Asian Restaurants and Tea Spots I Enjoy Around Cary and the Triangle

Triangle Living / Local Favorites

By Emme Zheng, Broker-in-Charge, Blue Orchid Realty

When clients are exploring a move to Cary or another Triangle community, they often ask what everyday life feels like here. Restaurants and coffee shops are part of my answer. As a Cary local and Realtor, I enjoy sharing places I have actually visited, from a quick tea stop to a long dinner with family or friends.

These are personal favorites across Cary, Morrisville, Raleigh and Durham. They are not a ranking of every Asian restaurant in the Triangle, and the list is not sponsored. I have included the dishes I specifically enjoy where I have a favorite to share.

Cary: Chinese, Vietnamese, hot pot and tea

Taipei 101

At Taipei 101, the cilantro lamb and garlic pork ribs are the dishes I would tell a friend about first. I like being able to order a few plates for the table, especially when someone wants to explore more than one flavor.

Szechuan Mansion Hotpot

For a sit-down hot pot meal, I enjoy Szechuan Mansion Hotpot. Choosing a broth and ingredients makes dinner feel like an activity as well as a meal. It is a good format when the group wants to linger and talk.

UMI Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet

UMI Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet in Cary is my all-you-can-eat option. With hot pot, sushi, seafood and hibachi choices under one roof, it works when people at the table have different cravings. Check its current offerings before you go, since buffet selections can change.

Pho Thien Phat

When I want Vietnamese food, Pho Thien Phat is one of my Cary stops. A bowl of pho is an easy answer when I want a warm, relaxed meal.

Cha House and Tiger Sugar

For an Asian-inspired drink stop, I enjoy Cha House. It is a place to slow down over tea rather than make a full dinner plan. Tiger Sugar Cary is another favorite when I want bubble tea with Taiwanese fried chicken. I like having both options for a quick outing in Cary.

Morrisville: Peking duck at G.58 Cuisine

At G.58 Cuisine, I go for the Peking duck. It comes with pancakes, vegetables and sauces, so the meal is especially enjoyable to share. This is one I would think of for a longer dinner with family or friends.

Raleigh: Sushi-Thai and Heirloom

Sushi-Thai Raleigh is on my Raleigh list for a meal with both sushi and Thai choices. When I am downtown and want coffee, I also enjoy Heirloom. Its coffee, tea and Asian-inspired food make it a pleasant stop that feels distinct from a standard coffee run.

Durham: M Sushi

For a sushi dinner in downtown Durham, I enjoy M Sushi. It is one of the places that comes to mind when I want dinner to be the centerpiece of an evening in Durham.

The places that make a community feel familiar

When I help someone compare Cary, Raleigh, Morrisville or Durham, we talk about housing, commutes and daily routines. But a favorite restaurant or tea shop can also make a new place start to feel like home. I hope these personal picks give you a few places to explore. Restaurant menus and hours can change, so check with each business before visiting.

Emme Zheng is the Broker-in-Charge of Blue Orchid Realty. She helps buyers and sellers across Cary and the Triangle with local market knowledge and design-informed guidance.