With the help of a good iphone freeware, Urbanspoon, utilizing GPS and rich database of restaurants and reviews, I have in my hand a whole new way to explore new restaurants to my fancy.
This entry shall be a thread to list all Malaysian (sometimes Indonesian, Vietnamese mix) restaurants I find note worthy.
Sanur 18 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013 : Underground Malaysian & Indonesian restaurant, special remarks: very cheap. Asam laksa $4.50. Average price in other restaurants $5-6. I've only tried laksa and roti canai. Though, I must add that this was the first time I've seen beansprouts in laksa, not that fancy.
I'll create a separate entry for Ramen (especially in NYC) restaurants.
阿宏: Vietnamese titled, but favored by some Malaysians(corner of Kissena Blvd. & Main Street, Flushing, Queens)
Restaurant Malaysia: Very authentic, but a little pricier than 阿宏 (40th Rd. between Prince St. & Main Street, Flushing, Queens)
Bali Nusa Indah: Rendang Pandang special entree plus $4.50 (rather small bowl)oxtail soup totaling $25 plus tips. They have Cendol but I will get a raincheck for that. Taste is okay, I don't know how I feel about Indonesian food, this is first Indonesian restaurant. Authentic? I cannot tell. But this block 45th street and 9th is full of Thai restaurants. Will probably just go for a cendol next time (651 9th Ave. Lower West side, Manhattan)
Ponty Bistro
218 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10003 (between 18th & 19th)
Somewhat expensive. Lunch special(15) plus French onion soup(8).
However, I like the creative eggs benedict on smoked salmon on bread for the lunch special. Would have to try making that myself. Eggs and salmon always seems to be a good mix.
Soup layered with baked cheese interestingly.
Would go back for a Dibi meal ($25) if I'm richer.
129 W 27th Street
Okay Vegetarian Indian food.
Too many rice in the Coconut fried rice.
Rasam soup + coconut rice: $13
Not so fancy about returning.
Alibabasterrace.com of 862 2nd Ave (46th Street).
I had this yesterday evening. The Doner Kebab meail was great, lamb smells real good. Lentil soup, unlike others, is well pounded, leaving no solid.
If not too pricy, would visit all the time.
Take out price seems cheaper than dine in.
I've finally tried Shake Shack...a couple weeks ago, actually. Not the long line Madison Garden location, but the 77th Street & Columbus Ave.
Burger and fries and lemonade came up to around $15.
The cheese fries is unique, with what seems to be butter & cheese dip.
Will probably just order cheese fries next time.
Finally, I have visited the
pricey The London's the Maze. One of the two Gordon Ramsay's branch in NYC. The other one, the London, presumably at the same hotel, is still a mystery to me as I couldn't get a reservation online even for next year.
The Maze, well decorated, very friendly services. Price, crazy high. I had two courses which cost $40.28 total, plus $8 tip.
I had risotto for the first time $18!
Carnaroli risotto of parsley
preserved lemon and mascarpone
and
Pan fried Tasmanian ocean trout with butternut squash gnocchi
brown butter vinaigrette $19
Food were well cooked, decorated. Sometimes it's just hard to tell if it's the decoration or the food or the reputation. It's not even done by Gordon himself (unlikely anyway). I just had to try it anyhow, it's the only way I know how to actually taste one for real instead of just reading recipes in a book.
Risotto, everywhere hinted me it's just plain rice, I just didn't believe it.
http://www.davidbouley.com
Downtown West side.
163 Duane St, New York.
Very high class, meaning
. How I agreed to order coffee and red wine is just amazing, costing me an additional $5 & $22 respectively.
However, I have underestimated the size of French cuisine, the ($36) 5 course (I chose: Blue fin Tuna, Almond soup with shitaki mushrooms-very interesting miniature mushrooms, roast duckling, and French/Italian/?? Cheese, I didn't recall a fifth one since that section had no more than 1 option) lunch special was filled with wonders and I was full very quickly. One does need an empty stomach for it.
