Filtering by Tag: Asian Food,Venezuelan

Panda Fest Comes to Hartford September 27-28

Features Hartford Food Festival Asian Food kids activity Homepage

CTbites Team August 10, 2025

Get ready, Hartford — Panda Fest is bringing a feast for all the senses! This vibrant, family-friendly outdoor festival celebrates the richness of Asian culture through over 100 authentic street food dishes, live performances and panda-themed fun. With 55+ food vendors serving everything from Samsa to skewers, and a lineup of performances featuring K-pop, Thai dance, Chinese acrobatics and live music, Panda Fest promises an unforgettable experience that connects culture, cuisine and community in the heart of Connecticut.

Guests will also enjoy panda inflatables, themed merchandise and more than 10 local vendors showcasing crafts and goods. Each General Admission ticket includes two free gifts—a custom Panda pin featuring a Connecticut twist and a stylish hand fan (valued at $16). Whether you're there for the flavors, the music or the family-friendly vibes, Panda Fest is where food meets fun and everyone is welcome.

Sichuan Alley Opens in West Hartford with “Modern Sichuan Cuisine”

Restaurant Opening Chinese Sichuan West Hartford Asian Food

Leeanne Griffin June 05, 2025

This new modern Sichuan restaurant promises to go beyond “Americanized” Chinese food, showcasing the rich and complex flavors of the cuisine alongside stylish cocktails.

Sichuan Alley is new to West Hartford, but actually got its start in Singapore in 2016, said owner Michael Jiang, who partnered with the Singaporean owners to bring the concept to central Connecticut. It’s his first restaurant, he said, as he has a background in fashion, owning a business that makes formal dresses for weddings and proms.

Kung Fu Kitchen: Hand-Pulled Noodles & Michelin-Recognized Dumplings Opens in New Haven

Restaurant Asian Food Chinese Dim Sum Ramen Opening New Haven

Leeanne Griffin June 02, 2025

Connecticut may not be home to an official Michelin Guide, but this new Chinese restaurant in New Haven has Bib Gourmand-approved hand-pulled noodles, soup dumplings and much more.

Kung Fu Kitchen recently celebrated its soft opening on Orange Street in the city’s Ninth Square neighborhood, marking the first Connecticut location of chef/owner Peter Song’s concept. Song opened the first Kung Fu in Manhattan to great fanfare a dozen years ago, adding additional city restaurants and outposts in Orlando and Boston.

Himalaya SoNo Nepalese Cuisine Opens in South Norwalk

Restaurant Opening South Norwalk SONO Norwalk Nepalese Asian Food Homepage

Jessica Ryan March 02, 2025

Wednesday marked the grand opening of Himalaya SoNo an altogether unique experience that brings diners the authentic flavors and culture of the Himalayan region – Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and Northern India. On Monday, before the restaurant formally opened its doors to the public, we were invited in to meet Nwang Sherpa. Sherpa, as his friends call him, a first generation immigrant from Nepal, came to the States 20 years ago to attend college in Pennsylvania. From there his career path would take him to the financial and real estate sectors before moving over to the food and beverage industry. Fast forward many years to today, and the young visionary’s brand, now highly esteemed, has earned a stellar reputation and numerous awards, including Zagat’s Best and Restaurant Guru achievements for its Westchester County locations which include Scarsdale and Yorktown. Sherpa is proud to employ people from the Himalayan region, allowing them to live and work in the US and pursue their own dreams. He is also on the leadership team for NSSP, The Network of Sherpa Students and Professionals, an organization based in Westchester County, which provides support for Sherpa students, graduates, and professionals through social, professional, educational, and cultural activities.

X Ramen Opens in Southport with Ramen, Dim Sum, Boba + ROBOT SERVERS!

Restaurant Westport Ramen Japanese Chinese Korean Homepage Noodle Soup Asian Food

Jessica Ryan February 17, 2025

After hearing so many good things about X Ramen from my friends, I was looking forward to trying it out myself.

The New York inspired Chicken, Ramen and Boba eatery is the concept of two brothers who grew up locally in Fairfield County, in the restaurant biz. The restaurant is located in the former Wafu space. It’s spacious interior is bright and airy and offers plenty of comfortable seating. The vibe inside is youthful and whimsical, with brightly colored anime posters and TVs lining the walls. In the center of the room, overhead, a lovely display of Japanese umbrellas and lanterns hangs overhead.

X Ramen’s fairly extensive menu is as fun as the decor. The offerings feature various Asian favorites from Ramen to Udon, assorted appetizers from bao buns to fried chicken, dim sum and a creative boba menu offering classic teas, fruit, tease, and fancy “signature” teas and slushies. The dishes are straightforward, simple and uncomplicated, perfectly suited for both the novice as well as the seasoned ‘slurper.’

