Palm Springs has rapidly become a culinary hotspot, and the best Asian restaurants in Palm Springs are a major reason why. From vibrant Southeast Asian dishes to elegant Japanese preparations and nostalgic American-Chinese comfort food, the city offers flavors to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re seeking a cozy weeknight dinner or planning a foodie adventure, this guide highlights standout restaurants that showcase the region’s Asian cuisine.
Vietnamese
Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its freshness, bright herbs, and balanced flavors. With ingredients like cilantro, Thai basil, lime, and crisp vegetables, dishes often feel both comforting and clean. Here are the top Vietnamese spots among the best Asian restaurants in Palm Springs:
Rooster and the Pig
This modern Vietnamese-American restaurant has earned a cult following — and for good reason. The space is cozy, the food is bold, and the chef encourages a “share everything” approach. It’s one of the toughest reservations in town… mostly because they don’t take reservations. Please arrive early and be patient; it’s worth it.
What to order:
- Vietnamese crispy rolls
- Chicken dumplings
- Crispy sticky wings
- Red curry duck
- Crispy turmeric cod
- Caramelized chicken
- Ginger scallion lobster
- Vegan options like sautéed eggplant or sweet potato noodles
Address: 356 S Indian Canyon Drive
Hours: 5 - 9 pm, Wed. – Sun. It is cashless.
533 Viet Fusion
A beloved, locally owned restaurant blending Vietnamese and Thai influences, with an open spring-roll bar where you can watch chefs assemble fresh rolls from scratch. Expect house-made sauces, vibrant presentation, and a menu with serious range.
What to order:
- Green papaya salad
- Pho (beef, chicken, or tofu)
- Sweet tamari-glazed salmon
- Chile-braised osso bucco
- Saigon noodles with shrimp
- Vietnamese crepes
Address: 1775 E Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: 4 - 9 pm, Tue. - Sun. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can make a reservation.
Fuzion Five
Located in The Vineyard Shopping Center, Fuzion Five offers a mix of Vietnamese and Lao specialties prepared with authenticity and heart.
What to order:
- Banh Xeo crepe
- Fresh spring rolls, egg rolls, and firecracker shrimp
- Pho rice noodle soups
- Lao dishes like green papaya salad with beef jerky
- Koi pa (lightly seared fish with herbs and lime)
- Vegan fried tofu with garlic, ginger, and chili
Address: 285 S Palm Canyon Drive (Corner of Baristo)
Hours:11:30 am – 9 pm daily.
Thai Restaurants in Palm Springs
Thai cuisine is beloved for its bold layers of sweet, salty, spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors. Here are some of the best Asian restaurants in Palm Springs for Thai food:
Thai Smile Palm Springs
A downtown staple since 1991, Thai Smile is known for family recipes, no MSG, and dishes cooked to order in traditional high-flame woks. It’s right near the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.
What to order:
- Thai Smile sampler
- Curries: yellow, red, green, masaman, and panang
- Kung pao chicken or cashew shrimp
- Chicken lemongrass
- Luscious duckling with plum sauce
- Vegan tofu dishes and fried rice
Address: 100 S Indian Canyon Drive (corner of Tahquitz)
Hours: 11:30 am - 9:30 pm daily. No reservations.
Thai House
Owned by Nisa Hennecke, whose family has a long history in Thai cooking, Thai House specializes in classic comfort dishes with intensely aromatic flavors.
What to order:
- Tom Kha coconut soup
- Curries: yellow, red, green, panang, pineapple, country style, and roasted duck
- Siam Gulf curry (seafood + coconut milk + chili paste)
- Signature pad Thai
Address: 246 S Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: 11:30 am – 9 pm. Closed on Wednesday. No reservations.
Pepper's Thai Cuisine
A warm, casual favorite with a big menu of familiar Thai classics.
What to order:
- Pad Thai
- Pan-fried flat rice noodles
- House-fried rice
- Protein your way + pick your spice level (up to 5++)
- Vegan-friendly tofu and veggies
Address: 396 N Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: 11 am – 9 pm, Tue.- Sun. No reservations.
Japanese
Japanese cuisine centers on quality ingredients, respect for the seasons, and beautiful presentation. Whether it's pristine sashimi or artfully crafted omakase, dishes are designed to honor flavor, texture, and harmony. Here are some top picks for the best Asian restaurants in Palm Springs for Japanese food:
Happy Sushi Palm Springs
Easygoing and centrally located in the Mercado Plaza, Happy Sushi offers a huge variety of approachable Japanese favorites in a lively setting.
What to order:
- Regular sushi rolls
- Hand rolls (cone-style, not sliced)
- Deep-fried specialty rolls
- Sashimi
- Bento boxes
- Ramen, poke bowls, chef specials
- Sake pairings
Address: 155 S Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: Mon. – Wed., noon – 9 pm. Thur. – Sun., noon – 9:30 pm. No reservations.
Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey
A standout in the Uptown Design District, Sandfish blends Japanese tradition with modern design. Chef-owner Engin Onural is known for his precision and artistry, and for pairing sushi with global whiskeys.
What to order:
- Signature and seasonal rolls
- Sashimi
- Nigiri
- Whiskey pairings
Address: 1556 N Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: Sun. – Thur., 4:30 – 10 pm. Fri. & Saturday, it is open until 11 pm. Reservations recommended.
TAKA SHIN Japanese Cuisine
TAKA SHIN specializes in elegant, chef-driven omakase, a curated tasting in which the chef determines the sequence of dishes based on seasonal ingredients and creative inspiration.
What to expect:
- Omakase is served at the sushi bar
- Pristine sashimi, nigiri, and tempura
- Top-tier ingredients and refined presentation
Address: 641 N Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: Tue – Thur, 5 – 9 pm. Fri. & Sat., 5 – 10 pm. Sun., 5 – 9 pm. Closed Monday. Reservations recommended.
American-style Chinese
American-Chinese cuisine is beloved for its comforting, sauce-forward, deeply nostalgic dishes. Think sweet, crispy, savory, and satisfying flavors that have become an American classic in their own right. American-Chinese cuisine delivers comforting, nostalgic flavors. These are standout choices for the best Asian restaurants in Palm Springs for Chinese cuisine:
China King
China King is a longtime local favorite for classic American-style Chinese plates.
What to order:
- Almond chicken
- Sweet & sour chicken
- Broccoli beef
- Chow mein
- Fried rice
- Moo shu
- Lemon chicken
- Orange crispy beef
- Duck with ginger
- Honey walnut shrimp
Address: 295 N Indian Canyon Drive (corner of Amado)
Hours: 11 am - 9:30 pm daily.
Final Bite
Whether you’re craving pho, green curry, sushi, or American-Chinese classics, the best Asian restaurants in Palm Springs offer flavors that reflect both tradition and innovation. From family-run kitchens to inventive fusion spots, each restaurant delivers a memorable culinary experience that brings the vibrant taste of Asia straight to the desert.