: Order a selection of Vietnamese starters to share and be sure to try one of the traditional pho soups.

6. Three – Asian dining in Hillegersberg If you’re looking for a slightly more upmarket Asian restaurant, be sure to make a note of Three in Hillegersberg. Here, Japanese flavours, a stunning interior and a cosy atmosphere come together. The menu features a variety of sushi and sashimi dishes, but our personal favourites are definitely the wagyu tartare and the chicken gyoza. Pair these with one of the delicious wines or cocktails and you’ve got all the ingredients for a successful evening. Three is popular, so we recommend booking a table in advance. It’s a lovely spot for a leisurely dinner where you can linger for a while. Our tip: The wagyu tartare and chicken gyoza, accompanied by a good cocktail!

7. Hung Kee – Not fancy, but absolutely delicious Some restaurants don’t need a stylish interior or extensive service to become a favourite. Hung Kee on Witte de Withstraat is the perfect example of this. This simple Chinese restaurant is known for its delicious dishes and generous opening hours. Our absolute favourites? The chicken and squid with salt and pepper, paired with a portion of tjauw min. And don’t forget to order the saté kambing! Don’t expect a luxurious night out, just incredibly tasty food. You can’t book a table here, so sometimes you’ll have to wait a little while for a table. But trust us, those few minutes’ wait are more than worth it. It’s also ideal if you’re still fancying a tasty bite after a night out. Our tip: Chicken and squid with salt and pepper, tjauw min and saté kambing. A combination that never disappoints!

8. Soju Bar – Korean fried chicken just as it should be Are you a fan of Korean fried chicken? Then Soju Bar is a must-visit. This cosy Korean restaurant on Witte de Withstraat is best known for its deliciously crispy chicken, which you can order in a range of flavours, from garlic soy to spicy sweet. You’ll also find Korean classics such as bibimbap, kimbap and mandu. The atmosphere is lovely and informal and lively, making it a great place to share a variety of dishes with friends. And to round off the Korean experience, you’ll naturally want to order a bottle of soju to go with it. This is a traditional Korean spirit that’s often drunk from small glasses. But be careful – it goes down dangerously easily, so take it easy, haha! Our tip: Korean fried chicken with garlic soy and spicy sweet sauces, paired with a bottle of soju.

Which Asian hotspot are you going to try? Whether you’re in the mood for a lavish omakase experience, a table full of dim sum or simply a hearty portion of salt-and-pepper chicken: Rotterdam has something to offer every Asian food lover. Fancy discovering even more great restaurants? Explore our other hotspots and be inspired by Hotspots For You!