Cafe Asean
New York, NY 10011-8377
Phone: (212) 633-0348
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- 6th Avenue
- Directions:
- 1 at Christopher St; A, C, E; B, D, F, V at W 4th St
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 12pm-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Cafe Asean – by Kathleen Squires
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.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoJefferson, 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 SitThe covered back garden offers an all-weather refuge, and is a welcoming escape from the cramped dining room.
User Reviews for Cafe Asean
05/01/2007 Posted by bornandraisedherenyc
Cafe Asean disappointed me. The staff there were rather unpleasant despite an effort on the customer's part to be pleasant. The food is okay sometimes but it can be very variable, there are much better places, with more solid food quality, and staff that is much more pleasant than at Cafe Asean. I will not go back, I was very unhappy, particularly the attitude.
Pros: Good location
Cons: Unpleasant staff
03/17/2007 Posted by rbraimon
Picture it. St. Patricks Day, 2007. We scurried past the drunken debauchery spilling out from neighboring bars and pubs, and came upon a cute Pan-asian restaurant off a side street in the village. It was a blustery cold evening and Cafe Asean's windows were foggy and inviting. We sat near the gas heated lamps in the enclosed back patio and settled into a great meal. The Sotong calamari had a great dipping sauce and was light and crispy. Kari Kapitan (Chicken with coconut curry) was tender with a tasty sauce. Gaeng Kheow (Green Curry with shrimp and vegetables) was mildly spicy in a good way and very fresh. Salmon Goreng entree was crispy with a great pineapple curry sauce. It was later in the evening and the birthday party crowds were dispersing. Our service came from a rarest-of-rare breed of New Yorker - an optomistic and authenticaly nice waiter who actually enjoys his job. Post dinner chat was charming and refreshing. We left full, happy and eager to come back and try a few more dishes.
Pros: Friendly, Great Food, Inexpensive, Comfortable and no attitude
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