FoodSpotting: Chabaa Thai Bistro

Manayunk, a small neighborhood within Philadelphia, is a vibrant community; it houses myriads of restaurants, small shops, and beautiful sights. For one visiting, they can expect to have their palates pleased. Located along the winding expanse of Manayunk’s Main Street, lies a restaurant which can do just that, Chabaa Thai Bistro.

Mango Shrimp

At first glance, the restaurant appears rather quaint, but the beautiful décor and pleasant aromas compensate, preparing you for a nice time. Whether one is a Thai connoisseur or novice to the cuisine, Chabaa is likely to satisfy.

Often when I dine at a restaurant, I look for foods that are unique, with a wide variety of flavors. Of course, that typically is the case with any Thai food. Chabaa is no different; each dish I had was very fresh, as well as flavorful.

What excited me the most about this restaurant was their menu. It featured many dishes I have never seen at a Thai restaurant. Specifically, I was happy to see that, not one, not two, but seven different types of Pad Thai were served. Salmon, Crispy Duck, Crab, and Scallop Pad Thai? I started to wonder what rock I was living under to not know such creations existed! However, I did not partake of either one. I chose a dinner special, knowing the other dishes would be there for my next visit (which will be soon!)

For an appetizer, I had the Fried Tofu, large pieces of crunchy tofu accompanied with a sweet sauce, topped with peanuts. Though fried, this was not too heavy, and the sweet and sour sauce was addictive.

For my entrée, I had the Rad Nar Seafood. It was delicious. Served in a small pot, this dish had an abundance of seafood: mussels, shrimp, scallops, prawn, etc. Mixed in were wild rice noodles and fresh vegetables, all in a tasty thin gravy sauce.

Just when I thought I had enough, we were asked about dessert. I had the Mango Sticky Rice. I was told that this was a very popular, traditional Thai dessert. Words cannot describe how indulgent it was, so I’ll leave it for you to try! If you’re a fan of rice pudding, I highly recommend it.

“Chabaa” is said to be the Thai word for Hibiscus, a beautiful flower that even my mother uses to adorn her home. What a fitting name for this restaurant, with its peaceful ambiance, jovial* staff, and of course, decadent food.

 

*Our server was very comical. She joked, laughed, and provided for an overall comfortable experience.

FoodSpotting: Han Dynasty

For a few months now, I’ve known about Han Dynasty. It all began when a co-worker raved about their Chinese cuisine; from subsequent visits, he continued to rant and add to the spark once lit in my mind. It was time to check out the hype!

First, I knew that Han Dynasty was going to be a treat when I saw how hard it was to get in on a Friday night (and it was raining!) As soon as you walk in, you notice its warm, casual atmosphere, packed with a plethora of smells. Apparently, there were tables in their basement, but we were fortunate to land seats upstairs.

Han Dynasty operates in a traditional family style for serving. To get the best out of your experience, pair multiple dishes together. Most of the people dining that night, were in groups of four or more people. Something to keep in mind about the menu. Each dish is listed with a number from 1-10 to indicate spiciness; 1 is the lowest grade of spice, while 10 is the highest.

 

So, what did I eat? I started off with the famous Dan Dan Noodles (8); they in themselves, were a standalone knockout for the night. It’s not your typical Lo Mein dish from the corner store. These noodles had the perfect texture, not too chewy, and not too soft. Served in what seemed to be a light peanut sauce, infused with chili, Dan Dan noodles packed a punch! Typically, the restaurant serves them with pork, but considering my diet, I asked if it could be omitted. No matter, they were still flavorfully delicious.

Accompanied with the noodles, scallion pancakes were ordered, a favorite of mine when cooked properly. They were. I found myself dipping them into the sauce of the noodles for added pleasure for the crunchy exterior.

For the entrées, Han Dynasty offers a variety of cooking styles, such as Hot Sauce Style (7), Dry Pepper Style (8), Kung Pao Style (3), and the list goes on. All of them have their own unique flavors, served with rice, vegetables, and a choice of meats.

