It is no secret that I absolutely love Asian food. Whether it is fragrant Thai curries or fiery Sichuan cuisine, I crave it all. Maybe you could have guessed that from my other Asian restaurant guides on this blog. From sleek sushi spots to cozy hole-in-the-wall joints, Cologne has an assortment of delicious Asian food options to choose from.

Now I’m going to let you in on a tightly held local secret. If you want truly exceptional Asian food in NRW, you should head north to Cologne’s rival city of Düsseldorf. While I am proud of Cologne for many things, I have to admit that Düsseldorf has us beat when it comes to Japanese and Korean food. It’s just better.

But I don’t always want to make the 50km trek up to Düsseldorf for a bowl of ramen or a plate of sushi. As such, I have spent time diving deep into Cologne’s Asian restaurants to find hidden gems that will impress even the most discerning foodies. I’ve compiled a list of the best Asian restaurants in Cologne, sorted by different regions such as Vietnamese or Japanese. 

All the Best Asian Food in Cologne

Korean

Gogi Matcha

Tucked away just behind the Hauptbahnhof, Gogi Matcha is proof that some of the best food in Cologne is hiding in plain sight. It’s a compact, buzzy Korean spot with charming details like K-pop on the speakers and polaroid photos of their guests. Plus, their social media is so fun to follow! The menu reads like a greatest-hits list: bulgogi, kimchi pancakes, and fried chicken. The portions are generous and while the spice level could definitely be higher, the flavors are lovely and everything is prepared just right. 

• Address: Johannisstraße 47, 50668 Köln
• Website: https://www.gogimatcha-koeln.com/

Hankki

If you’re craving bold flavors and cozy comfort food, Hankki is the go-to place in Cologne for amazing Korean fried chicken. It is the hidden gem I didn’t know Cologne needed. They have absolutely nailed the balance between crispy breading and juicy meat. You can order fried chicken with or without bones and topped with your choice of different sauces. The portions are generations, the service is friendly, and the space is cozy. No reservations, so you might have to wait in line.

• Address: Brabanter Str. 42, 50672 Köln
• Website: https://www.hankki.de/

Chinese

Bai Lu Noodles

If you happen to be shopping at one of the Belgian Quarter’s cute boutiques, Bai Lu Noodles is an easy place to grab a bowl of delicious Chinese soup. Head Chef Xue Bai brings her cooking experience from the Chongqing region of China, and specializes in dumplings, soup and homemade noodles. The restaurant has pretty tight quarters but their patio on a quiet street is a nice option on a sunny day. The menu is super enticing, but I am such a sucker for the broth dumpling soups. I always wind up ordering the same thing! The flavor is so rich, and the chili oil adds a beautiful heat.

• Address: Palmstraße 41
• Website: None

Chin Burger

Don’t let the name confuse you. Chin Burger has nothing to do with beef patties and everything to do with Shaanxi cuisine. The namesake “burger” is actually Rou Jia Mo, a Xi’an street food classic that’s over 2,000 years old. It is finely chopped, richly spiced meat tucked into a flatbread bun. Beyond that, order the hand-pulled noodles or 9 course platter, which has all these little portions of all the restaurant’s highlights. The aesthetics of Chin Burger are great too! I especially like the lanterns hanging from the ceiling and the chubby warrior statues near the entrance. 

• Address: Friesenpl. 11, 50672 Köln
• Website: http://www.chin-burger.de/

Wen Cheng

The trendy hand-pulled noodle darling that started in Berlin has finally made the jump to Cologne. Immediately became one of the buzziest openings of the year. The star of the show is the Biang Biang noodle: extra-wide, hand-pulled right in front of you in an open show kitchen. You can order them either fiery with chili oil or mild, served with a homemade broth and pickled vegetables. You can also choose your topping (beef, lamb, tofu, or a vegan mince with aubergine). Do yourself a favor and don’t wear white. This bowl of noodles tends to get messy! 

• Address: Flandrische Str. 2, 50674 Köln
• Website: https://www.wenchengnoodles.com/locations/cologne 

Japanese

Takumi Ramen Chicken & Vegan

Arguably the most famous ramen shop in Düsseldorf, Takumi rode its incredible success down the Rhine to Cologne. It has opened up a few different ramen shops in the Domstadt, including their latest outpost Takumi Ramen Chicken & Vegan. While beloved staples still adorn the menu, I was impressed by the number of new options, especially the vegan options. Like all their locations, aged noodles are really the star of the show at Takumi. I had never eaten aged ramen noodles before, but they make a massive difference in the flavor. The noodles pack a punch and the texture is perfect.

• Address: Antwerpener Str. 63
• Website: http://www.takumi.koeln/

Daikan Izakaya Bar

Offering a range of beloved Japanese dishes, Daikan is an upscale spot in the heart of the Belgian Quarter. I would describe the food as modern Japanese fusion, because there are a lot of unique combinations and ingredients you wouldn’t find on a traditional Izakaya menu, such as corn or green beans. What Daikan really excels at is quality. The flavors are clean and crisp. It doesn’t hurt that the inside of the restaurant is super stylish to boot! On a sunny day, there is a quiet courtyard outback for alfresco dining.

