Asian American & Pacific Islander-owned Businesses in Downtown Phoenix

Sake Haus executive chef and operating partner Joe Cajipe's culinary roots and love of Asian cuisine stems from working in the kitchen with his family while growing up in the Philippines. He thrives off of working with inventive ingredients and flavors that entice the palate and keep you coming back for more.

Joe's passion for working with inventive ingredients and flavors is evident throughout Sake Haus' enticing menu of Japanese cuisine, including an authentic variety of sushi, nigiri, sashimi, and more chef-driven specialties.

Ricemill, Phoenix’s newest modern Asian-inspired rice bowl concept, is the creative brainchild of a team of passionate founders, including Fannie Wang, Harry Yu, Chef Yiyi Wang, and Jin Zhang. These culinary experts draw inspiration from family gatherings where the comforting aroma of rice bowls prepared by their grandmas filled the air.

Each rice bowl is a culinary story, blending the founders' cherished family memories and Asian culinary traditions with a contemporary twist in a fast-casual atmosphere. Ricemill's menu features unique combinations of vibrant flavors, like the Shanghai-style steak and Seoul garlic chicken signature rice bowls.

Jessica Kim, as the owner of Harumi Sushi & Sake and a first-generation Japanese-American, knows a lot about overcoming adversity to succeed in restaurant operations. After working hard to raise a family and make a home in Phoenix, 11 years ago, her family opened the first location of Harumi in Phoenix when, at the time, there were not many sushi options at all in the area beyond big-box stores.

Harumi serves traditional Japanese cuisine and a modern twist, and is known for its purple rice sushi rolls. Featuring the freshest, never-frozen sashimi, from Scottish salmon to Nova Scotian tuna, shipped by flight over night, Harumi hand-selects fish from all over the world.

Proudly serving the Greater Phoenix area for over 10 years, Thai Basil Signature is a family owned and operated restaurant that offers an extensive menu of authentic Thai dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.

"Our mission is to make our customers happy with fresh + high quality ingredients, authentic Thai food, and great service."

This Downtown Phoenix staple offers authentic, made-to-order Thai food, including a dazzling array of curry, rice, sauteed noodles, salads, appetizers, soups and desserts.

In just four years, husband and wife team Gary Lo and Vivian Chung transformed a small boba shop in Gilbert into one of the state's largest, most playful bubble tea franchises. Boba CuCue began as a passion project during the pandemic. The founders realized there was big demand for this sweet treat and quickly opened multiple locations across the Valley. 

Located in ASU's Downtown Phoenix campus, this bubble tea house serves up a unique blend of Hong Kong-inspired drinks, Asian street food, and whimsical charm. Be sure to try the fan-favorite supreme mountain tea, which is cold-brewed using fresh fruits, fresh milk, and delicious chewy boba.

Classically trained in the art of kaiseki in Japan, ex-Morimoto Chef, Nobu Kagawa decided to locate to Downtown Phoenix for his latest venture, Ramen Kagawa. Chef Yuji Iwasa, a Los Angeles native, brings a few European techniques to his largely traditional ramen; manager Shunji Tohada, from Hiroshima, brings deep Japanese roots.

This ramen shop keeps a tight menu of authentic Japanese dishes — a few noodle soups prepared almost without fault, and a few other dishes like rice bowls, fried bites, and Japanese curries.

Set in the Arizona Center complex, this modern, counter-serve outlet, owned by Mikyung Chung, serves Japanese favorites. Omoide offers great lunch specials, a variety of Asian-fusion entrees and sushi options.

Owned by Eddie Chow and Akira Nakasu, MOTOMOTO is rooted in tradition, stemming from their previous restauranteur experience in East Asia. They serve an assortment of food, sake and cocktails in a convivial atmosphere.

Although they are primarily an izakaya, MOTOMOTO offers more than just tapas-style snacks; their menu ranges from sushi & house-made ramen to shareable plates and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.