#1 Pho: They might be No. 1 at it, but this spot offers more than just a great bowl of pho. Its expansive menu covers other Vietnamese classics, such as vermicelli noodle bowls ($9). There’s also a large selection of vegetarian dishes and broken rice. Cha trung, a steamed egg cake, comes with the rice dishes and is not something you’ll find when ordering similar dishes elsewhere. 3120 Superior Ave., 216-781-1176
Bo Loong: Open Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m., and the rest of the week until midnight, this is our favorite late-night haunt — especially for general manager Anthony Yuen’s jokes. This is also one of the few spots around that offers dim sum, with a $10.95 three-item sampler in the evening, great for sharing. 3922 St. Clair Ave., 216- 391-3113
Emperor’s Palace: In a dining room accented with traditional artwork and gold everything, this classic Chinese eatery serves up a jam-packed menu that features more than 150 meat, seafood and vegetarian/vegan dishes, such as wonton soup ($2.50), lo mein ($6.95-$10.95) and egg foo young ($7.95-$10.95) — and that’s not including its 30-deep dim sum menu. 2136 Rockwell Ave., 216-861-9999, emperorspalaceoh.com
Ha Ahn: The Sea of Japan might separate Japan from the Korean peninsula, but you won’t have to get on a boat to enjoy both cuisines. Instead, stop by Ha Ahn. Try the dolsot bibimbap ($10.95) and stir-fried rice cakes called tteokbokki ($10.95), then go cross-cultural with the Pink Lady salmon, shrimp and crab stick sushi roll ($12.95). Be prepared to garnish, because everything but the specials comes with banchan, a selection of small pickled sides and steamed eggs. 3030 Superior Ave., 216-664-1152
Han Chinese Kabob & Grill: This is one place where you’ll want to let them stick it to you. The beef, chicken and lamb skewers ($5.95-$6.50) are smoky, spicy and aromatic, but go farther afield and try the squid variety ($3.95). Keep the spicy going with Szechuan dishes such as wontons in chili oil ($4.95), sliced pork belly in garlic sauce ($10.95) and dan dan noodles ($7.95). 3710 Payne Ave., 216-769-8745
Koko Bakery: Every Asiatown or Chinatown must have a bakery, and Cleveland is no exception. Delve into a bakery case filled with grab-and-go goodies, such as fresh soft breads filled with everything from sweet barbecue pork to vegetables and cheese ($1.25). In the case you’ll find the high-glossed sweets, such as mango mousse topped with fresh berries ($5.95). They also have a wide selection of bubble teas, from red bean to lychee (small $3.65, large $4.75). 3710 Payne Ave., 216-881-7600
Korea House: Closed for renovations as of press time, this spot is known for its homey feel, with the owner on-hand to explain the food to inexperienced diners. You’ll also find some of the freshest banchan around. In the spring and summer, the owner forages for veggies to make his own. 3700 Superior Ave., 216-431-0462
LJ Shanghai: You come here for one thing above all others: soup dumplings. The extremely delicate dumplings ($5) are difficult to make, and oh-so-easy to become addicted to. The soup is an unctuous, meaty broth, and the pockets are filled with pork. Sublime. 3142 Superior Ave., 216-400-6936
Li Wah: This is AsiaTown’s go-to brunch spot with its army of dim sum carts that run daily from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Ladies steer steaming carts piled with dumplings ($4.25), chicken feet ($3.25), rice noodle rolls ($4.25) and much more past your table. Point and eat. Although one Chinese character in dim sum translates roughly to “small amount,” prepare to be very full, as your eyes are likely bigger than your stomach. 2999 Payne Ave., 216-696-6556, liwahrestaurant.com
Map of Thailand: With its pendant lights, navy tabletops and delicate and rich Thai cuisine, Map of Thailand conjures the love. The dishes are also ready for a heart emoji on Instagram. The curry ($10.50-$13.95) comes with a cone-shaped pile of rice, and the Golden Bags, a popular Thai appetizer of fried purses of shrimp and chicken ($4.95), are tied with a scallion bow. 3710 Payne Ave., 216-361-2220, mapofthailandrestaurant.com
Miega Korean BBQ: Want to try a few Korean dishes without having to order an entire plate? Come to this spot, located on the second floor of the Asian Town Center, for lunch and get a bento box ($10.95-$13.95). You can pick from a few common dishes, which come with fried rice and dumplings. Plus, at dinner, try your hand at grilling your own Korean barbecue right at the table ($18.95-$27.95). 3820 Superior Ave., 216-432-9200
Phusion Cafe: Separation from mainland China by politics — and an ocean — makes Taiwan’s cuisine one of a kind, and Phusion Cafe has brought it to Cleveland. Do a cultural deep-dive into the food of the Hakka people, itinerants who call southern China and Taiwan their ancestral home, with dishes such as five spice duck ($14.95) and pork belly stew ($7.95). 3030 Superior Ave., 216-861-6699, phusioncafeoh.com
Siam Cafe: When your dinner mates can’t agree on Chinese, Vietnamese or Thai food, Siam Cafe is your best bet for a cross-continental tour. Order ahead for the Peking duck (half $18.95, whole $34.95) or claw at a selection of live crab dishes prepared fresh from the crabs in tanks on display at the back of the restaurant. 3951 St. Clair Ave., 216-361-2323
Superior Pho: A simple, compact menu focused on amazing noodle soup and dishes that complement it has made this Cleveland’s most popular pho spot. Order one of the combination meals for a taste of a few things. For the unexpected, try the chicken cabbage salad ($7.50), a refreshing and tangy morsel that tastes familiar to lovers of slaw. 3030 Superior Ave., 216-781-7462, superiorpho.com
Szechuan Cafe: Sometimes, you want comfort food. Other times, you want a challenge. Szechuan Cafe zips up both into one delicious package. Homey favorites such as kung pao tofu ($9.95) and Mongolian beef ($13.95) make up the base of this spot’s wide-ranging menu. But those seeking spice and pep should try the diced rabbit ($8.95) or Szechuan pepper frog ($23.95). 2999 Payne Ave. Suite 145, 216-515-1111
Szechuan Gourmet: A favorite standby of Cleveland chefs, Szechuan Gourmet’s food is addictive. After a few bites your mouth goes numb, an effect from the Szechuan peppercorns featured in many of its dishes. This odd sensation, plus its hot pot, is what keeps so many coming back again and again. 1735 E. 36th St., 216-881-9688
Wonton Gourmet & BBQ: Bring the whole clan, and a cousin or two, for Wonton Gourmet’s family-style meals. Choose from an expansive Chinese menu, including the usual General Tso shrimp ($12.95) and things new to traditional American tastes, such as sauteed frog with bitter melon ($15.95). Plop your favorite dish on the turntable, and swing it around to share with the fam. 3211 Payne Ave., 216-875-7000
