Haifa does multiculturalism differently than Tel Aviv. The Arab-Jewish coexistence of the Carmel hillsides, the international student population at the Technion, the port workers and shipping engineers who arrive from across Asia, the old German Colony cafés sitting beside Palestinian hummus shops — all of it creates an appetite for diversity that extends to the table. Asian cuisine has found a receptive home here, and the scene is more varied than visitors often expect.
This guide covers the standout options by cuisine. For the full searchable list, see our Asian businesses directory.
Korean#
Koreana Haifa
The city’s flagship Korean restaurant, and one of the best in northern Israel. Located on Independence Street in the Hadar neighbourhood, Koreana serves the full Korean canon: bibimbap, bulgogi, japchae, and jjigae stews, with a banchan spread that distinguishes it from the pan-Asian wok chains that dominate the suburbs. The kitchen has been consistent for years — a reliable choice for community events, family meals, and solo bibimbap cravings alike.
📍 Independence Street 66, Haifa | @koreana_haifa | 04-834-9597
Japanese#
Haifa’s Japanese offering is spread across a range of formats — from sushi counters in the Carmel Centre to fast-casual chains in the northern malls.
Ramen Talpiot
The city’s dedicated ramen option, in the Talpiot market district. A neighbourhood spot rather than a destination restaurant, but a genuine ramen counter with proper broth and a short, focused menu. Go for the classic tonkotsu or shoyu; skip the fusion additions.
Tatami — HaCarmel
A Japanese restaurant in the Carmel neighbourhood. Sushi, maki rolls, and teriyaki dishes in a sit-down setting.
Giraffe — Haifa
Part of a small Israeli chain with a Japanese-leaning menu. Reliable for sushi and noodle dishes; popular with families.
Frangelico — German Colony / Lev HaMifratz
Two branches of Frangelico operate in the Haifa area: one in the historic German Colony and one at the Lev HaMifratz shopping centre. The menu spans sushi, Asian-fusion small plates, and cocktails — a good option when you want something more atmospheric than a mall counter.
Japanika (multiple branches)
The Japanika chain operates several Haifa-area branches, including a kosher-certified location. A solid chain option for sushi and Japanese-style noodles — kosher certification makes it suitable for a broader range of groups.
Other Japanese counters in the area include Banzai Sushi, Tokyo Sushi, Rice & Fish, and Wasabi in Haifa proper; HaSushia, Minna Tomei, and KING KONG in the Krayot suburbs to the north.
Chinese#
Yan Yan Chinese Restaurant
One of Israel’s most storied Chinese restaurants. The Yan Yan family fled Vietnam for Israel generations ago, and their children serve in the IDF — the restaurant has been operating for over four decades on Derech Yafo. The kitchen cooks Cantonese from Guangdong province, and the menu reflects that heritage: dim sum, whole fish, clay-pot dishes, and noodle soups that are a world away from the sweet-and-sour fare served at lesser establishments.
📍 Derech Yafo 26, Haifa
Long Sang
One of Israel’s most authentic veteran Chinese restaurants — 41 years of Cantonese cooking from Guangdong province. A Haifa institution worth seeking out for anyone who takes Chinese food seriously.
Thai#
The Thai in the Market
Authentic Thai street food at the Talpiot market — real Bangkok flavours using ingredients sourced directly from Thailand. The setting is informal, the prices are low, and the food is the genuine article. Worth the trip to Talpiot on its own.
Thai Chin
A Thai restaurant in the greater Haifa area. Pad thai, green and red curries, and the standard Thai repertoire.
Pan
A Thai option in the Haifa area for neighbourhood regulars.
Indian#
Chapati
Indian home cooking and catering in Tirat HaCarmel, south of Haifa. Chapati operates as a prepared-food and catering service as much as a restaurant — worth calling ahead to confirm hours and availability.
Kesar and Moriah
Two further Indian options in the Haifa area, covering the city’s Indian and South Asian community needs.
Pan-Asian and Wok Chains#
The northern suburbs — Krayot, Kiryat Ata, Kiryat Bialik, Kiryat Motzkin — are dotted with pan-Asian wok restaurants that cover a broad sweep of Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian dishes under one menu. These include:
- ASI ATI — branches in Haifa and Kiryat Hayim
- Chang Ba — branches in Haifa and Kiryat Bialik
- Panda Wok — in Kiryat Motzkin
- TeaBar — branches at Azrieli Haifa, Kiryat Motzkin, and Kiryon mall
- WokStreet — on Sderot HaNassi and at Bat Galim
- Wok & Sandwich Station — Grand Mall Haifa
- Poke Van — Haifa, for poke bowls
- Taipei, Samurai, Pho 26 — further pan-Asian options across the area
These chains are not destination restaurants, but they fill a practical role — accessible, reasonably priced, and family-friendly, especially on weekday evenings.
Vietnamese#
Bun Cha
A Vietnamese restaurant in Haifa bringing the Hanoi classic of the same name — grilled pork with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping broth — to the northern dining scene.
Finding Ingredients#
For cooking at home, Haifa has a solid set of Asian grocery stores:
- TAYO Asian Market Haifa — Derech Yafo 21, Haifa | ta-yo.co.il — Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian imports
- My Asia Haifa — Shmaryahu Levin 8, Haifa | @myasiahaifa — a well-stocked neighbourhood Asian grocer
- East and West Haifa — HeHalutz Street 1, Haifa — Middle Eastern and Asian produce in one stop
North of Haifa#
The northern region surrounding Haifa has its own small cluster of options worth knowing about. Izakaya Karkur in Pardes Hanna-Karkur (about 30 km south on the coast road) is the best Japanese restaurant between Haifa and Tel Aviv — a full izakaya menu in a relaxed setting.
The Full Directory#
This guide covers the recommended and most characterful options. Our Asian businesses directory lists all restaurants in the Haifa area, searchable by cuisine and city.