Like the french style, each plate/course was very small with beautiful decoration.
I love the way they made the asparagus over some cheese sauce(I think), I wish I had a printout of all those menu and ingredients they told me every time they served a course. I believe there were a few chef's compliment dishes: some melon juice, asparagus plate, ice-cream, 3-level chocolate/desserts.
As much as I like to experience French red wine with cheese, I should have done it that time especially with my stomach then, not prepared.
Will go again, after I am more familiar with french cuisine, will make sure I stick with $36, instead of $68 WOW plus tips.
23rd & 7th Ave.
$10 all you can eat: 12pm-3pm.
Food is blend, period. Will not go back unless I am dying for a slice of tandoori chicken.
7th ave & barrow st
I didn't try any Japanese sushi because I was looking for a more complete meal that I am more certain of, do I ordered the large plate section: Moqueca Mista (assorted seafood in coconut milk risotto)
it's okay but 29 bucks I'd still too much for me.
Other than the loud samba environment, I don't fancy it much like some of my friends (who recommended the place on facebook-maybe he ordered something super)
Indian Restaurant: 1185 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036 (crosses 46th street)
Lunch Buffet at around $17 plus tax and tip.
Food is good, but not as good as the price. What can I say, it's Manhattan.
Minar:
138 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Good price, good food
--------------------------
Jewel of India:
15 W 44th St # A, New York, NY
Price too high, Food okay, I ordered Lamb Vindaloo, steamed rice and Okra Kurkuri (fried okra-a bit too much). Totaled to around $36 excluding tips.
(Tried it 1/2/2011)
I'd say Minar is the winner but I think they don't open on Sundays.
It is the Penang branch alright. But waiters are all non-asians as far as I could tell. I really don't mind that, just that it's unusual from my experience.
Menu is very limited, food expensive. No Laksa, I asked, waiter clueless. I ordered Curry Mee and Tom Yum soup. Paid $21 with tips.
Whoever first told me about it should really say it sucks. But what to expect from my Indonesian friends.
I think the area probably influenced the restaurant to do things the way they do...trying to be high class.
I found 2 All-You-Can Eat Sushi places near my place.
1. Atami Japanese
19-11 Francis Lewis Blvd. Whitestone, NY 11357 (near 19th Ave. & 160th St.)
718-357-3998
The cheaper one since they have lunch price. Food's good. A bit like the ordinary Chinese buffet in America style with the bar, but rich with sushi.
2. Sushi Village
32-50 Francis Lewis Blvd. Flushing, NY
718-886-4733
All time same price $19.99, a couple dollars more on weekends.
I love the variety, more than the other one. The mushroom sushi is yummy. Has other non-sushi such as Miso soup, all included in the deal.
On my last (second) visit though, service is very very slow even with less than half full house. Either it was just not their day or I have to go during nobody hours.
This is generally my preferred restaurant of the two. But I wouldn't mind switching from time to time.
1703 2nd Ave, New York 10128
(Btwn 88th & 89th St)
Since Elaine Kaufman's passing at the end of last year, her restaurant which was frequented by celebrities is now closed. I managed to take a taste before it's demise.
It was incredibly expensive. Too expensive for its taste. Italian Restaurant. I don't know if the price was raised at the last minute of closure or what. Food was okay, so the price is indeed too much. If this was the kind of price and food served during Elaine's time, it must be her personal charm that drove people in, nothing else.
1. Ippudo
65 4th Ave. Manhattan, NY
Most famous in the city, very crowded...dark environment. They: the waiters and cooks love to shout especially at entering and leaving guests. Around $15 Ramen bowl, which is a very common Ramen price in NYC.
ippudo.com
2. Minca
536 East 5th Street (Bet. Ave. A & B)
212-505-8001
http://www.newyorkramen.com
Much brighter room and I would say a couple bucks cheaper and less people which is a good thing. I prefer this to ippudo.
