Kansas City's vibrant Asian restaurant scene: seven highlights

This collection of stories explores Kansas City's evolving Asian restaurant scene as chefs and families bring diverse traditions and new dishes to the city.

A new Chinese and Vietnamese spot, Asian Cafe, replaced Red Dragon House and now serves General Tso and pho to downtown patrons. Korean fried chicken with sweet and spicy glaze draws crowds at Kobi-Q, a family-run Korean restaurant in the Crossroads.

Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop expanded with a third location in Overland Park, offering pad thai and coconut shrimp along with cocktails like mango margaritas. Brookside Sushi features unique dishes such as The Dynamite, a flambéed scallop and mushroom plate. The closure of Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill after 28 years leaves patrons sharing memories of sesame chicken and crab rangoon, while Khop Jai Der introduces Lao and Vietnamese flavors, including Pad Kau Mee and mango sticky rice ice cream, in Johnson County.

Read the stories below.

At Brookside Sushi, chef Salvador Ortiz prepares The Dynamite, consisting of lemon butter scallops, mushrooms and spicy mayo that are a melt-in-your-mouth combination with just the right kick.

NO. 1: SCALLOPS, MUSHROOMS, SPICES SET AFLAME: KANSAS CITY DYNAMITE DISH LIVES UP TO ITS NAME

The dish itself is an experience, says reporter Katie Moore, with the latest installment of “Let’s Dish, Kansas City.” | Published January 10, 2023 | Read Full Story by Katie Moore

The sweet garlic glazed chicken, topped with sesame seeds and scallions, is one of two fried chicken options at Kobi-Q.

NO. 2: MY GO-TO MEAL: FRIED CHICKEN GETS A SWEET & SPICY CRUNCH AT THIS KANSAS CITY RESTAURANT

You can order the five-piece plate, but I usually get 10 pieces — just because I lack self control. | Published March 7, 2023 | Read Full Story by Irvin Zhang

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NO. 3: NOODLES, CURRY, COCKTAILS: KANSAS CITY THAI RESTAURANT EXPANDS AGAIN IN JOHNSON COUNTY

For the owner, this location may be the most sentimental spot yet. | Published May 24, 2023 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

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NO. 4: ‘WE LOVE TO COOK’: 3 SIBLINGS FROM SOUTHEAST ASIA OPEN NEW JOHNSON COUNTY RESTAURANT

On the menu: noodles stir-fried with eggs, bean sprouts, scallions and tamarind sauce, and omelets with a choice of tofu, beef, chicken or shrimp. For dessert: sweet mango sticky rice ice cream. | Published August 13, 2023 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill, open since 1995, held its last day of service Saturday.

NO. 5: ‘28 WONDERFUL YEARS’: ASIAN RESTAURANT IN KANSAS CITY CLOSES, BLAMES STAFFING ISSUES

“I don’t know what I’ll do without that sesame chicken and crab rangoon — there was nothing like it.” | Published August 14, 2023 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

Asian Cafe is now open at 312 W. Eighth St.

NO. 6: AFTER 30-PLUS YEARS, KANSAS CITY ASIAN RESTAURANT CLOSED. ITS REPLACEMENT IS NOW OPEN

The owner of this new restaurant spent most of 2023 renovating the space. | Published January 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

Private chef Christina Clark presents a beautifully crafted entree to guests at a dinner party she was hired to cater.

NO. 7: KANSAS CITY CHEF PART OF NEW GENERATION OF ASIANS STIRRING TRADITIONS INTO MEALS

“I recognized that I just didn’t fit in certain friend groups, certain social groups and a lot of that healing began in the kitchen.” | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by J.M. Banks

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.