14 Spots For Vietnamese Banh Mi In CT & A Little Banh Mi History

Restaurant Features Banh Mi Sandwich Guide Sandwiches Vietnamese Asian Food Lunch Homepage

James Gribbon January 16, 2025

One morning this summer I woke up to see a note I’d scrawled, apparently in my sleep: “The banh mi is the entire world in one sandwich.” As far as dream-thoughts go, this was in the top 1% of my most coherent, although it’s not, strictly speaking, true. The “entire world” encompasses places like Paraguay and Iceland, and I’ve thankfully yet to see anyone dare put the fermented shark Icelanders call harkarl on any sandwich. The bánh mì is a global sandwich, then, with the flavors and history of Europe, Asia, and America in every bite.

Below you’ll find 14 of our favorite spots for BANH MI in Connecticut.

(If we missed your favorite spot for Banh Mi, please let us know.)

The story of the bánh mì has roots in the longstanding colony of French Indochina, including present day Vietnam. Wherever any culture goes, their food follows, blending with local flavors and traditions to become part of the overall human mosaic. Pot-au-feu (steaming pot), a soup or stew made from meats and vegetables in a bone marrow broth, is a staple in every corner of France. Locals adapted this bone broth pot using available ingredients – lemongrass, Thai basil, beef tendons, and more – and feu became phở.

Blossom Cafe, with Asian-Fusion Brunch Items, Opens in Simsbury

Restaurant Brunch Simsbury Asian Food Japanese Coffee Shop Matcha Breakfast Sandwiches Homepage

Leeanne Griffin December 17, 2024

Chances are you’ve seen Japanese souffle pancakes on Instagram or TikTok – tall, thick and fluffy confections that jiggle at the slightest movement, topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar and berries. These have been hard to find in Connecticut, but they’re on the menu at a Simsbury Asian-fusion cafe that opened earlier this year.

Blossom Cafe owners Amanda Liu and Albert Zhang traveled through Asia last summer and fell in love with the cafe cultures in the countries they visited, coming back home to Connecticut inspired by what they’d seen.

Sparrow Bar & Restaurant Opens in New Milford With Delicious Global Menu

Restaurant New Milford Opening Asian Food American Brunch Homepage

Jessica Ryan August 30, 2024

Nestled in the hills of Litchfield County’s charming New Milford’s Bank Street is Sparrow Bar and Restaurant. John Bourdeau who’s been a fixture in the restaurant scene since opening Lucia Ristorante right next door, Main Street Grill in Watertown, and The Owl Wine & Food bar in nearby New Preston, has teamed up with Chef Mike Sorenson, formerly at the acclaimed Foundry Restaurant in Newtown. Here Bourdeau hangs up his chef’s hat and leaves the menu entirely up to Sorenseon who has created an eclectic, global selection with influences from South America to Asia. You won’t find specials on the menu as it tends to get changed up every few days.

Bourdeau who once owned a successful high end cabinetry business in New York City was greatly influenced by the food scene there and those exposures have parlayed into his, thus far, successful restaurant career. Sparrow, which has been open since mid-December, is already showing signs of success. “The response has been so overwhelming,” he told us. “People come in to check us out and then return with friends.” He’s modest with receiving compliments and credits his team, some of which have been with him for 15 years, since his Lucia days. “The restaurant isn’t mine, it’s ours,” he explains.

Ginger’s Seoul Bar & Grill Opens In Stamford: NEW Korean + Korean Pizza!

Restaurant Opening Stamford Korean Asian Food Asian Desserts Homepage

Jessica Ryan March 14, 2024

Last week we had the pleasure of visiting Ginger’s Seoul Bar & Grill in Stamford. This brand new Korean restaurant is conveniently located off the Merritt Parkway on High Ridge Road, and features both traditional Korean fare alongside some surprising culinary twists.

The restaurant’s interior is bright, modern, casual and inviting. One of the things that struck us as different, fun and fascinating was the authentic pizza oven that sits in the middle of the restaurant. Korean pizza? Yes! Inspired by June’s extensive travels, the oven’s exterior design bears a Spanish influence, reminiscent of the Gaudi architecture in Barcelona. June says, Korea, like much of Asia and Europe, has a fascination with cuisines from other cultures and the Bulgogi pizza is June’s answer to merging two different cuisines and cultures. More on that later.

Ji Be Chuan Brings Popular Chinese Rice Noodle Franchise to CT

Restaurant Chinese Noodle Soup Noodles Asian Food

Jessica Ryan February 27, 2024

At one end of a non-descript strip mall in Orange is a new restaurant called Ji Be Chuan — You could call it a noodle joint or a soup joint, but that’s not an altogether accurate description. Although its roots stem from China, Ji Be Chuan isn’t exactly a Chinese restaurant either. A Chinese franchise which was founded in Shuzhou, China has over 400 locations in China with a growing international presence. There are 50 restaurants in the US including one in New York City, and one here in Orange, Connecticut.

