Cafe Asean
(212) 633-0348
117 W 10th St
New York,
NY
10011
40.7349
-73.9995
Neighborhoods: Downtown, West Village
What People Are Saying About Cafe Asean
The Editor
Kathleen Squires
Citysearch
The Scene
Its artsy-craftsy, bay-windowed atmosphere may feel transplanted from San Francisco, but the clientele are full-fledged New Yorkers in-the-know seeking out stimulating, sophisticated and inexpensive Southeast Asian fare.
The Food
Nobody likes a show-off, but the cuisine coming out of this modest kitchen should be more touted. Fresh, clear flavors pervade the menu, especially in starters like plump steamed shrimp and chive dumplings with a lively ginger-lime soy dipping sauce and coconut-kissed carrots, peas, onions and zucchini stuffed in the tofu skin of the chay samosa. Herb-crusted scallops served in a subtle saffron and coconut sauce showcase the kitchen's light touch and wok-seared beef cubes are so well marinated that the tomato taste infuses and tenderizes the meat. Even the simple dishes like noodles with chicken and bok choy are finely prepared. And desserts, including black sticky rice pudding, demonstrate the kitchen's creativity and clever restraint down to the last bite.
User Reviews
Anonymous
January 07, 2009
We had a couple of skewers, which are all delicious and satisfying. Try the bacon wrapped asparagus- sounds and looks simple..but they're soo good. I think that is what's great about this restaurant: the flavors are so simple but also so elegant.
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nychica5
October 18, 2008
My friend and I came here on a Friday night at 8pm and were seated without a wait. The restaurant is small, but not cramped. It's a cute and cozy restaurant, the perfect environment for a date! We ordered the shrimp and chive dumplings to start, which were good and a little spicy. For entrees, I ordered the Paella, which takes 20min but they inform you of the wait when you order, and my friend ordered the lemongrass chicken. My paella was amazing, it came out piping out and was perfectly seasoned. The waitstaff were attentive but not overly so. The only things I didn't like about the place were my friend's lemongrass chicken (kind of bland) and the chair (super uncomfortable).
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gaiamcraft
September 10, 2008
I really like this little place. They have a nice outside seating area in the back, although I wish their chairs were more comfortable. The appetizers are what it really is all about. I went there with some people and we particularly liked the shrimp dumplings, the salmon spring rolls, the fried mushroom dumplings, and the calamari. You cannot beat the prices either.
read full reviewThe Details on Cafe Asean
Know Before You Go:
Jefferson, a few doors down, is chef Simpson Wong's second restaurant. The food and decor are more upscale, and there's a full bar.
Where to Sit:
The covered back garden offers an all-weather refuge, and is a welcoming escape from the cramped dining room.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Quiet, Outdoor Dining
