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Other SE Asian
Da Big Boyz: Spices for originality; Chez Sovan for fast-food.
Recent Closings: E&O Trading Company, Green Door.
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Lao Curry from the ecclectic hide-away, Spices. |
Spices. 2671 S. King St. in McCully/Moiliili. 949-2679. Lunch Tuesday-Friday, dinner nightly except closed on Monday. Parking on street or in lot behind restaurant. Prices: $$. Map. You will find the exotic spices of several different countries here, including Burma, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The brightly lit, contemporary dining room is filled with earthy, pastel colors and hanging pictures taken personally by one of the owners at different southeast Asian spots. It is popular with the university and professor-types, as are many eateries in this area, attracted by the exotic appeal of fresh herbs, spices, vegetarian meals, and an array of generally healthy dishes. They make their own pork sausage, with strong hints of chili, lemongrass, and dill, as well as several ice creams, infused with the natural flavors of fruits like lemon and durian and even herbs and plants like ginger and lemongrass, along with my favorite – pandan. Sounds wild, but give it a shot! They are fragrant, creamy, and rich, not to mention very creative.
Chez Sovan Express. 500 Ala Moana at the Restaurant Row in Kakaako. 599-8812. Open only on Monday-Friday, from 10:30am-5pm. Parking in center lot. Prices: $. Map.
This very casual, order-at-the-counter eatery offers dishes kicked up with the many strong herbs and spices typical of southeast Asia – Cambodia, to be exact. The signature amok mixes fish with egg, coconut, lemongrass, galanga, shallots, and greens and comes wrapped in a banana leaf for steam-cooking. The sach ang, or BBQ meat sticks, are decently-sized, marinated in spices and herbs, and grilled to produce a healthy smoke flavor. Both of these dishes are fantastic, and well worth the weekday excursion.
