Rice & Noodles//Asian Flavors

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Japanese. Chinese. Vietnamese. Thai. Best spots for Asian flavor craves.

 1. Pho Ha

1971 Bloomingdale Rd
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
(630) 894-4000

Category: Vietnamese

5.0 star rating
  2/7/2012

"Hi, my name is Cristie and I'm a Pho-alholic."

My very first experience with Vietnamese foods was at Pho Ha - a tiny, family owned and run restaurant hidden in a shady strip mall in Glendale Heights. Since then, I will admit, I have become somewhat…More »

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 2. Le Colonial

937 N Rush St
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 255-0088

Categories: Vietnamese, French

Neighbourhood: Near North Side

5.0 star rating
  2/24/2012

I'm completely smitten and madly in love with Le Colonial. Since moving out of the city, Le Colonial is what I miss the most. ((Well, and frequently trying hot, new restaurants)). I went back recently, and my experience was just like every time…More »

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 3. Sushi-Ai

710 W Euclid Ave
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 221-5100

Category: Sushi Bars

5.0 star rating
  11/27/2011

I have absolutely no idea how I discovered this place. If you weren't looking for it, you wouldn't find it. It's a tiny place tucked into a jam-packed strip mall. However, Sushi Ai has become part of my regular restaurant rotation.

I love sushi, but…More »

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 4. Happy Elephant Thai Cuisine

1047 Rohlwing Rd
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(847) 923-9200

Category: Thai

5.0 star rating
  11/22/2011

I have been coming to Happy Elephant since it opened. When I worked down the street, it was a weekly delivery for lunch for me AND my team. In fact, we named it the "crack house" because we were so addicted. I'm sad to see the negative reviews about…More »

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 5. Tokio Pub

1900 E Higgins Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 278-5181

Categories: Japanese, Lounges

4.0 star rating
  Update - 3/27/2012

Tokio Pub is always revamping their menu, which is def a good thing. However, with a fairly recent change in my diet ((no longer a carnivore)) I was bummed to see there wasn't many vegetarian options aside from edamame, a tofu taco, and a sweet…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/24/2011

    Personally, I'm a huge fan of the Tokio Pub. Then again, I like anything out in the 'burbs that… Read more »

 6. Noodles Delight Chinese Restaurant

853 E Nerge Rd
Roselle, IL 60172
(630) 307-1010

Category: Chinese

4.0 star rating
  2/4/2012

Noodles Delight is delightful. It's my go-to Chinese restaurant for carryout//delivery. Never have I dined in. I suppose I just prefer to indulge in MSG on my comfy couch, in front of the TV...in my own lazy, gluttonous style.

Noodles Delight is…More »

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 7. Jaded Thai

1608 W Algonquin Rd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
(847) 907-4424

Categories: Thai, Asian Fusion

4.0 star rating
  4/19/2012

BbI have come to discover that some of the best restaurants are hidden in strip malls. It's the sad truth, since many of these hidden treasures are often overlooked due to their not-so-appealing locations. Jaded Thai is one of them.

I met up with the…More »

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 8. Baisi Thai

66 Oakbrook Ctr
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 571-8424

Category: Thai

4.0 star rating
  2/24/2012

Solid 4 stars. Nom//Nom//Nom.

I love Thai food, and Baisi Thai is where it's at! Note: Good luck finding it! It's hidden in the depths of Oakbrook Mall, underneath the escalators and placed next to Subway (bleh) and Sbarro (gag). I'm inclined to say…More »

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 9. Penny's Noodle Shop

1542 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 394-0100

Category: Thai

Neighbourhood: Wicker Park

4.0 star rating
  2/4/2012

I don't know what it is. Something about Penny's continues to bring me back to Chicago from the 'burbs. Maybe it's the memories of eating there throughout my college years, sharing good times with old friends and family. Maybe I just like the food -…More »

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 10. Flat Top Stir-Fry Grill

305 Yorktown Ctr
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 652-3700

Category: Asian Fusion

4.0 star rating
  2/9/2012

I have loved Flat-Top since the beginning of my college years nearly 100 years ago. I remember my first experience at the location on Washington Blvd. I'll never forget it - probably because it helped cure the hangover from the night before.

