Asian Food

Stuff yourself on Asian fare
By Ben DiMatteo
Special to amNewYork, 6-Feb-08

If there was ever a day to splurge on Peking duck, it would be today, the dawn of the new year, according to many Asian traditions. As we enter the Year of the Rat, now is as good a time as any to stuff our beady, little faces with some good Asian grub. Want to know where to go? Consult our list below.

Best congee
Congee Bowery
207 Bowery
212-766-2828
Congee: $2-$7.75

Congee, a soupy rice porridge similar in texture to grits, is usually served as a breakfast dish, but we like it any time of day. The grand rocky outcrop overlooking the dining room (the Flushing location is more subdued). While the prices may seem high, the portions are large, and with each order you get a plethora of sauces and appetizers — including crab legs, clams and vegetables — that cover the table top. decor of this Lower East Side eatery lends an upscale air to the traditional Chinese-American comfort food. Our favorite is the the roast duck and meatball congee ($3.50). Since man cannot live on rice porridge alone, supplement your order with the delicious Shanghai-style juicy buns ($3.50).

Best dim sum
Park Asia
6521 8th Ave., Brooklyn
718-833-1688
$7/person on average

On Brooklyn’s 8th Avenue lies New York’s second Chinatown, though you won’t find hawkers selling baby turtles and Gucci knock-offs. The neighborhood has an old-world flavor, as well as some of the city’s best dim sum. Check out the modestly decorated Park Asia. As the cart touting goodies goes by, be sure to snag some crispy seafood rolls, taro dumplings and barbecue beef pastry. Bring an adventurous palate, because if you don’t have a solid grasp of the Chinese language you’re likely to bite into a crispy frog.

Best Peking duck
Peking Duck
House
28 Mott St.
212-227-1810
236 E. 53rd St
212-759-8260
Peking duck: $40

The subdued lighting and modern decor at both locations of this Chinese chain create a tranquil atmosphere. Grab a friend to split their signature dish, which comes sliced thinly and served with scallion pancakes, cucumbers and hoi sin sauce. If you can swing the $65 tab, try the steamed shark’s fin soup.

Best Vietnamese
Nha Trang
87 Baxter St.
212-233-5948
$4.75-$8.75

While the Lunar New Year is most often referred to as Chinese New Year, few people are aware that the holiday is also celebrated by the Mongolian, Korean and Vietnamese cultures. For some killer Vietnamese food, head to Baxter Street’s Nha Trang, where the portions are large, the tab is minimal and the service is lightning quick. The cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine is Pho, a type of rice noodle in broth. The Pho Tai ($4.75) gets you a huge bowl with beef cooked just right. Locals go for the barbecue pork chop over rice ($5) and the squid, chili sauce and lemongrass ($8.75) is to die for.

Best Korean
Kum Gang San
138-28 Northern Blvd.,
Flushing
718-461-0909
49 W. 32nd St.
212-967-0909
Kalbi: $25.95

The secret of good Korean barbecue, or kalbi, is tender cuts of meat, especially beef short rib tips, marinated and grilled over an open flame. Kum Gang San in Manhattan takes the experience one step further, featuring a gleaming white grand piano perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the dining room (the Flushing location is more subdued). While the prices may seem high, the portions are large, and with each order you get a plethora of sauces and appetizers — including crab legs, clams and vegetables — that cover the table top.