January is a time of new beginnings. In 2025, the Gregorian calendar and Lunar New Year both fall in January. We have the full month to celebrate, with Lunar New Year falling on January 29.
Downtown Albany has three amazing Asian restaurants that bring you tantalizing flavors and diverse options for dine in and take out all week long.
Ba’s Vietnamese Comfort Food
117 1st Ave. East – (541) 791-7299
Ba’s Vietnamese Comfort Food owners Karen and Seth Carey share authentic flavors of Vietnam with the Albany community. The name Ba’s honors Karen’s family roots – Ba means Dad in Vietnamese, and it was an awesome dad who inspired the couple to open the restaurant.
Karen Carey, who learned to cook from her father, Tony Pham, shares the same recipes she grew up with. Order at the counter, then find your favorite table and settle in for your meal to arrive.
Ba’s offers a menu full of comfort food, including appetizers like egg rolls, shrimp and pork or tofu salad rolls and beef pho that simmers for 24 hours. Other options include chicken pho, banh mi sandwiches, ginger chicken and noodle salads. Ba’s dishes are made with fresh ingredients and are free of added MSG.
The restaurant also features a variety of specialty drinks like iced teas, hot tea, Vietnamese coffee, avocado smoothies, and a selection of sake, beer, wine and specialty cocktails.
Ba’s is open 5 days a week: TuesdaySaturday, 11:30 am- 3 pm and 5-8:30 pm and closed Sunday and Monday.
Jinda Thai Restaurant
236 1st Ave West – (541) 248-3666
Jinda Thai offers full table service and a diverse menu of authentic Thai dishes, crafted from traditional recipes and the freshest ingredients. Owner Vichuda Stine and her team endeavor to bring you the authenticity of Thai food.
From favorites like Pad Thai Noodles and Panang Curry to their signature Crying Tiger Beef Steak and Volcano Fish and Shrimp, there is something to delight everyone, and don’t miss the Mango Sticky Rice for dessert!
Open 6 days a week: Tuesday-Friday 11 am-3 pm, 4-9 pm, Saturday & Sunday 12-3 pm, 4-9 pm, closed Monday.
K Teriyaki
300 2nd Ave SW – (541) 791-7258
Last summer, Andrew Yi, the former owner of Ginza Japanese Restaurant, purchased Toki Teriyaki, then remodeled reopening as K Teriyaki.
They serve Korean and Japanese dishes like teriyaki chicken, shrimp yakisoba, BBQ ribs, katsu chicken, gyoza, ramen and edamame. Their signature Bibimbap, a Korean rice bowl, has limited availability, so order early.
At lunch, they also offer “Happy Bowls” in teriyaki chicken, spicy chicken, curry chicken, Bulgogi beef and veggie tofu.
Check the cooler for many Asian specialty beverages and fun desserts.
K is open 6 days a week: MondayFriday 11 am-7:30 pm, Saturday 12- 7:30 pm and closed on Sunday.