I chose the Dry Pot Style (10), which is served in a spicy hot sauce, with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, etc. My meat of choice, fish (flounder). If you’re looking to clear the sinuses, this is the dish for you! Jokes aside, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The flounder was tender and juicy, and the vegetables were fresh, adequately absorbing the flavors of the hot pot sauce.

It’s a rare occurrence when I visit a Chinese restaurant. In previous entries, I’ve gone on and on about my experiences with basic American-Chinese cuisine, verses the real, authentic tastes I’ve explored in the midst of Chinatown, and in the homes of close friends.

Han Dynasty met, and more than exceeded my expectations. I encourage everyone to give it a try!

You can find this restaurant at 108 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa*

*There are other locations in surrounding areas.

FoodSpotting: Nectar Restaurant

When I think of “nectar,” the words pleasant and sweet come to mind. Such a description is more than fitting for this culinary gem on the Main Line.

Nectar is a unique blend of both Asian and French cuisine. The eclectic style that the restaurant presents is not just experienced in every bite, but also in the ambiance and décor. With its tall ceilings, elegant setting, and larger than life rendering of Buddha, the restaurant is a sight to see.

Of course, the food was amazing too! But, with a restaurant as lavish as Nectar, one can only expect equally lavish prices. Not to be afraid, Nectar does not cost an arm and a leg, but expect to spend. It’s worth it.

For my appetizer, I had the Chicken Curry Pot Sticker Dumplings. If you’re a fan of dumplings, you’ll enjoy this marriage of two food styles. It was all too reminiscent of some of my favorite Indian dishes.

Next, for my entrée , I had the Vegetarian Wild Mushroom Pad Thai. Once again, I went for a familiar dish with a twist. As a mushroom lover, I could truly appreciate the addition.The mushrooms were tender and absorbed the abundant flavors of the Pad Thai. Note, that when reading the menu, this dish is listed as a side portion, but the amount you receive is more than adequate for one person.

Initially, I was going to pass on dessert. I had only planned to spend a very specific amount on my food, but the waiter’s descriptions were too mouth watering for me to pass up. So, I gave in.

If Peanut Butter Semifreddo sounds sinister, well that’s because it is. On the left of your plate, you have a scoop of milk chocolate malted ice cream fixed in a crunchy, peanut tuile shell! On the right, you have a tastefully decadent pyramid. It consisted of a warm piece of brownie at the bottom with a mound of ice cream, and chocolate striations on the side. This was as appealing to the eye as it was delicious.

On Nectar’s website, you’ll see this quote: “Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon,” by the Dalai Lama. I believe that these words truly represent Nectar’s passion for providing great food, and an even better experience. I look forward to my return.

Nectar is located at 1091 Lancaster Ave. Berwyn, PA

A Taste of Italy

Venice

What seems like almost a lifetime ago, this new year marks the four-year anniversary of my trip to Italy. For those observant ones, you may have noticed the image within the header of this blog. It is a picture I took of the Florence Cathedral, otherwise known as Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore.

It may seem of little value to you, but such a photo serves as a precious reminder of my first trip abroad, my first take on the world. In fact, my time in Florence, Rome, and Venice, opened my eyes to an array of wonders that this beautiful planet has to offer. I was immersed in a wealth of culture, art, language, and of course food!

Whether it was the thin-crust pizza, al dente (to the tooth) pasta, or the savory, frozen dessert, gelato, Italy could peak the taste buds of just about anyone! It’s very true that you can find all of these aforementioned foods here in America, but the taste and quality is just not the same.  

Til this day, I still long for another slice of Sicilian-style pizza that I had on my first day in Florence. My friends and I, with wide eyes, were drawn to the aroma and taste of that small piece of bliss. It was the last thing I thought I would be eating, but authentic Italian pizza was like no other. The size, fresh sauce, and melted cheese was perfect! Oddly enough, pizza became a staple for us during our week-long excursion. Every restaurant offered it, and it was often the cheapest thing on the menu. Have you seen the exchange rate for Euro vs. Dollar? In 2008, it was even worse. No wonder we ate it every day!

