April 3rd, 2020 | Posted by: Grace Kim
Talk about discovering cross-cultural fusion foods in the heart of Oaxaca City. As Mexico’s food capital, there are a handful of Asian restaurants in Oaxaca City to consider trying during your visit. If you’re a lover of Asian food, you’ll regret not trying out these authentic Asian-Mexican infused restaurants.
Unless trying Asian foods around the world is a priority during your travels, dining at Asian restaurants in Oaxaca is not too popular for tourists.
During my time in Oaxaca, I wasn’t actively looking for Asian restaurants as it didn’t naturally occur for me to. However, the moment I found out that there was a Korean restaurant, I dined in the next day. Growing up in a heavily Asian populated area, Korean food has always been accessible. But traveling in Oaxaca for weeks, I didn’t realize how deprived I was of not having access to Asian food.
Shortly after finding out that there were asian restaurants in Oaxaca City, I ate at three within the span of a week. So whether you identify yourself as Asian or not, or if you just enjoy eating Asian food, mix it up and eat cross-cultural food during your visit.
Listed are the top Asian restaurants in Oaxaca City to dine at. There were a select number of restaurants I wanted to visit but never got the chance to but I guess that’s for next time!
>> Read More: 5 Day Oaxaca Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Oaxaca
1. Dururu Korean Restaurant & Homemade Bakery
Serving some of Korea’s most notable dishes, Dururu is located about 10 minutes on foot from the main center of Oaxaca City. Not only will you find Korea’s infamous kimchi made by Ara Unnie, but Soju can also be found there as well. Maybe it’s time to get a break from Mezcal.
There’s just enough items on the food menu as Korean BBQ will probably catch your attention first. Growing up oftenly eating Korean food, I will testify that the Korean food served at Dururu is amazing. Besides my mothers cooking, the bibimbap was one of the best I’ve ever had. The prices of the dishes are extremely reasonable and the portions are pretty generous too. You’ll definitely leave Dururu with a full stomach as it has been my favorite Asian restaurant to dine at in Oaxaca City.
What I find admirable about Dururu is that there are step-by-step instructions on how to use chopsticks and how to properly eat some of the dishes. Since chopsticks are not typically used in Mexico, this is a great way to teach Oaxacan locals about Asian food culture. Along from the instruction cards, you’ll also notice a shelve of Korean snacks. Purchase a bag or two and take it back with you as a midnight snack.
And if you enjoy getting your grove on at dinner, you’ll probably hear the most recent song release from BTS. As the ambiance is set by K-pop playing in the background, try to resist dancing along to these songs while enjoying your meal. Not only will you feel like a part of you is in Korea, but you’ll also be surrounded by k-pop posters all around the restaurant.
Both the interior and exterior of the restaurant screams South Korea as you’ll surely regret not dining at Dururu during your visit. And if you want to see what’s on the menu, don’t forget to check Dururu’s Instagram for updates.
Hours of Operation
Sunday: 10:30AM – 7:30PM
Monday: closed
Tuesday: 10:30PM – 7:30PM
Wednesday: 10:30PM – 7:30PM
Thursday: 10:30PM – 7:30PM
Friday: 10:30PM – 8:30PM
Saturday: 10:30AM – 8:30PM
Address to Dururu : Colón 601, Zona Feb 10 2015, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
2. Ramen-Ya by Kintaro
Talk about a mixture of quality and class. Ramen-Ya, also known as Kintaro, is located a couple of blocks away from Templo de Santo Domingo. Not only is it rated as one of the top asian restaurants, but it’s also equally as known as the more popular Asian restaurant in Oaxaca City.
Classified as a more fancier restaurant, both the quality of the food and the service are outstanding. The ambiance of the restaurant is soothing, and you’ll also be able to have your privacy since the tables are placed against the walls.
Simple and sweet, there are just enough items on the menu to choose from. This way, you’ll avoid being overwhelmed trying to pick from a menu that’s more Asian than Mexican based. During my visit, I chose to eat Shoyu Ramen and Gohan Con Chasu and of course, a bottle of Sake on the side. The portions are just about right as you’ll leave the restaurant with a happy belly. But if you’re just not that hungry, half portions are also sold as well.
Betna was also an incredible host as she explained all the questions I had about the menu, restaurant, and her favorite dishes. Because she knows English, it helped a bunch with our communication efforts. Plus, the owner of Ramen-Ya greeted us the table. Now, that’s proper Japanese gesture!
Would I recommend dining in at Ramen-Ya during your visit to Oaxaca? Absolutely. Not only is it something different to try, but some of the best ramen is also served here as well. If you’re curious on which ramen options to choose from, check the most updated menu here.
Hours of Operation
Sunday: 2:00PM – 8:00PM
Monday: 2:00PM – 8:00PM
Tuesday: closed
Wednesday: 2:00PM – 10:00PM
Thursday: 2:00PM – 10:00PM
Friday: 2:00PM – 10:00PM
Saturday: 2:00PM – 10:00PM
Ramen-Ya Address: Calle de Ignacio Allende 316, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
3. Mapo Galbi 2
Located in the heart of Reforma, Mapo Galbi 2 serves Korean-Mexican infused food about 10 minutes driving distance from downtown Oaxaca. With just the right amount of items on the menu, get a taste of Korea during your stay in Oaxaca. Mapo Galbi 2 is located in a quieter neighborhood as you’ll find medium-sized groups dine in at the spacious restaurant.
The restaurant is one of the cleanest I’ve been to as the staff is extremely friendly and answered any questions I had about the menu. We swung by Mapo Galbi 2 for lunch as I had the Jeyuk Deopbap, Cornbutter and of course, a bottle of Soju. With any Korean meal, you just can’t miss out drinking Soju. Also note that because the portions are huge, to make sure to come with an empty stomach.
My overall experience at Map Galbi 2 was pretty neutral but left satisfied from my meal. And if you’re planning on making the trip out to Reforma, note that the restaurant is closed from Monday to Wednesday.
Hours of Operation
Sunday: 2:00PM – 7:30PM
Monday: closed
Tuesday: closed
Wednesday: closed
Thursday: 2:00PM – 7:30PM
Friday: 2:00PM – 7:30PM
Saturday: 2:00PM – 7:30PM
Mapo Galbi 2 Address: Sauces 301-A, Reforma, 68050 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Overall Asian-Mexican Infused Restaurant Experience
Whether you’re visiting Oaxaca City for a couple of weeks or for months, consider trying out cross-cultural infused dishes. Even if you weren’t expecting to dine at an Asian restaurant in Oaxaca at all, some of the food options listed on these menus are pretty exclusive and delicious.
Again, there were a couple of Asian restaurants in Oaxaca City I didn’t have a chance to dine in at but I guess that’s for next time. While traveling, I appreciate the dining experience as it reflects a country’s culture and mannerisms. And as a culmination of Mexican and Asian etiquette, I was more than pleased with the food service provided at these restaurants.
From drinking Soju over bibimbap to enjoying a shot of Sake with ramen, there are amazing dishes served at a handful Asian restaurants in Oaxaca City. Why not try infused, cross-cultural foods during your visit? These dishes will surely exceed your expectations as you can’t go wrong with a hint of Oaxacan influence over Asian dishes.
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