3. Kambi
351 E. 14th Street (Bet. 1st Ave. & 2nd Ave.) New York, NY 10003
212-228-1366
11:30am-11pm
Actually, this would be my best pick. It is a branch of Minca, or vice versa. I don't know.
Update 11/8/2017: My rating for this has become 2/5 now. I just ordered Minca Shio Ramen #2 on menu. Noodle was the low grade Jin Ramen style, that's not it, more importantly, the broth, which was supposed to be pork & chicken, one would think it richer, is rather blend, as if too much water was added. It's a big crowd. Every time I see these naive crowd, my first thought was: snowflake millennial lefties, then I'm comforted with the quality of these Ramen restaurants.
700 9th Ave
New York, NY 10036
Daily See Hours Below
Tel: (212) 956-0934
Fax: (212) 956-2304
If you want to eat alligator, this is one of the places. Pretty good...taste like grilled beef but the bones are very different.
Price is fair. I had a main dish of fish and the appetizer alligator ribs totaling to around $40. Could have had just the ribs for $15 as a dinner meal but I just wanted to sample others.
Harlem, 328 Lenox Ave New York
http://www.sylviasrestaurant.com
Lenox Ave/Malcom X Blvd. between 126 & 127th st.
(212) 996-2669
Soul food. Loved by many. Introduced to me via Second Life.
Price not too high. Food tasty. I had appetizer Salmon bites (+-$6) and Entree Chicken liver free with 2 sides: mash and macaroni (+-$10)
I've never had this much chicken liver. Won't order this again. Otherwise, I should be able to enjoy the rest.
Will go back when opportunity arrives.
Chuko Ramen
1 718.576.6701
552 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Ramen house, but served by Americans (Caucasians in particular, like the Penang Restaurant on 79th Street which doesn't have authentic food).
The noodle soup is good, although I cannot tell the difference with IPPUDO, Minka or Kambi. Thus far, Minka and Kambi are cheaper.
Unless I'm in Brooklyn, I wouldn't be so eagerly looking for a $12 Ramen soup of which there weren't much variety on the menu, about 3-4 styles.
I believe this is the one I ate with Nadia and she didn't quite like it.
Le Rivage Restaurant
340 West 46th Street
New York
(212) 765-7374
Moderate french restaurant. I went with Bryan last night. Favored by Bryan. Perhaps due to lack of samples. I'd say Bouley is still the top on my list.
$39 prefix meal with appetizer (they serve snails or escargot in garlic), entree (roast duck), and dessert (Chocolate Mousse).
At uptown
4041 Broadway, Manhattan, New York.
Despite violation records:
http://www.city-data.com/ny-restaurants/EMPIRE-SZECHUAN-NOODLE-HOUSE.html
It is an okay restaurant. It has beef noodle...okay, and cheap sushi that tastes good.
On the menu, it also has some limited Malaysian or Thai styles food.
Noodlelicious (Closed - I can't verify it but it appears to be obvious on the web that it's closed since 2014, even according to their FB page)
1857 New Jersey 27, Edison, NJ
(732) 253-7501 · noodlelicioususa.com
Regular taiwanese beef noodle soup house. Around $8 a bowl. Tastes good as Edison local.
(CLOSED - reported by YELP reviewer saying they lost their lost)Les Sans Culottes: The Revolutionary French Restaurant
Went with Brian and Tom a few years back. Finally tracked the name and location down.
1085 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 838-6660
This is the only one I know with free sausages of various kinds refill for appetizer.
For a french Restaurant, price at $26 for dinner is okay.
Les Sans Cullottes means "those without knee-breeches/knee pants", displaying the revolt of the lower class by wearing pajama-like pants.
Christos Gyro
Greek Restaurant in Riverdale, Bronx.
