Bend got a little spicier when JIĀ Asian Street Kitchen opened its doors in September 2023. Founded by Cynthia Linh, JIĀ marks her bold transition from a social media buzzmaker to a gutsy restaurateur bringing Asian street food culture to Central Oregon. Beckoning locals and wanderers off the well-trodden foodie path, JIĀ is a heartfelt nod to Linh’s Asian heritage and upbringing in San Jose’s Vietnam Town, where family-style meals were a cherished tradition. “I wanted to bring something exciting and different to Bend,” she mused, “where every bite and every sip feels like coming home.”
Dive Into Delight
Walking through JIĀ’s doors is like falling into a neon dream, where anime characters cavort in lush jungles and bustling night markets. Brought to life by Linh’s husband, Craig Cole, this mesmerizing wonderworld weaves a tangible aura of mystery and delight. “We’re here to shake things up,” said Linh. “JIĀ is something you’ll definitely remember.” Here, the essence of communal dining is reimagined, inviting guests to share not just meals, but unforgettable moments under an Asian art-inspired sky.
JIĀ’s menu is an ode to elevated street food, spanning the vibrant regions of China, Vietnam and Thailand.
“We try to stay authentic to the culture with each dish,” said Linh. “It’s food that’s meant to be shared.”
The star of the show is the Bone-in Beef Noodle Soup—a succulent short rib cradled by a tangle of udon noodles and green vegetables, all swimming in a colossal bowl of rich, spicy broth. “I love hearing the collective gasp of delight every time it’s brought out,” she said with a laugh.
A Saigon Bowl takes the essence of Vietnamese cuisine—the aromatic dance, the unapologetic boldness, the chaotic joy—and crams it into a single place. Brimming with rice vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, zesty pickled vegetables and the irresistible crunch of JIĀ’s handmade crispy rolls, it’s a dish that manages to push every flavor button. The restaurant is also kicking things up a notch with an original and unexpected weekend brunch menu, swapping more commonly found standards such as chicken and waffles for Asian-inspired honey toast and chicken wings. It’s a continuation of JIĀ’s commitment to creative twists, bold flavors and an experience that goes beyond the plate.
Kids also have a place at the table with menu items that tempt even the pickiest eaters, such as veggie Pho or chicken with rice. On Mondays, JIĀ goes a step farther, offering parents a fun night out as their children engage in creative play at the adjacent art studio in Brookswood Plaza.
Shaken, Stirred and Spectacular
JIĀ’s cocktail program, masterminded by Tou Meechukant, is as inventive as the cuisine. A talented mixologist enticed from the bustling bars of San Francisco to Bend’s culinary frontier, Meechukant brings an unparalleled flair to the restaurant, ensuring every cocktail stands on its own as a memorable experience.
Among JIĀ’s standout creations is the Whiskey Samurai, a concoction that clinched the top spot in the Crater Lake Spirits’ 2024 Barrel Brawl whiskey competition. A blend of high-rye whiskey, soothing almond liqueur, fresh orange juice and grapefruit bitters, the drink comes alive with flaming cinnamon sticks. Another sought-after cocktail, The Mother of Dragons, breathes fire into the soul with a fearless fusion of passion fruit, hatch green-chili-infused vodka, lemon, orange bitters and chili threads. Non-alcoholic options, such as the beloved Tiki Panda, ensure everyone can enjoy the imaginative drink menu. A punchy mix of pomegranate, pineapple and lemon juice served in a panda-shaped tiki glass, it’s one of the many mocktails that showcase JIĀ’s creativity and palate inclusivity.
“JIĀ’s about family—the one we’re born into and the people we gather along the way,” said Linh. “It’s more than just a place to eat, it’s a home where everyone belongs.”
JIĀ Asian Street Kitchen | 19570 Amber Meadow Drive #100, Bend | (541) 241-7172 | jiastreetkitchen.com
Editor’s Note: We first visited JIĀ Asian Street Kitchen in September 2023, and this article shares our experience then. |Written by Chloe Green
Everyone’s talking about JIĀ Asian Street Kitchen, the newly opened eatery tucked into Bend’s eastside. After experiencing its beautiful interior, the kind, attentive hospitality and its mouth-watering cuisine, Bend Magazine understands the hype.
JIA, which translates to ‘family’ in Mandarin, lives up to its name by doing things family-style, serving up hearty plates of flavorful cuisine inspired by Asian street food culture. Founder Cynthia Linh spent the past seven years globetrotting, helping create restaurant brands and cultivating a significant online following. Her worldwide travels significantly influence the culinary creations on JIA’s menu. Pulling inspiration from the flavors and dishes found in Vietnam, China and Thailand, Minh presents a menu that pays homage to the diverse dishes found throughout Asia.
Located in Brookswood Plaza, the interior of JIA Asian Street Kitchen is a sensory delight. With darker mood lighting perfectly contrasted with pops of vibrant colors, the dreamy decor and atmosphere immediately transport you far, far away from Central Oregon. Booth, table and bar seating arrangements are available, each comfortable and inviting.
The range of dishes satisfies diners with impeccable flavors, generous portion sizes and artful presentation. A perfect start to the meal, the crispy rolls boast a tasty filling of mung bean noodles, wood ear mushrooms, carrots and cabbage, paired with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. The green beans, smothered in spicy house XO sauce, a spicy seafood sauce from Hong Kong, and fried garlic, offer a mouthwatering kick of heat and umami.
The five-spiced pork belly in the Pork Belly Baos is paired with cucumber, purple cabbage, pickled carrot and cilantro, creating a wonderfully balanced array of textures and flavors with crispy garlic, onion and house chili oil topping adding a nice crunch. If you’re a fan of heat, the spicy egg noodle dish with minced pork, peanuts, sesame and green onions won’t disappoint. It definitely packs a spicy punch.
The Saigon Bowl, featuring Vietnamese rice vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, pickled carrot and daikon, lettuce, basil and crispy rolls, all topped with peanuts, garlic chili oil and crispy shallot, is the ultimate sharing option. Delivered in a large bowl, the dish is accompanied by a choice of tofu, grilled barbeque pork, chicken or shrimp.
While JIA Asian Street Kitchen doesn’t currently serve alcoholic beverages, a cocktail list is in the works. Based on the current mocktail offerings, their cocktails are sure to impress. The Ube Lavender Sparkler, Watermelon Cooler, and Berry Pina Colada mocktails are refreshingly inventive and pair wonderfully with the flavorful cuisine.
The combination of its vibrant atmosphere, inviting staff and eclectic menu makes JIA Asian Street Kitchen earn the Bend Magazine stamp of approval. If you’re looking for a cozy place to enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine with fresh, creative mocktails, JIA is a must-visit. Stay tuned for their upcoming cocktail creations!
How to Get There
19570 Amber Meadow Drive #100, Bend, OR 97702 | jiastreetkitchen.com
Open: Monday – Saturday, 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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