Asia Oriental Cuisine
theMOOD An unpretentious location in a converted house inspired chef-owner Alex Zhong to open Asia. “We want to make guests feel as if they are coming to dine at our home,” says Zhong’s wife May, who manages the restaurant. The comfortable dining room is furnished with cozy booths and large, round Lazy Susan-topped tables ideal for gatherings of family and friends.
theDISH Formally trained in China, Chef Zhong expanded his culinary knowledge by traveling throughout Asia. But it was always his career goal to be a chef/restaurateur in the United States, where he recognized that variety and originality were appreciated, which would provide the creative freedom to present dishes from different cultures under one roof. Asia’s extensive menu encompasses classic Chinese favorites, signature fusion style specialties, and a sampling of Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese dishes. A separate, authentic Chinese menu, featuring tastes rarely found outside of China or Chinatown, appeals to Chinese audiences, world travelers and adventurous palates. A made-from-scratch approach – Zhong even has a secret formula for seasoning soy sauce – ensures that flavors are bright, bold and distinctive. Premise-made desserts, from ice cream to red bean tapioca sweet soup, provide a sweet conclusion to a culinary tour of Asia.
theGLASS Bring a favorite bottle to this no-fee BYOB, sample a refreshing mango or lychee bubble tea or simply enjoy a complimentary pot of hot tea, Asia’s own oolong-jasmine blend.
theINSIDE SCOOP Asia has ranked among America’s Top 100 Chinese restaurants for the past four consecutive years and has also been chosen Best Chinese/Asian restaurant within the Lehigh Valley. Chef Zhong captured the silver prize in the International Chinese Culinary Competition in New York.