Christos Gyro & Souvlaki
3625 Kingsbridge Ave, Bronx NY 10463 (718) 405-6464
Good Greek food. Apparently family run. Very friendly staff/boss.
Friday, 4/12/2013: My wife and I ate Chicken/Lamb gyro plates and the chicken lemon soup.
All homemade stuff, came with pita breads and homemade cucumber sauce. Nothing unhealthy.
Amount was more than enough. We wrapped leftovers for my lunch the next day.
Total cost: $27, paid $5 for tip.
Thailand's Center Point
63-19 39th Ave
Woodside, NY 11377
Neighborhood: Woodside
(718) 651-6888
Known to be an alternative to the famed SriPraPhai.
The restaurant is family run. Something about a mother daughter business. Started out as a grocery shop which still stand in the corner of the restaurant.
I went on a news review's recommendation. I had intended to order a crab dish as recommended by the review, but I ordered the wrong one which was sort of an appetizer. I had wanted to go back to try again with the right order.
Indian Food Truck Mysttik Masaala (Indian, Tibetan, Nepali)
Food cart
Yuvaraaj 917-306-3128
Taashi 646-453-9660
Seema 646-377-7817
I met them on SE corner of 54th St & Park Ave. at around 1pm Monday (Sept 30 2013). Chicken Masaala average, not that filling. I thought I ordered the lunch platter, oh well, next time then. They're the only Indian foodcart in the area. There was one other & better Indian cart before, but I cannot find her.
On their card, it prints: Lunch from 11am-4:30pm on 44st & 2av, Dinner from 4:30pm-10pm on 2av & 43. I am not sure how accurate this is.
EAT @ 124 Meserole Ave New York, NY 11222
(718) 389-8083
Silent eat (like Eastern monks) is supposedly done for Sunday dinners. So people freely chat today. Food is expensive: Sunchoke soup $6. Not bad though, interestingly new taste.
Shawarma Grill @ 368 3rd Ave # A, New York, NY 10016
(212) 683-1705
I visited this store today after learning how to spell Shawarma from The Avengers movie. Unfortunately, this is not the store and the restaurant in the movie may just have been a fake one. lunch special Gyro (Shawarma: meaning "turning" in Arabic) lamb sandwich/fries is not bad at around $7.
Smorgasburg (Ramen Burger)
They have two locations (Summer: East River State Park (90 Kent Ave at N. 7 St.) & Winter: 80 N 5th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249)
My wife and I have tried the indoor (Winter) one. It was like a hidden paradise in Brooklyn. Entrance was not obvious. But once we got in and upstairs, there were plenty of food (Brooklyn taste) stands and the other section has flea market. The Ramen burgers are smaller than I thought. Taste was okay. Nadia seemed to love them. Interesting recipe, certainly. I think they lack the broth aroma in the noodles, which weren't as crispy as expected. But that's o.k. It's about $8-$12 each.
Xi'an Famous Foods
http://www.xianfoods.com
I've had it in Flushing Mall. Thought they fell out of business. But seems to be doing pretty well in multiple locations. Famous for their ziran (cummin) noodle soup $7-$8. But I think it was the reason I had diarrhea today. Still, it is rare to have such Chinese restaurant in uptown Manhattan.
Locations:
Manhattan (Upper West Side) 2675 Broadway, Manhattan, NY 10025
Manhattan (Chinatown) 67 Bayard Street, Manhattan, NY 10013
Manhattan (East Village) 81 St. Mark's Place, Manhattan, NY 10003
Manhattan (Midtown) 24 W. 45th Street, Manhattan, NY 10036
Queens (Flushing) 41-28 Main Street, Bsmt #36, Flushing, NY 11354
Brooklyn (East Williamsburg) 86 Beadel Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Nawab Pakistani-Indian Cuisine & Banquet Hall
My rating: 4/5
2 Hudson St
Yonkers, NY 10701
nawabny.com
(914) 909-9700
Not bad for uptown to Yonkers. $40 for two including tips. Fish Tikka was a bit salty and dry, but the Mutton Handi was great with rice.