Thin-Crust Pizza

Something else I noticed while in Italy, was the vast differences in portion sizes. Yes, we know in America, that a bigger portion often equates to being better for the consumer, but in most European countries, people are a bit more conscious. While dining at a small café, 3-4 euros (about $6) bought me a very modest sized latte. The ornately crafted cup it was served in was no bigger than a shot glass. That’s a far cry from Starbucks’ tall, grande, and venti sizes, which are Italian inspired. 

Small Café

One last anecdote. At most restaurants in Italy, I had to get used to a few customs. When ordering water (acqua), a server usually asked if we wanted it plain, or with “gas.” Hearing this for the first time was confusing, but water with gas, simply is carbonated or sparkling water. Interesting right?

Since my trip to Italy, it’s very hard for me to visit Italian restaurants in America. I often compare them to the authentic food I once had. Honestly, Italian food is not my favorite. That’s my mother’s expertise, but I have been to some very good restaurants. Below is a small list:

Fellini’s Cafe Trattoria (106 West State Street – Media, PA)

La Famiglia Ristorante (8 South Front Street – Philadelphia, PA)

Primavera Pizza Kitchen (7 E Lancaster Ave Ardmore, PA )

Trattoria Giuseppe (4799 West Chester Pike – Newtown Square, PA)

Varalli Restaurant (231 South Broad Street – Philadelphia, PA)

If you’re looking for a country with amazing food, no doubt Italy is your destination. If not for foodventures, traveling abroad is an amazing experience. It’s an opportunity to broaden your perspective of the world and enrich your life with culture! I can’t wait to go back. Ciao 

This entry is dedicated to a very wonderful professor, who I had the privilege of traveling with on this trip, Dr. Arnold A Markley.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

My Favorite Foods: Indian Cuisine

For this entry, I wanted to experiment with multimedia, so I decided to make a small video. I know some of my viewers have short attention spans, and rather see pictures than read (haha). I typically use programs like iMovie, so I felt very limited using Windows Movie Maker. I hope to do more video projects in the future, but for now, here is my Indian food experience:

List of Indian restaurants I’ve been to, featured in the video: 

Laxmi’s Indian Grille - 4425 Main Street Philadelphia, PA

Nanee’s Kitchen – 12th and Arch Philadelphia, PA

New Delhi Indian Restaurant - 4004 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA

Shere-E-Punjab - 208 West state street Media, PA

My Favorite Foods: Malaysian Cuisine

Next up, Malaysian cuisine! In my previous entry, we had a chance to explore the exquisite nature that is Thai food, one of three personal favorites. One could only follow up with a style of cooking that bears similarities.

Just as with Thai food, Malaysian cuisine is relatively new to me, but that doesn’t mean I am a novice when it comes to choosing really good dishes. Fortunately, the local Chinatown in Philadelphia hosts two very popular Malaysian restaurants, which have satisfied my appetite on many occasions. Those restaurants are Penang and Banana Leaf. I’m not lying when I say that Penang has been frequented by me at least 10-15 times, if not more. Located at 117 N 10th St., Penang stands out from all other restaurants in Chinatown, not appearing as another “hole in the wall.” With a sleek modern exterior, and warm, welcoming layout inside, Penang pleases not just the palate.

So, what attracts me to Malaysian food?

Similar to Thai, Malaysian cuisine has a host of rice and noodle dishes. On top of that, there are some delicious soups and breads that serve as staples. Typical of most countries in this part of the world, Malaysian cuisine has absorbed cooking styles from neighboring countries and cultures. For instance, Indonesian, Chinese, Thai, and Indian culture have heavy influences in many of their dishes.

If you’re like myself, I like meals that incorporate a lot of different elements and ingredients. That way, I feel as though I am getting more taste for my buck! I have found that Malaysian cuisine is perfect for this. Some of my favorite dishes, Indian Mee Goreng, Singapore Rice Noodles, and Seafood Scrambled Egg Chow Fun, combine an assortment of vegetables, seafood, spices, and sauces. The latter dish may look a little scary at first, but it’s very filling, and an adventure to eat.