This franchise is unique in that about 50% of the menu features original Ji Be Chuan recipes, but franchisees are allowed to supplement with their own recipes and dishes. For this reason, the Orange location features a unique blend of Asian influences and flavors from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and, of course, China. This “flexible franchise,” as owner Jin Lin refers to it, allowed him to incorporate pho and ramen with the traditional Chinese dishes. There is something for everyone, and something familiar to everyone.

MŌLÌ & Andy Yu Celebrate Lunar New Year in Greenwich: Dim Sum Brunch & Festivities

Features Restaurant Lunar New Year Chinese Dumplings Dim Sum Greenwich Asian Food Homepage

CTbites Team January 25, 2024

An all-new Dim Sum brunch launches on Sunday, February 11th with food and drink specials honoring Lunar New Year traditions. The celebratory launch event will also include a Lion Dance performance and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Traditionally, the Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration and concludes with a lantern festival marking the end of the celebrations. To honor their native traditions, award-winning restaurateurs K Dong and Chef Steven Chen will celebrate at their newest restaurant MŌLÌ (moligreenwich.com) with the launch of a new dim sum brunch menu and a live Lion Dance performance on Sunday, February 11th at 1:00 p.m. The team partnered with Fashion Designer and Philanthropist, Andy Yu to elevate the celebration and infuse a whimsical dish to the new Sunday brunch menu.

NOA Thai Celebrates 1 Year in New Haven, From September In Bangkok Team

Restaurant New Haven Thai Lunch Asian Food

Jessica Ryan November 28, 2023

NOA, located on Crown Street in the heart of Downtown New Haven, just celebrated its first Birthday and we were recently invited to check it out. NOA is the second restaurant owned by chef and owner Winyu “Win” Seetamyae who also owns the wildly popular and favored September In Bangkok, also in New Haven. Although both restaurants are Taiwanese, the “vibe” and dishes are quite different. NOA is a bit more youthful with a vivid nighttime scene. NOA, which happens to mean delicious in Thai certainly lives up to its name based on the dishes we tried.

Let's Do Lunch at The Cottage in Greenwich: Seasonal Menu Drop

Restaurant Greenwich Lunch Asian Food American

Jessica Ryan October 27, 2023

When looking for a place that’s special The Cottage often tops the list of recommendations with its focus on excellence and elevated dishes that that are creative, stunning and delicious. The Cottage in Westport has been a staple of the restaurant scene since its inception in 2015. In 2022 Brian Lewis opened a second location in Greenwich and it has taken the restaurant scene there by storm. While the vibe in Greenwich is different with a more casual setting, it offers something that Westport doesn’t: lunch. And the lunch scene in Greenwich is bustling. The lunchtime menu is streamlined but not at all limited. In fact it’s really quite varied considering its size, featuring dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes and diets.

Somos Handcrafted Arepas Opens in New Haven & Shelton

Restaurant Latin American Arepa Venezuelan Opening New Haven Lunch To-Go Delivery Comfort Food Homepage Shelton

James Gribbon September 22, 2023

So, maybe you’ve had an arepa. Eaten hot from the pan, or made into fat little sandwiches somewhat akin to a stuffed pita, the puffy, crispy, hunger-busting cornmeal cakes are the unofficial comfort food of Venezuela. Or maybe you haven’t. Somos Handcrafted Arepas wants to help with that.

Brothers Alejandro and Andres Cordito grew up in Hamden as the sons of Venezuelan parents, and started taking notice of how the everyday food they had at home, on trips to visit family in Caracas, and during Andres’ time in college in South Florida, just wasn’t apparent in Connecticut. Now, with two locations in New Haven and Shelton, they’re increasing access to this gloriously variable sandwich.

What does that mean? I’m glad you asked!

First: Say “ah-RAY-pah."

Yuki’s Kitchen Opens in Westport with Authentic Korean, Japanese & Chinese

Restaurant Opening Westport Japanese Korean Chinese Kid Friendly To-Go Asian Food Noodle Soup Ramen Sushi Homepage

Dana Yee September 02, 2023

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Yuki’s Kitchen, a charming Korean, Japanese and Chinese culinary haven that left me utterly impressed and thoroughly satisfied. From the moment I stepped in to this primarily take-out spot, the quaint friendly ambiance and attentive service set the stage for a memorable gastronomic experience. Ken and Yuki Piao, a husband and wife team, have been in the Fairfield/Westport area for more than +10 years and decided in November of 2022 to open a lovely tiny haven of authentically excellent Asian food. We also had the pleasure of enjoying some special dishes prepared by Yuki’s mother visiting from Korea for 2 months.