Pars
249 W 26th Street (Btwn 7th & 8th Ave.)
New York, NY
212-929-9860
After learning about the dish from The Past (2013), I went there for Ghormeh Sabzi stew, which is $14+. It's not good for what it's worth. I guess I'm just not into Iranian food. However, the jasmine rice was superb.
My rating: 2/5
Harding's
32 E. 21st St. (21 St/Broadway)
Manhattan, NY 10010
phone: 212-600-2105
Quite good. Simple and delicious. Especially the Oysters, very stylish and original.
I took the Mad Men Lunch offer (* is my selection):
Mad Men
Dining Week
19.69
Appetizer
=========
*Oysters Rockefeller
(Spinach, Bread Crumbs, Bacon)
Or
Iceberg Salad
(Grape Tomatoes, Bacon, Ranch Dressing)
Entree
=====
*Beef Wellington
(Filet Mignon, Mushrooms, Liver Pate wrapped in Philo Dough served with Creamed Spinach)
Poached Salmon
(Dill Yogurt served with Sauteed Haricot Vert)
Xaviar's X20 by the Hudson River
Went there with my wife for her birthday earlier this year, for the Sunday Brunch 3 course price fixed $45.
Food are great and plenty - roast lamb sample was great. There are other samplings as well. Server was very kind, replaced the unlimited wine for juice for us.
My selections:
Scallion & Black Truffle Risotto
(Parmigiano Cookie & Barolo Syrup)
Pan Roasted Chatham Cod
(Fregola Sardi, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Baby Aruglua & Balsamic Syrup)
Caramel Flan
(Fresh Fruits)
The Grange Bar and Eatery
My rating: 3/5
A bit too expensive.
1635 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY 10031
b/t 140th St & 141st St
Harlem
Near City College
I had the Appetizer only from the Lunch Menu:
Cornmeal crusted oyster sliders, Frisee, Cornichons, Bacon, Old Bay Aioli on Brioche $11.
==============================
Home Sweet Harlem
My rating: 4/5, had it been cheaper, I would rate 5/5
1528 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031
Cross Streets: Between W 136th St and W 135th St
Neighborhoods: Hamilton Heights
Near City College
(212) 926-9616
Omelet & Frittatas (Turkey) $14.
Unique.
Greenpoint: To be explored
Greenpoint Lobster raw bar
114 Nassau Avenue, at Eckford Street, in Greenpoint Brooklyn
Greenpoint: To be explored
Lomzynianka
http://www.nycgo.com/venues/lomzynianka
646 Manhattan Ave. (bet. Nassau and Norman Aves.)
Brooklyn, NY 11222
a cash-only restaurant renowned for its inexpensive borscht and kielbasa.
Twenty bucks goes far at this Greenpoint Polish eatery: we're talking dinner for two and leftovers for four. Whopping portions of meat and potatoes are doled out in a dining room that has the charm of Grandma's place (mismatched plates, plastic flowers, taxidermy). The Polish Platter comes with three tasty pierogi, an inch-thick stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, mashed potatoes and bigos, a traditional stew of meat and cabbage—all for a measly $7. The place is BYOB; the natural choice is vodka.
Geisha Sushi
3468 Broadway, New York, NY 10031
(212) 862-7800
Very likely Chinese/Fuzhounese owned/style.
My rating: 2/5
2 points is considered good for typical Fuzhounese style.
I had a slice of octopus sashimi $2.00. Tasted quite fresh.
And a Shoyu Ramen $10. Basic ingredients. One could make this at home easily. Broth appeared to be similar to the typical chinese-takeout wonton broth. Even with such basic ingredients, had the chef worked harder on the broth, they could have attracted more customers.