Singapore Rice Noodles

Seafood Scrambled Egg Chow Fun

I have never started a meal off at a Malaysian restaurant without Roti Canai. Now you may be thinking, “Isn’t roti an Indian bread?” You are absolutely correct, which is why I love this food! Roti Canai, or Indian Pancake, is a crispy, yet chewy, piece of bread served with curry chicken and potatoes. It is an excellent segue into the other diverse flavors that Malaysian food has to offer. If you visit Penang, you can actually witness the cooks hand-tossing the dough used to make your roti, which is then molded. 

Overall, my favorite part about Malaysian cuisine has been the price! Every time that I’ve been to Penang, I usually don’t turn beyond the first few pages of the menu. The section entitled, “Fried Noodles,” has a list of cheap, amazing dishes, most under $7. And believe me, the portions are appropriate! Let’s say you’re not in the mood for fried noodles, but still want noodles! If you like spicy, Curry Mee With Young Tau Foo ($6.95) is an amazing seafood noodle soup. What about a rice dish? Nasi Lemak ($5.50), a very popular Malaysian dish served with coconut rice, a hard boiled egg, and other toppings, is tasty. And if you’re looking for a meatier rice dish, the Duck with Ginger and Scallion Rice ($5.25), is a favorite of mine and a few friends.

How can you beat these prices?

I highly recommend that if you’re in the area of Chinatown, that you give Penang and Banana Leaf some thought. If you’re looking for a superb, twist to your typical Asian cuisine, you will be pleased.

But I am warning you, this food is addicting! I’ve already visited Penang three times in the last month.

My Favorite Foods: Thai Cuisine

Siamese Princess

If someone asked me to name my favorite foods of all time, like yourself, I would hesitate at first. However, I would be able to name my favorite food cuisines. Hands down, I would choose Thai, Malaysian, and Indian food. This entry will be part of a three-part series, “My Favorite Foods,” in which I feature a few restaurants that I’ve visited recently, all Thai, Indian, and Malaysian.

First up, Thai food. From a very young age, I had always loved what I thought to be Chinese food, only to find out that it was really watered down, American-Chinese. Growing up in a diverse community on the outskirts of Philadelphia, I grew accustomed to different types of food. As I mentioned, American-Chinese food was the closest thing I had to being cultured. Needless to say, I had a lot to learn and much more to eat! Thinking back to my teenage years, Thai food was probably a catalyst for what currently could be described as an eclectic palate.

So, what do I like about Thai food?

Simply, everything! From its colorful dishes, which prove both tasty and healthy, to its variety of ingredients piled onto one plate, Thai cuisine has something for everyone, even the picky eaters. It only makes sense that a cuisine that has been influenced by so much culture, would blossom the way it did. Thai food has been shaped by the cooking of various neighboring countries, such as Burma, China, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia. It has even been touched by cooking traditions found in India. For instance, look at a menu of any local Thai restaurant. You will find many dishes serving different types of curry. This is not to say that Thai cuisine is the same as Indian, or the other aforementioned cultures. No, Thai food is very unique in itself. If you have not tried it, I encourage you to do so. Here are some places I’ve had the pleasure of visiting!

Image 1 - Vegetable Pad Thai (Little Thai Market)

Image 2 - Massaman Curry (Siamese Princess)

Image 3 - Drunken Noodle (Siamese Princess)

Overall, I’ve discovered that Thai food can be very inexpensive. One of the cheapest eats that I came across on my journey, was Little Thai Market, which is located at the Reading Terminal in Center City Philadelphia. If you’re looking for a good lunch to fill you up, I recommend this “little” place. On an average of $6 per meal, their portions outweigh the price, and their ingredients are very fresh. Depending on the time of day, expect a line. This is a very popular spot!

Another aspect of Thai food that I enjoy, are the vegetarian options. Although I am not a full-fledged vegetarian, still eating poultry and seafood, there are numerous meatless dishes. Other traditional dishes that use meat, can often be substituted with tofu, such as Pad Thai, a favorite mine (Image 1).

Do you like rice dishes? Try Thai! Siamese Princess, in Ardmore, PA has a delicious dish, Massaman Curry with tofu and vegetables (Image 2). What about noodles? Try Thai! Drunken Noodle, a stir fried rice noodle dish with exotic flavor, will put your local Lo Mein to shame (Image 3). Even if you’re just looking for something light, there are many delicious Thai soups. One of my favorites, is a shrimp coconut soup that Little Thai Market offers.