Ji Bei Chuan Asian Noodle Shop Opens in Orange CT

Restaurant Asian Asian Food Chinese Japanese Vietnamese Orange Openings Homepage

Carly Terzigni May 10, 2023

If you don’t know about Chef Jin yet, you owe it to your taste buds to step into one of his now numerous restaurants across Connecticut. Perhaps you are familiar with Tomo 68 in Naugatuck or Natural Kitchen in Milford – and most recently, Ramen & Bao in Oxford. Those are all thanks to Chef Jin, and now you can check out Ji Bei Chuan in Orange, which has its official grand opening on May 9th.

Ji Bei Chuan is a widely popular dining establishment in China, with over 400 locations overseas. Here in the United States, there are only 40, with this Orange location the first in the state. As you step inside, your eyes are immediately drawn to its noodle bar: a beautiful dark-stained natural wood countertop where guests can dive head-first into one of the many noodle or soup dishes on the menu.

“Los Remolinos” Opens in Norwalk from Owners of Appetit Bistro

Features Interview Restaurant Latin American Interview Openings Colombian Venezuelan Mexican

Andrew Dominick April 29, 2023

With the recent news that Bruxelles Brasserie closed as of April 9 and will be taken over by Jeff Taibe and reopen as Taproot, French cuisine in South Norwalk has all but evaporated.

But before the French-Belgian Bruxelles made this announcement, and at the beginning of 2023, Appetit Bistro, a more classic French restaurant, decided to switch things up, too.

For Appetit’s owners, Edwin Montoya and chef Ismael Carias, whose Port Chester location is still going strong at eight years and counting, their concept simply didn’t catch on in SoNo despite seeing an initial boom of customers.

Mil Sabores: Birria Tacos, Arepas, and Mexican + Venezuelan Classics in Bridgeport

Features Interview Restaurant Bridgeport Mexican Venezuelan Homepage Interview

Andrew Dominick February 24, 2023

Edwin Mondragon, who co-owns the popular Mexican – Venezuelan mashup Mil Sabores in Bridgeport, credits his mother’s mole as his first taste of the food service industry. He recalls memories of packing mom’s mole in plastic pint containers, filling up his backpack, and selling it, as a family, to customers and stores who sought out the homemade Mexican sauce.

Mediterranean Favorite, Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar, Opens In Westport TODAY

Restaurant Openings Westport Mediterranean Italian Pizza Spanish Venezuelan Comfort Food

Stephanie Webster December 29, 2020

Chef Renato Donzelli, owner of Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar, has moved his longtime favorite Norwalk spot to Westport, CT. Basso opens his doors today in the beautiful two story building that once housed Matsu Sushi on Jesup Road. A loyal following, very favorable word of mouth, and a consistently excellent Mediterranean menu made Basso a huge success, and a neighborhood hangout for 13 years, so why Westport? Donzelli has had his eye on this restaurant friendly town for some time, but most importantly, he wanted to expand his dining capacity, and add al fresco dining to the menu. The new location boasts all of the above in addition to a wood fired pizza oven where Donzelli can now incorporate his family’s Neapolitan pizza recipes to his cooking repertoire. After tasting The Stallion Pizza last night at the soft opening, featuring Spanish chorizo, spicy sofrito, mozzarella, and fresh basil, I can say with great certainty, that I too am happy Donzelli found a new home where his dreams can be realized.

Avenida Venezuelan & La Calle Arepas Bar: Local Tattoo Artist Opens Two Areparias in Norwalk

Restaurant Venezuelan Norwalk Lunch Kid Friendly Homepage

Andrew Dominick July 22, 2018

If I told you a tattoo artist opened two restaurants in the same city, you might think I was trying to set up a joke. It’s no joke, and it’s not even that farfetched if you talk to Javier Eastman, who just opened Avenida Venezuelan Food and Le Calle Arepas Bar in Norwalk.

So, how does a tattoo artist with almost 25,000 Instagram followers get into the food service industry?

At Avenida, you can expect an array of empanadas, 16 different stuffed arepas, pastelitos (small savory turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or both), traditional Venezuelan breakfast plates, and a few larger dishes like Pabellón Criollo, Venezuela’s national dish, comprised of shredded beef, rice & beans, fried sweet plantains, egg, avocado, and cheese. Additionally, there are patacón sandwiches (beef, chicken, or pork between deep-fried plantain slices), burgers, and Venezuelan-style hot dogs topped with shredded carrots, cabbage, ham, salsa, cheese, and crushed potato sticks.