Anyways,…More »

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 11. Sun Shui Restaurant

155 W Rand Rd
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(847) 870-8888

Categories: Chinese, Sushi Bars

4.0 star rating
  1/31/2012

Sushi & Chinese galore!!

Yum.

It's refreshing to find a Chinese and sushi restaurant that isn't your average crappy takeout. Chinese restaurants are a dime a dozen around the 'burbs, so finding one that doesn't...ummm...suck? is considered a gem in my…More »

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 12. House of Pho

1004 W Golf Rd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(847) 885-8680

Category: Vietnamese

4.0 star rating
  Update - 3/22/2012

Feeling sick and miserable, I went back to House of Pho for the cure-all - a big, fat bowl of pho.

Having the chicken pho on my last visit, I was itchin' to try the beef pho. It was fab!! Not quite as fab as my all time fave, Pho Ha in Glendale…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/4/2012

    The Scene: It's a Monday afternoon. I'm sick as hell. I'm coughing up a lung, can't breathe, and… Read more »

 13. Peapod Chinese Restaurant

84 Biesterfield Rd
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(847) 357-9999

Category: Chinese

5.0 star rating
  10/25/2007

Today's Lunch: Beef with String Beans & Veggie Egg Rolls

Apparently I've been big on Chinese food lately. I don't know why...perhaps because it's sooooooooooo good! I went to Peapod for my first time today. My co-worker and I couldn't decide where to…More »

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 14. Sushi Station

1641 Algonquin Rd
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
(847) 593-2450

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese

4.0 star rating
  1/27/2012

An experience like no other...in a good way!

"Kaiten Sushi" concept: sushi is served to you by a conveyor belt and is widely popular in Japan. And Rolling Meadows.  

So what goes on here you ask? Well, you walk in the door and either have to wait 20…More »

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 15. Dung Gia

1436 Miner St
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 803-4402

Category: Vietnamese

4.0 star rating
  11/22/2011 ROTD 2/24/2012

Pho.nomenal.
Un.Pho.gettable.

I was introduced to Pho about a year ago. Since then it has been a weekly ritual at a hole in the wall near my home. No joke. The highlight of my week is "Pho Friday". However, finding a great little spot near the office…More »

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 16. Blufish Sushi Bistro

130 N NW Hwy
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 720-4479
4.0 star rating
  1/26/2012

Two Words - House Salad
Between the fresh greens and veggies, killer ginger dressing, and crispy wonton bowl - I could eat this thing all day. I'm addicted to the salad - and the majority of their other menu items.

To avoid duplications, please see my…More »

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 17. Yu's Mandarin Restaurant

200 E Golf Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 882-5340

Category: Chinese

4.0 star rating
  1/31/2012

I've been at at Yu's Mandarin since I was 16 and could drive there. So, that's about 15 years. I love it. And clearly I keep going back for more.

I'll keep my review & rating strictly on the food. The atmosphere and service are nothing to get excited…More »

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 18. Golden Elephant Thai Cuisine

712 Higgins Rd
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 698-1168

Category: Thai

4.0 star rating
  1/26/2012

I love Thai food and I love Golden Elephant.

This little hole in the wall near my office has served as a favorite lunch spot for practically my entire office. There have been months when I found myself there once or twice a week. The restaurant is…More »

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 19. Sushi Ya

261 S Roselle Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60193
(847) 301-7742

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars

4.0 star rating
  3/9/2012

The strip mall that Sushi Ya and Pita House sits in offers me a couple varieties of places to eat, and often a difficult decision. Do I want sushi or falafel???

Let's go with sushi today.
Enter Sushi Ya.
At first glance, the restaurant is decorated in…More »

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 20. Hirano Japanese Cuisine

500 Park Blvd
Itasca, IL 60143
(630) 250-9010

Category: Japanese

4.0 star rating
  2/27/2012

You would never know there was a quaint and authentic little sushi restaurant, smack dab in the middle of the Westin Itasca hotel.

When I'm out working in our Itasca office, Hirano is usually one of my favorite lunch spots. Authentic in their…More »

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 21. Benihana

1200 E Higgins Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 995-8201

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars

4.0 star rating
  2/27/2012

I've been going to Benihana probably since I was in the womb. Well, probably not since then, but seriously, I can't remember ever not going.  Whenever I'm hungry for Hibachi style cooking, Benihana is my one true love, my tried and true.