Ben & Jack's Steak House
255 5th AveNew York, NY 10016
b/t 28th St & 29th St
Flatiron
My rating: 1/5
The service is why I gave such rating. I don't normally care about service, but this must be mentioned.
Willy, Nadia and I went to this restaurant during a weekday lunchtime for the Restaurant Week earlier this year. I don't remember what we ordered but it was mostly steaks. I believe the steaks were fine. However, our waiter was not behaving professionally. He appears to be in his late 40s/50s, appeared to be Italian. It was as if he despises Restaurant Week customers. Like we were cheap or something. From giving Menu to serving, the delay of attendance was longer than 15 minutes or so. And it took forever for him to serve us with the bill until we started looking around for him. There weren't many customers at the time, probably 7 tables the most and there were other waiters waiting them. Based on how they seated us and what were served, I believe there were only 3 tables doing restaurant week menu. When he served me my dish, because I had my cellphone in the way, my bad, he simply yelled, "Move!", in order to get me take away my phone. I did not mind that, though my wife did whispered to me "how rude", referring to him, not me. But the delays he kept proving to us became very telling. Not that I care, but he would never come by as most waiters in other high class restaurants, and ask "How's everything" - which would have certainly gotten a lot of things done quicker.
So in the end, I think our entire lunch took about 2 hours to finish. I could easily finish a 3 course meal under an hour.
Empire Steak House
Address: 237 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019
Phone:(212) 586-9700
My rating: 5/5
Could be the same owner as Ben & Jack (The BBQ sauce bottle is made by B&J). But the service is definitely better. We have come here twice already during Restaurant Week for birthday celebrations.
To be visited http://www.zingsawesomerice.com/why-awesome.html
Szechuan Garden
239 W 105th St, New York, NY 10025
(212) 865-8808
My rating: 3.5/5
Not bad, near City College. An alternative to Xi An restaurant nearby. I had Thin Sliced Conch with roasted chili vinaigrette ($12.95) and Sichuan Brisket Beef ($7.95).
Legend Upper West (Chinese Sichuan style)
258 W 109th St, New York, NY 10025
(212) 222-4800
My rating: 2/5
Very similar menu with Szechuan Garden. I ordered Bean noodle and Beef noodle soup, totaling around $22.
Bean noodle is good, one cannot make a bad bean noodle. But the beef noodle soup is very bland. I could guess the staffs and maybe chefs are Fuzhounese. This brings me to assume that they don't really have proper beef broth (Fuzhounese in U.S.A. are known to open Chinese takeout business, with very similar menu from East to West. Chicken broth is usually the only used broth in the kitchen). The beef appears to be slightly better than Szechuan Garden. The noodles are not bad, quite authentic.
Xi'an Famous Foods
2675 Broadway, New York, 10025
My rating: 3.5/5
The branch near City College. My only complaint is the soup has less meat and less (probably no) salt. I have to add salt like crazy into the soup all the time.
Malaysia Grill
224 W 104th St, New York, NY 10025
(212) 579-1333
My rating: 2/5
I think I had rated it higher before. But for some reason, their Malaysian authenticity has dropped drastically. Char Koay Teow tastes like Cantonese broad noodles, Curry mee is very plain, soup tastes like water. Perhaps they are converting to Fuzhounese style?
Yokohama
http://www.yokohamany.com
438 W. 238th Street, Riverdale, NY 10463
(718) 549-2606/2669
My rating: 2/5
Not sure if it's Chinese or Taiwanese run Japanese restaurant. They do serve ramen (of sort). Even lamb ramen. I did not try any sushi/sashimi, so cannot comment on that. But the Ramens $11-$12 are not quite Japanese style. Noodle may look it it, but there's too much Chinese style in it. Lots of vegetables, enough meat, lamb does taste regularly good. My main complaint would be the soup/broth, which seems to be your regular Chinese takeout chicken broth. If they had invested more in the broth, reduce the vegetables, they would definitely triumph in the Riverdale area.
