Kevin and Stephanie Lin, the dynamic duo behind Sun Restaurant, bring a unique culinary vision to Niagara Street in Buffalo. Their mission is simple yet profound: to serve “great tasting food that is healthy & unique.” This commitment is deeply rooted in their journey from Burma to Japan and finally to the United States, where they’ve cultivated a passion for authentic Asian cuisine.
Arriving in the US in 1996 after immersing themselves in Asian culinary traditions and food trade in Tokyo, the Lins initially established themselves in Erie, PA. There, they honed their skills in delivering healthy, flavorful, and high-quality food through franchise ownership. By 1997, their entrepreneurial spirit led them to own three franchises, all while nurturing innovative Asian recipes. Their relocation to Buffalo in just two years marked a significant step: introducing the art of sushi to Western New York.
Driven by ambition and a desire to share the best of Asian cuisine with Buffalo, the Lins opened Sun Food Market on Niagara Street in 2010. Starting as an Asian grocery store with a small takeout menu, the popularity of their food quickly transformed the space. Within a year, bistro seating expanded to occupy half the market. Responding to overwhelming customer demand, the Lins fully reimagined the location, launching the full-service Sun Restaurant in the summer of 2012. This newly renovated space became dedicated to serving the distinct and delicious flavors of Burmese and Thai cuisine.
Word of mouth spread rapidly about this Niagara Street gem, especially their intriguing black rice dishes. By championing black rice, a dark, nutty grain celebrated for its health benefits in Chinese medicine, the Lins solidified their promise of delivering both unique and healthy food that doesn’t compromise on taste. Their culinary innovation reached a new peak in November 2013 with the unveiling of Sun’s Black Rice Bar, the first complete black rice menu in the United States, cementing Sun Restaurant’s status as a must-visit dining destination on Niagara Street.
