Tucson Table: Asian

IN GENERAL

Hot Wok Asian Bistro (7755 E. Golf Links Rd. Ste 101): A hodge-podge of Asian offerings: Fried Rice, Hot Wings, Rolls, Vermicelli Bowls as well as a variety of entrees in different styles listed by protein of choice. Since it is on the way home from base, the Pilot often stops there for take-out when I don't feel like cooking. My favorite is the Lemongrass Tofu. The Pad Thai is pleasing as is the grilled pork vermicelli bowl. And, of course, we always order spring rolls.

Wei Asian Cafe (9459 East Golf Links Rd): At last! Asian Delivery! And it is excellent. Without fail, we have our food in 30 minutes or less. Our favorite dishes include the very spicy Hot Tofu with Ground Pork and the Korean Style Pokoki Kim Chee. Their pho is quite tasty, too. If you're between Speedway and Valencia (north and south) and Wilmot and Melpomene (east and west, give them a call: 520.722.1119

JAPANESE
Yoshimatsu Healthy Japanese Eatery (2660 North Campbell Ave): The casual and quirky atmosphere and the excellent food make this a great place to eat. I especially enjoyed the Ginger Tofu Bento. I look forward to going there often in the future and trying the attached restaurant, Sushi Matsu. 

KOREAN

Korea House (4030 East Speedway): We sat in a booth shielded by curtains while the main dining room, a whole army of orthodontists doing shots of Soju with their Korean colleagues here on exchange, partied it up. Overall, a great dining experience. The Pilot and I went with the very safe choices of Gimbop (Korean Sushi Roll) for a starter and for entrees, bibimbap and bulgogi. We relished both our food and the opportunity to see orthodontists gone wild.

THAI

Char's Thai Restaurant (5039 E. 5th St.): The first time we ate there we sat at a table plastered with pictures of Princess Diana, and we listened to the conversations buzzing around us in this very intimate family restaurant. The Pilot and I enjoyed people watching and drinking beer while we waited between courses: an appetizer of smoked beef salad called Yum Neau, a soup, Tom Kha Gai (Chicken in coconut milk, lime, and spices), and finally an entree, Panang Neau, beef with chili, peanut sauce, basil, and coconut milk. We have been back many, many times.

Luckie's Thai-Asian (8110 S. Houghton Road): If you're living in Rita Ranch, you've probably eaten here. In fact, when we had temporary digs in this far south suburb, we depended on their take out for nourishment while we were vagabonding it with a newborn. The owners are incredibly nice, and they will make items not on the menu, such as larb (or larp), a wonderfully complex, yet simple Thai salad. More importantly, it's damn tasty and reliable. Don't miss out on the mango and sticky rice dessert.

VIETNAMESE

Chinese Combo Restaurant (9040 East Valencia Road): We haven't tried their Chinese food, but we did go here for Vietnamese one Sunday because it is closer than Miss Saigon or Pho 98. Not bad, not bad at all. Not great, but I was craving fried food and enjoyed the combo plate with grilled pork chops, fried chicken wings, and egg rolls with steamed rice. If you live in Rita Ranch and want some Vietnamese food without having to drive very far, this is your place.

Dao's Vietnamese Restaurant (446 North Wilmot Road): Finally! A place with Bahn Mi, Vietnamese sandwiches. And, they are excellent! Gus likes to watch the fish while we wait for our sandwiches. 

Miss Saigon (1072 North Campbell Avenue): We love this place. It's hard to be eloquent about a place you adore. I love everything I have ever tried there. The appetizer combo of shrimp paste roll, spring roll, vegetarian spring roll, pork paste roll, and Vietnamese egg rolls is a great way to start a meal, especially if you're introducing people to Vietnamese food. Their Bun (vermicelli) bowls never disappoint. My favorite is the #43, a bowl of grilled shrimp paste over vermicelli and greens, topped with peanuts, carrots, and green onions. Oh, and of course, fish sauce. Another favorite entree there: grilled catfish served with vermicelli noodles, romaine lettuce, pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro and veggies and onions and fish sauce. Just take your lettuce and go wild. Check out the assorted beverages--I always order the fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Pho 88 (2744 North Campbell): Excellent chicken pho. Really. It's like mother's milk, and the waitress will tell you that it has special powers to encourage lactation. Not sure about that (however, she did show me the best way to burp Gus), but the pho is damn good.