If you’re looking for other amazing Thai restaurants in the area, view my list below. You will not be disappointed!

Heng’s Thai – (1156 Baltimore Pike – Springield, PA)

Nooddi-Thai Chef (42 East State Street – Media, PA)

Pattaya Thai Cuisine – (4006 Chestnut St – Philadelphia, PA)

Mikado – - Thai Pepper – (64 East Lancaster Avenue Ardmore, PA)

FoodSpotting: Buttercream Philadelphia

There’s something very unique and exciting about getting your sweet fix from a truck. Perhaps it stems back to our childhood memories of Mister Softee. You remember don’t you? The second you heard that lighthearted jingle, sometimes well before dinner was made, you ran outside with money in hand. Similarly, dessert trucks are very much the rage today, especially in urban settings.

For today’s food spotting, I had the pleasure of seeking out the Buttercream cupcake truck. If you’re looking for a miniature piece of heaven in your mouth, make the visit! Unlike Mister Softee, this cupcake truck does not drive from block-to-block for customers. Where are they located? Well, that’s for them to know and for you to find out. Seriously. Follow them on twitter (@ButtercreamPhl) if you want to know their weekly and daily stops in Philadelphia.

What did I have? 

The peanut butter cream is very rich and delicious, harmonizing well with the banana cake base.

Banana Peanut Butter

Chocolate Chocolate Ganache

Don’t be fooled by its simple appearance. This is no ordinary cupcake. Reminiscent of a chocolate cake that you go back to for seconds, I wish I bought a few more.

http://www.buttercreamphiladelphia.com/menu

La Crêperie Café

Voilà. This quaint spot, which prides itself with having the “finest crêpes in town,” is located at 1722 Sansom Street in the Center City section of Philadelphia. A restaurant that went unnoticed to me for several months, sparked my interest the second I received a Groupon offer for $15 for $30 worth of French inspired cuisine. Needless to say, with such a bargain, this place was worth giving a chance.

Upon entering the location on a Tuesday evening, I noticed very few people dining in. I would learn later on that this observation could be evidence of a restaurant lacking a strong presence. First, the food I had at La Crêperie Café was not bad. In fact, my entree, La Rebelle, was scrumptious. A pizza like crepe with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and an assortment of vegetables, La Rebelle served as a good introductory dish for those who may be a little hesitant about the foreign taste of the menu.

La Rebelle

Foreign indeed. Keep in mind that La Crêperie Café’s menu, aside from meal descriptions, is in French. So if your high school knowledge of the language is a little rusty, the majority of the appetizers, entrees, and desserts will be hard to pronounce.

Nutella et Coco

To accompany my savory crêpe, I also had the Soup Campagnarde. Served in a wide, plate-like bowl, this soup included leeks, carrots, asparagus and potatoes. I noticed while eating, some additional seasonings in the dish that made it a bit overwhelming. If you’re looking for a starter to your meal, I would pass on this one, unless you’re a fan of austere soups. To finish the meal, I tried one of many sweet crêpes the restaurant had to offer. Nutella et Coco, a light dessert stuffed with the famous hazelnut spread and coconut, was simple, but delectable. Not too heavy on the nutella, but enough just to blend nicely with the coconut shreds, Nutella et Coco was another winner.

The food that La Crêperie Café had to offer was good overall, but it was the service that stumped me. As I mentioned earlier, the atmosphere was quiet. After being seated, our waiter disappeared for almost ten minutes, with no one else to ask us if we wanted a beverage. First strike. When our food was finally delivered, the waiter neglected to place the food directly onto the table. In fact, we were expected to retrieve everything from his hands. At one point, he waited for a few seconds as we looked in confusion. Fortunately our plates were not too hot! Second strike!

So, there was no third strike, but the the first two gave me reasons to not return to La Crêperie Café. Besides the poor service, the prices did not match up to what I would expect for the portions we received. If you’re a fan of crêpes and see a coupon floating around on the web, give it a shot as I did. Maybe you’ll receive better service, but hey, C’est la vie.