Asia Tokyo
4685 Manhattan College Pkwy, Bronx, NY 10471
(718) 543-5751
My rating: 3/5
Decent Japanese sushi run by Chinese. Price is average.
Yasha Ramen
940 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
(212) 222-2995
My rating: 3/5
Portion is large enough, taste is alright. They have lunch special - note: the "Curry" appetizer is just lots of rice with some fried chicken and curry paste.
RaiRaiKen Uptown Japanese Ramen Store
rairaikenuptown.com
1467 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027
(917) 639-3342
My rating: 3/5
Taste is ok. They are trying to serve the college community. Offering buy 10 get 1 free, lunch special is not bad for around $10 you get appetizer, Ramen & a can drink. However, I don't like the fact that they boast not using MSG - Making theirs taste no better (if not less) than with MSG. Another good thing about it is no tips necessary here, since you pay at the counter first.
Tampopo Ramen NYC
tampoporamennyc.com
1 Bennett Ave, New York, NY 10033
(212) 923-0575
My rating: 2.5/5
Taste is ok.
Auntie Guan's Kitchen 108
auntieguanskitchen-ny.com
108 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011
My rating: 3.5/5
They serve 麻辣烫。 Not bad. Though a little more expensive ($8-9) than Chinatown's New Kam Man, it's closer to where I usually am.
Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar
Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
(646) 568-1223
My rating: 5/5
It is good for its Happy Hour for Oyster ($1 each, beer from $4), 4-6pm M-F.
Jin Ramen
http://www.jinramen.com/uws_menu
462 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
(646) 657-0755
My rating: 1/5
1 point for broth a bit better than regular Chinese takeout chicken broth. Other than that, the noodle is not the Japanese Ramen. More like Chinese's flat noodles, not impressed, handmade or not. I ordered Shio (salt) Ramen. Would have gone back to try a different Ramen, but the noodle...aiya! $6 worth charged for $13+.
Khangri Japanese Restaurant (closer to home, than Sushi Palace)
khangrijapaneserestaurant.com
22 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701
(914) 968-2134
My rating: 3.5/5 (for sushi buffet)
For the price of around $20, weekdays, all you can eat, pretty good. Very similar to Yonker's Sushi Palace. The BBQ squid could use heavier sauce. I think the seafood was fresh enough (not sure about the squid though, tasted funny). They have and give unlike Sushi Palace, red clam very generously, this I like a lot. Miso soup, etc. But dessert is not included, as far as the I can tell from the menu.
The following two Malaysian Restaurants are thus far the only two I know in midtown Manhattan. And like other Asian restaurants, they love ripping people off in this area. I mean, is the rent really that high?
Jalan 31 (My rating: 1.5/5)
133 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016
Small place. Around $15 a normal meal.
I would say there's 60% authenticity. Too expensive. I've had Nasi Lemak, Char Kuey Teow. I would only return if price is 50%. They should do Groupon or something. I would have given at least more than 0.5 point if they have more variety.
Laut (My rating: 2/5)
15 E 17th Street, New York, NY 10003
Very crowded the night I went. Laksa for $16! Authenticity 70% (I think the noodle is the Vietnamese Pho noodle, what!? For that you charge $16!!!). It would have been 2 points if I didn't see diversity on the menu. Too expensive, not quite authentic.
Luke's Lobster Midtown East (My Rating: 3/5)
207 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017
They have the stuff. Just too little, too expensive. I had a small cup of lobster bisque ($7) and one small lobster tail ($5), the only thing not advertised is the word "small". Clam chowder is on the menu too but I didn't get it. Would definitely have given more points if portion is larger, even 5/5.
Poketeria (My Rating: 4/5)
3 E 36th St, New York, NY 10016
Ordered using Ritual App first time, so $5 off, hence paid only about $6. The Omega-3 is preferred to the Spicy Classic, since it had sprinkled shredded cuttlefish.