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How to: support local Asian-owned restaurants in DC.
How to: support local Asian-owned restaurants in DC.
Preview of dishes offered at Maketto.
🗓️ February 20, 2026
✍🏾 Chele Swaby
The Lunar New Year passed on Tuesday, February 17. Over 30 cultures celebrate the Lunar New Year, each with its own traditions and New Year customs. With the Year of the Horse beginning, what better way to ring in the year than to support local Asian-owned DC restaurants? Below are 4 restaurants in the DC area, belonging to cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year, each with its own atmosphere. Whether you're looking to support a community staple or find your next high-end dinner spot, these restaurants have something for everyone to enjoy.
Outside of Tiger Fork.
Restaurant #1: Tiger Fork
Restaurant #1: Tiger Fork
Tiger Fork is a restaurant offering modern takes on Cantonese and Hong Kong street food located in Blagden Alley, which is in the Shaw district. Their focus is on shareable plates, creative cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere. Inspired by similar restaurants in Hong Kong, Tiger Fork emphasizes the communal dining experience by offering family-style plates – perfect for sharing with friends after a long day of classes!
Location & Hours
Location & Hours
Location: 922 N St NW, Blagden Alley NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Hours: Monday - Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Friday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.| Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. | Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Restaurant #1: Tiger Fork
Restaurant #1: Tiger Fork
Tiger Fork is a restaurant offering modern takes on Cantonese and Hong Kong street food located in Blagden Alley, which is in the Shaw district. Their focus is on shareable plates, creative cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere. Inspired by similar restaurants in Hong Kong, Tiger Fork emphasizes the communal dining experience by offering family-style plates – perfect for sharing with friends after a long day of classes!
Location & Hours
Location & Hours
Location: 922 N St NW, Blagden Alley NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Hours: Monday - Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Friday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.| Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. | Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Outside of Moon Rabbit.
Restaurant #2: Moon Rabbit
Restaurant #2: Moon Rabbit
This restaurant, sharing its name with the virtuous rabbit in the Buddhist Jataka tale, is a Vietnamese restaurant led by Chef Kevin Tien. Moon Rabbit blends Tien's Cajun and Vietnamese roots with global influences to create its menu. Moon Rabbit is a homage to Tien's heritage, which comes out in dishes such as the mochi beignet and the Pâté Chaud.
Location & Hours
Location & Hours
Location: 927 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Hours: Monday - Thursday 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | Friday - Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Sunday - Closed
Outside of Maketto.
Restaurant #3: Maketto
Restaurant #3: Maketto
Maketto is a Taiwanese and Cambodian fusion located in Northeast DC. Maketto's mission is to "build a sense of community through quality, consistency, and accessibility." With a retail, cafe, restaurant, and bar space all within 6,000 sq ft, Maketto is perfect for whatever eating occasion you are in the mood for. They offer dim sum a la carte, as well as coffee and other beverages.
Location & Hours
Location & Hours
Location: 1351 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Hours: Sunday & Monday - Closed | Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Outside of NewBigWong.
Restaurant #4: NewBigWong
Restaurant #4: NewBigWong
Located in Gallery Place, NewBigWong is a long-standing Chinese restaurant known for its Szechuan, Hong Kong, and Cantonese dishes. NewBigWong serves a variety of dishes, ranging from dumplings and lo mein to noodle soups and egg foo young. If you're looking for casual eats, NewBigWong is the place to check out.
Location & Hours
Location & Hours
Location: 610 H St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Hours: Monday - Thursday 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. | Friday 4:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. | Saturday 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. | Sunday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Supporting Asian-Owned Restaurants
Supporting Asian-Owned Restaurants
Although these restaurants specialize in different cuisines and flavors, they are a reminder of the prominent Asian influence present in DC. Asian cuisine has impacted multiple cultures across the globe, and it is important to give back to the people who provide an avenue to appreciate their culture. As the Lunar New Year begins, be sure to support these restaurants, as well as other local Asian-owned businesses.
Resources
Resources
Chang, L. (2021, March 22). How to Support the AAPI Community in DC. Thrillist. https://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/washington-dc/how-to-support-the-asian-american-community-in-dc
Maketto | About. (2026). Maketto1351.com. https://maketto1351.com/about/
Rabbit, M. (2019). Moon Rabbit By Kevin Tien. Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien. https://www.moonrabbitdc.com/about
Tiger. (2019). Tiger Fork. Tiger Fork. https://www.tigerforkdc.com/about
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