When dining…More »

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 22. Bistro Dragon

644 Meacham Rd
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(847) 895-6141
4.0 star rating
  3/15/2012

I'm seriously pissed off at myself that I hadn't stopped into Bistro Dragon sooner than today. I've driven past it countless times since it has opened and always thought to myself "Oh look, another crappy Chinese restaurant probably serving up cat in…More »

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 23. Bombay Chopsticks

721 W Golf Rd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(847) 380-5775

Categories: Indian, Chinese

3.0 star rating
  1/27/2012

I was pretty excited to try Bombay Chopsticks. In fact, I was pretty stoked because my ol' fave Indian/Chinese restaurant closed down some time back. ((I miss you Hot Wok!!)) Unfortunately, I had a "meh" experience. My experience was not bad, but it…More »

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 24. Stir Crazy

5 Woodfield Mall
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 330-1200

Category: Asian Fusion

3.0 star rating
  3/8/2012

Stir Crazy kinda makes me crazy.

I seriously don't understand what the deal is with these average restaurants located in massive shopping malls, that somehow feel justified pricing their average food with high prices. It doesn't make sense. Maybe my…More »

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 25. Big Bowl

1950 E Higgins Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 517-8881

Categories: Chinese, Thai

3.0 star rating
  3/8/2012

I think that 3 stars is about as generous as I can be. And frankly, it describes every experience at Big Bowl as just that - A-OK.

I've dined at BB on several occasions, and each time the experience lacked something. The service has always been…More »

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 26. Heng Wing Restaurant

121 W Palatine Rd
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 358-3061

Category: Chinese

3.0 star rating
  4/5/2012

I've been eating Heng Wing since I was a kid. Probably since I was about 10 years old. So, my review might be slight skewed with personal bias and nostalgia. Memories of being a little girl and having family dinners at Heng Wing bring me back to some…More »

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 27. Wok 'n Fire

1576 Lake St
Addison, IL 60101
(630) 775-0290

Categories: Asian Fusion, Chinese

3.0 star rating
  3/14/2012

I've been to Wok 'n Fire a couple of times now, and haven't had a full blown "wow" experience. The food is good - but slightly overpriced, which is typically a huge turn off for me. Not that I have a problem paying for good food...I have a problem…More »

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 28. Hakka Wok

1851 W Golf Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60194
(847) 882-0910
3.0 star rating
  4/11/2012

Indian Chinese cuisine is one of favorite marriages of flavors and cooking styles. I was extremely saddened by the closing of Hot Wok Village ((RIP)), but was ecstatic to discover Hakka Wok. Sadly, I was hoping that my review would be at least a star…More »

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 29. TTOWA

161 W Wing St
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847) 749-4493

Categories: Korean, Japanese

5.0 star rating
  4/29/2012

The time had finally come. I had been drooling over the opportunity to go to TTOWA since I learned about it a few weeks back. Venturing into Korean cuisine for the second time in nearly 10 years, I was slightly apprehensive but oh so eager to get my…More »

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"My pancreas is going to hate me for this..."

Review votes:
427 Useful, 202 Funny, and 288 Cool

Location

Roselle, IL

Yelping Since

May 2007

Things I Love

food, shoes, obnoxious jewelry, brie cheese, dive bars, pho, ice water, mac n' cheese, herbal teas, reading, berries, cucumber vodka, being snarky, hummus, crudities, farro, bulgar wheat, olives, eating

Find Me In

Here. There. Everywhere.

My Hometown

Barrington, IL

My Blog Or Website

Facebook // Pinterest

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm finding a cure for diabetes or studying I/O Psych.

Why You Should Read My Reviews

Because I like to think I know what I'm talking about.

The Last Great Book I Read

Eating Animals --- Jonathan Safran Foer

My First Concert

New Kids on the Block. I was in 3rd grade.

My Favourite Movie

Mr. Peabody & the Mermaid. Yes, it's from 1948.

My Last Meal On Earth

Would it ruin my credibility if I said White Caste?!?!

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I'm a book junkie

Most Recent Discovery

I have an intolerance to eggs. and bakers yeast. And brewers yeast. boo.

Current Crush

jf