{My Top Picks} Kid-Friendly Asian Restaurants in Dallas

Updated in 2022.

In 2009 my husband, then boyfriend, and I quit our jobs in New York and traveled the world, concentrating most of our travels in Asia. We came to love the cultures, the pace, and most importantly, the food.

I still dream about the fresh herbs in my street pho in Ho Chi Minh City that cost $2, the spicy Thai basil and Thai chilis in northern Thailand, the jackfruit and dragon fruit we ate every morning, not to mention the delicious curries, noodles and fresh seafood that all of Asia has to offer.

These flavors and spices were not something we could replicate ourselves (not for lack of trying), so we made it our mission since moving to Dallas to seek and discover the most authentic Asian restaurants in town and expose our children to these unique flavors. 

Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Asian Restaurants in Dallas

Chinese

Royal China | Preston & Royal

This restaurant is the full package for an easy and delicious dinner with the family. They offer ramen, dim sum, and authentic Chinese cuisine including gluten-free options. It’s a family-friendly environment with an open kitchen, so the kids can watch the dumplings being made before they eat them. There is also a large fish tank which can serve as entertainment for hungry kiddos.

Royal Sichuan | East Richardson

A family-style Sichuan restaurant located in Richardson’s Chinatown on Greenville Ave. You can sit at a large round table with a lazy Susan and enjoy a unique family-style Sichuan meal. Some highlights are the Chuang Dumplings, Mongolian Beef, green beans, and bok choy. You get big portions for your money, so there will be plenty to bring home for lunch the next day.

Jeng Chi | East Richardson

Also tucked away in Richardson’s Chinatown and owned and operated by a Chinese family, the authenticity of this place is legit, from the pots of green tea they serve to their clientele. Dim sum, soups, and sizzling hotplates are our favorites, and the juicy steamed soup dumplings are a hit with adults and kids alike. This is a large restaurant and very loud, so no need to worry about keeping the kiddos quiet.

Thai

Thai Star | Addison

Authentic Thai food at its best, this family-owned restaurant is a little off the beaten path in Addison but well worth it. They have kid-friendly portions at a reasonable rate as well as kid silverware and plates, so you don’t have to worry about anything breaking. This place is always packed, so it’s best to get there before the lunch or dinner rush. For dessert don’t forget to try the mango sticky rice—you’ll never forget it.

Thai’s Thumbz | Richarson

Right off George Bush Turnpike in Richardson, this gem serves some of the best pad thai I have had outside of Thailand. We pick up take out at least once a week from here. This is my oldest son’s favorite restaurant in the world. He is thoroughly entertained the entire time by the wait staff. Last time we were there he was picked up and passed around the restaurant from one waitress to the next. They even taught him some Thai words that he will hopefully use when we travel back to Thailand with him.

Vietnamese

Pho Bac | Richardson

Here, you want to eat pho, a Vietnamese staple of steaming hot pots of noodle soup topped with fresh herbs. They seriously have every kind you could ever think of on their menu, or you can request your own concoction. The kids will enjoy slurping up noodles and fishing for meat with child-friendly training chopsticks.

Một Hai Ba | Lakewood

Bánh mì sandwiches, papaya salad, fresh-squeezed juices, and fresh herb and shrimp imperial rolls are the highlights here. This is a more upscale Vietnamese restaurant, but they offer covered outdoor seating, which is always great for kids at lunch.

Nammi | Downtown Dallas

What started as a Klyde Warren Park food truck is now permanently housed within the Dallas Farmers Market. They serve four Vietnamese street food items with different meat options: Bánh mì, Asian taco, noodle bowl, and rice bowl, all done to perfection. I actually find myself thinking up excuses to go downtown sometimes just to get some lemongrass chicken Vietnamese tacos! Yum!

We look forward to traveling back to Asia someday with our kids and broadening their horizons even more. If you think your children cannot enjoy a variety of food…give these a try! Even the pickiest eater can find something delicious at one of these fantastic Dallas-area Asian restaurants.

Do you have a favorite spot in Dallas for Asian cuisine?

Read more recommendations over on Collin County Moms:
CCM Cuisine Tour :: Korean Restaurants in Collin County
Eat Local! My Favorite Asian Cuisine in Collin County