FAIRFAX, Va. — When TikToker and food reviewer Keith Lee announced his first-ever visit to the DMV, fans eagerly awaited which local gem he would spotlight first. The answer? A small yet mighty restaurant called Okonomi Asian Grill in Fairfax, Virginia, where Lee’s visit turned into more than just a food review—it became a celebration of resilience, community, and generosity.
Jasmine, a DMV local and Keith Lee fan, wrote in to recommend Okonomi Asian Grill, calling it a hidden treasure. She said the owners described the restaurant as "the Asian Chipotle," where you can build your own bowl, choosing your base, protein, toppings, and sauce—or you can opt for one of their pre-fixed bowls. Jasmine couldn’t praise the restaurant enough, and it’s easy to see why.
Alex Kang, the owner of Okonomi, opened the doors to his restaurant two years ago, fueled by passion and an unyielding work ethic. During the restaurant’s first year, Kang worked alone, often clocking in 80-100 hours a week to keep the business afloat. Though he had some help from family, the challenges were immense. Now in its second year, Okonomi has a small but dedicated team, and Kang has managed to implement some much-needed repairs. But the work is far from over—he still works those grueling hours, driven by a love for his craft and the community he serves.
Customers say Kang's warmth and humility shine through in every interaction. He’s the type of owner who will greet you with a smile and engage in a heartfelt conversation about anything under the sun. It’s this genuine connection that keeps customers coming back, even in the face of challenges like recent DoorDash thefts and scams that have affected the restaurant.
When Keith Lee stepped into Okonomi, he was met with the quick and friendly service the restaurant is known for. In a TikTok, Lee said he ordered a Hawaiian-ish chicken bowl, lemongrass chicken bowl, and a side of kimchi cucumber salad. As a special touch, Kang added Bang Bang sauce and pineapple fish sauce to the mix, ensuring a flavor-packed experience. Lee, who is allergic to shellfish, tossed the fish sauce aside, but appreciated the thoughtful preparation as he left the restaurant to review the dishes
But it wasn’t just the food that made Lee’s visit memorable—it was the way he gave back to the community. After paying $37.12 for his meal, Lee left a jaw-dropping $2,000 at the counter to cover the cost of other patrons’ meals and an additional $1,000 to Kang, helping the owner recoup some losses from the DoorDash scams.
Lee rated the lemongrass chicken bowl an 8.5 out of 10, and both the Hawaiian-ish bowl and cucumber salad earned a solid 7.5 out of 10. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Lee was so moved by his experience at Okonomi that he took to TikTok to share his thoughts, encouraging his followers to visit the restaurant—but with a special request: “Please be patient,” he said, “Only two people were working.”
Keith Lee’s visit to Okonomi Asian Grill wasn’t just a review; it was a testament to the power of community, kindness, and a little bit of TikTok magic. Alex Kang’s journey as a restaurant owner is one of hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to his craft, and thanks to Lee’s generosity, Okonomi is poised to welcome even more visitors who are eager to taste the love that goes into every bowl.