2-Day Itinerary for Exploring Asian History & Culture in OKC

Heading to Oklahoma City soon, but only have two days to explore our Asian history and culture?  We’ve got you covered! Sure, 48 hours might feel like a short amount of time to take full advantage of everything our vibrant Asian community has to offer. So we created this two-day itinerary that packs all of our favorite sights, bites and activities across OKC, including the Asian District

Day One

Start your morning with breakfast at Quốc Bảo Bakery, a mom-and-pop Vietnamese bakery serving up bánh mì sandwiches, honeycomb cakes and other treats to fill your belly and prepare you for your next adventure: Super Cao Nguyen, the largest ethnic grocery store in the region. Here, you can explore a vast array of Asian products. It's not just any grocery store–it's a whole cultural experience. 

Family at looking at soldier statue at Military Park in the Asian District

For lunch, grab a seat at Szechuan Story, a small restaurant owned by a local Chinese couple, where the flavors pack a punch. Then, spend your afternoon in Military Park, a popular community spot that features a memorial plaza and statue honoring Vietnam War vets from America and South Vietnam. And check out one of the Asian District’s most prominent landmarks: the Milk Bottle Building. This building was constructed in the 1930s on the old Route 66 and is part of the National Register of Historic Places.

Time to shop! Stop by Seoul Nami, located in the World Fresh International Market, is a gift shop offering Korean Pop and Japanese Anime merchandise, such as CDs, collectibles and accessories.

All that exploring will surely work up an appetite. When it’s time for dinner, check out one of the Asian District’s popular Vietnamese pho spots–VII Asian Bistro, Pho Cuong or Pho Lien Hoa–for a delicious end to a jam-packed day. 

End the night at Seoul Pocha Restaurant & Bar. Take the stage and belt out your favorite tunes with friends in the private karaoke rooms, creating unforgettable memories while sipping on soju.  
 

Day Two

There’s still plenty to explore on day two! Start your day off on a sweet note with fresh mochi donuts and Korean corn dogs at Mochinut before journeying throughout OKC on an art scavenger hunt.

Display of food items from Ma Der Lao Kitchen

Head over to the Plaza Walls in the Plaza District to see 40-plus murals from local and national street artists. Be sure to stop by the district’s Ma Der Lao Kitchen, owned by James Beard-nominated Chef Jeff Chanchaleune. His culinary creations, recognized by publications like the NYT and Bon Appetit, offer a modern twist on traditional Laotian flavors. There is a beautiful mural on the side of the building of Chef Jeff's grandmother by artist JUURI, whose work is also found throughout the Western Avenue and Midtown districts. Beyond that, across the U.S. and overseas. To delve deeper into her artistic journey and discover more breathtaking creations, visit her website

Another artist to look out for on your hunt–Vietnamese-American artist Denise Duong. She owns Little D Gallery in the Paseo District, which houses a collection of paintings, murals and installations by Duong. You can also see her murals throughout OKC districts, including Bricktown, Asian, West Village, and Midtown, throughout the U.S. and overseas. View her website to learn more.

Ready for another bite? Head to Midtown District, offering a selection of restaurants, including Vietnamese restaurant and bar Riviere Modern Banh Mi and Tamashii Ramen, a Japanese spot.
 

This 2-day itinerary offers a taste of what’s in store for you in OKC. Explore the historic streets of the Asian District, marvel at stunning street murals and enjoy the savory and sweet flavors of Asian restaurants and dessert shops. Explore further to discover more about Asian history and culture in OKC for an unforgettable visit.