Buffalo, New York, has long been a city seeking a truly exceptional Asian food experience. For too long, the local scene has been dominated by generic, uninspired Chinese restaurants. However, a new establishment, Street Asian Food, located at 516 Elmwood Avenue, is injecting fresh flavors and authentic tastes into Buffalo’s culinary landscape. My initial visit, focused on takeout, proved to be a delightful exploration of diverse Asian cuisines, leaving me eagerly anticipating a return visit.
Alt text: Street Asian Food restaurant exterior in Buffalo NY, showcasing its Elmwood Avenue location with bright signage.
Opting for takeout to sample a wide array of dishes, I placed an order that spanned various culinary traditions. The menu promised a journey through Asia, and I was ready to embark. My selection included beef samosas (3), vegetarian Vietnamese pho soup, General Tso’s chicken (ordered hot), vegetarian Burmese fried rice (medium hot), a refreshing ginger salad, and fresh spring rolls (2). This diverse order was designed to thoroughly test the range and quality of Street Asian Food’s offerings.
Alt text: Pleasant interior of Street Asian Food Buffalo, featuring counter service and a welcoming atmosphere for diners.
Upon picking up my order, I was immediately impressed by the restaurant’s interior. Unlike many tired Asian eateries, Street Asian Food boasts a clean and inviting space. The woman at the counter greeted me with genuine warmth, a promising start to the experience. While some patrons were dining in, takeout and delivery seemed to be popular choices. Bundling my fragrant packages, I headed home, optimistic about the feast that awaited.
Back home, the visual appeal of the takeout was undeniable. The dishes looked and smelled so enticing that we decided to plate everything properly, abandoning the takeout containers for a more refined dining experience. As we arranged the vibrant food, the sheer amount of plastic waste did cross my mind, a modern dilemma we all grapple with. Fortunately, much of it was recyclable, a small consolation. The result was a beautiful, aromatic spread that promised a memorable meal.
Alt text: Plated takeout dishes from Street Asian Food Buffalo, showcasing General Tso’s chicken, Burmese fried rice, and spring rolls ready to be enjoyed.
Diving into the General Tso’s chicken, its fiery red hue was immediately striking. Hopes were high for a spicy kick, especially since I had requested it “hot.” While the chicken was undeniably flavorful, lean, and not overly sweet, with perfectly cooked broccoli, the heat was completely absent. Despite the lack of spice, it surpassed most General Tso’s chicken dishes found in Buffalo. I’m inclined to give it another try, this time requesting “super hot” to truly test their spice levels.
Alt text: Close-up of vibrant General Tso’s chicken from Street Asian Food, highlighting its appealing color and broccoli florets.
The Burmese fried rice was the standout dish for my wife. While its aroma, reminiscent of pad Thai due to the fish sauce, wasn’t my personal preference, she was completely enamored. The rice itself was perfectly cooked, avoiding the dryness often found in fried rice. Packed with a variety of flavorful ingredients – onion, green bean, red bell pepper, zucchini, cabbage, and egg – it offered a delightful textural and taste experience. However, similar to the General Tso’s, the “medium hot” spice level was practically non-existent.
Alt text: Delicious Burmese fried rice from Street Asian Food Buffalo, featuring mixed vegetables and egg, ready to be served.
The spring rolls were standard fare – good, but not particularly memorable. However, the beef samosas were a revelation. Filled with a warm, curry-infused mixture of beef, potato, and pea, and served with an exceptional homemade dipping sauce, they were arguably the best samosas we’ve had in Buffalo. Steaming hot and perfectly fried without being greasy, they were simply perfection.
Alt text: Golden brown beef samosas from Street Asian Food, accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce, showcasing a crispy and savory appetizer.
I found the ginger salad to be surprisingly enjoyable. While typically not drawn to lime-heavy dressings, this salad was refreshingly citrusy and offered a delightful crunch from various textures. The shredded fresh ginger was a highlight, complementing the lime and providing a palate-cleansing counterpoint to the richer dishes. My wife, however, wasn’t in the mood for it that evening.
Regarding the Vietnamese pho soup, my wife found it satisfactory but not exceptional. She noted that the noodles were overcooked, resulting in a somewhat gummy texture. The broth, while clean, lacked a depth of flavor she was hoping for. Still, craving soup, she appreciated it as part of the meal. Standard sticky white rice in a typical Chinese takeout container accompanied the entire order.
Alt text: Comforting Vietnamese pho soup from Street Asian Food, featuring noodles and broth, a classic Asian noodle dish.
Overall, Street Asian Food is a significant addition to Elmwood Avenue and Buffalo’s dining scene. My next visit will undoubtedly be to dine in and explore their sushi menu, particularly the intriguing black sushi rolls. Given that the owners, Than Oo and his wife Kapru Paw, hailing from the Karen people of Burma, bring sushi expertise (Than Oo was a chef at Sun Restaurant for six years), the sushi alone seems worth a dedicated trip.
If Street Asian Food can deliver on the promised heat levels in their spicy dishes, it has the potential to become a new favorite street asian food destination in Buffalo.
Street Asian Food | 516 Elmwood Avenue | Buffalo NY | (716) 886-4001 | Facebook
Hours:
Monday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Friday: 11 AM – 12 AM
Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Alt text: Street Asian Food Buffalo team photo, showcasing the staff and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant.
Alt text: Street Asian Food Buffalo contact information and hours of operation, providing essential details for potential customers.