• Address: Maastrichter Str. 9
• Website: http://www.daikan.de/

Tokyo Ramen Takeichi

Also imported Düsseldorf, Tokyo Ramen specializes in chicken based ramen broths. Feet to the flame, I would probably say this is my favorite ramen in Düsseldorf, so needless to say, I was excited when they opened up a new branch in Cologne. The portion sizes here are slightly smaller, but it doesn’t compromise the filling nature of a hot bowl of ramen. Toppings and noodles at Tokyo Ramen are simple and unassuming, which further highlights the incredible flavor of the rich chicken broth. It is meaty and full of umami flavor. Truly delicious.

• Address: Friesenstraße 57
• Website: https://www.instagram.com/tokyoramentakeichi_koln/

Thai

ChangThai

Don’t let the line of UberEats drivers waiting in front deter you. ChangThai is a no-frills Thai spot that has quietly built a neighborhood following. One bite of the papaya salad will tell you why. This is proper, authentic Thai cooking: fragrant curries, a punchy pad thai, and a papaya salad with real heat behind it, all at prices that make you want to come back for lunch and dinner in the same week. It’s fast, it’s cheap, and it’s the kind of place locals swear is the best Thai food in the city. 

• Address: Berrenrather Str. 196, 50939 Lindenthal
• Website: https://changthai.koeln/

Buriram Thai

I was told about Buriram Thai by a local friend who is originally from Chiang Mai. She says this is the best (and most authentic) Thai food in all of Cologne – and I have to agree. When you step into the restaurant off of bustling Schafenstraße, it feels like you’ve been transported to Thailand. There are floor tables, rattan paneled walls and even a real tuktuk! Dishes are cooked to Thai standards, and the flavors are spicy. From curries to stir fry, there isn’t a bad dish on the menu. Order whatever you’re in the mood for, and you won’t be disappointed. 

• Address: Schafenstraße 63
• Website: https://buriramthai.de/

Bangkok Thai

Hidden in plain sight near Barbarossaplatz, Bangkok Thai is a low-key favorite for affordable & tasty Thai food. The menu is massive, packed with fragrant curries, wok-fried noodles, and tangy salads that balance sweet, spicy, and sour. There is also a surprisingly large cocktail menu – some of which I’ve never heard of. It’s authentic, affordable, and hits the spot.

• Address: Lindenstraße 81, 50674 Köln
• Website: https://bangkok-thai-restaurant.de/ 

Vietnamese

Chum Chay

This contemporary Vietnamese restaurant is such a gem. I am obsessed with their curries, especially the yellow curry! Tucked into a quiet square in the heart of Neumarkt-Viertel, Chum Chay’s menu is entirely vegetarian. But trust me, you will not miss the meat. Dishes are prepared with traditional flavors and ingredients but in contemporary ways. Fresh salads and summer rolls are a perfect way to start. If it is your first visit, I strongly recommend ordering one of the curries. The staff at Chum Chuy are friendly and attentive, and the restaurant’s contemporary design makes it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.

• Address: Friesenwall 29
• Website: http://www.chum-chay.de/

Hanoi September

Enjoy a modern take on Vietnamese street food at Hanoi September. Housed in a beautiful space with a nice ambiance on Aachenerstraße, I like the aesthetic here. The menu is manageable without offering too many things. I quite enjoy the different sandwiches, such as the vegan bahn mi, as well as the fried snacks here. There is also a surprisingly good wine list! 

• Address: Aachener Str. 19
• Website: https://hanoi-september.de/koeln/

Viet Village

This local restaurant chain is easily recognizable by its over-the-top but loveable décor. Hanging baskets adorn the ceilings and windows, trailing plants drape throughout and gilded statues all give you the feeling that you are on a luxurious Vietnamese vacation–right in the heart of Cologne. The menu at Viet Village is massive, and it can be overwhelming. From curry and rice noodles to salad and summer rolls, you can find any southeast Asian cuisine your heart desires. The prices are reasonable and the service is quick.

• Address: Hohenstaufenring 14
• Website: http://vietvillage-koeln.de/

Vegan Asian Food

Udum Vegan

Located in a stylish space near Rudolfplatz, this 100% vegan Asian restaurant is legit. It is one of my go-to spots if I’m not in the mood to cook. It is just straight up good Asian food. If it wasn’t plastered all over the menu, you might not even realize the food is all vegan here. Offering a variety of east and north Asian cuisine, I was really impressed by the assortment of dishes at Udum. From pho to sushi to fried treats and curries, you can’t go wrong with this plant-based menu – you’re guaranteed to find something delicious! 

• Address: Am Rinkenpfuhl 55
• Website: http://www.udum.de/

Have thoughts or questions about Asian food in Cologne? Tell me in the comments!