Oriental

In the center of Teaneck, NJ, across Cedar Lane from the very famous
Bischoff's Ice Cream Parlor, are three oriental style restaurants. 
Whichever you prefer, you will find the food well prepared, attractively
served, and tasty. The Taipei Noodle House does a very commendable
job with both Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Veggie Heaven, as the
name implies, is strictly vegetarian, serving mouth watering vegan
dishes that would change the thinking of even the most obstinate 
Carnivore.

But of the three, our most favorite by far is a Vietnamese restaurant
called East Saigon. Whenever we've been there, either for lunch or
dinner, there has been a goodly representation of both Eastern and
Western patrons. The ambiance is not outstanding but the setting,
including clear plastic molded coating on pine tables, gives the
feeling of being clean and tidy.

While similarities can be found between Vietnamese and Chinese food,
East Saigon manages to capture flavors that absolutely tickle the taste
buds without using the heavy sauces common to Chinese food. Also, they
have an extensive juice bar with a wide selection of plain and exotic
fresh fruit juices.

The meal is always started with a complimentary serving of wonderfully
spicy pickled vegetables. Appetizer and entree specials for the day are
listed on a chalk board. One of our favorites is steamed dumplings.
They come stuffed with either vegetables (tasteless) or pork
(sumptuous), and are served with a light dipping sauce of sesame oil and
soy sauce having a hint of ginger and garlic.

There are also a couple of side dishes we would highly recommend. One
is tomato fried rice. This is not your typical Chinese fried rice, but
one having very subtle flavors. Actually, the tomato seems to add
little to the taste but provides a very distinct color. The addition of
peas and scallions provides complimentary color, texture, and flavor.
Another rice dish that Dan orders every time is black sticky rice with
coconut, coconut milk, and almonds. To us Westerners it is surprisingly
sweet - more like a dessert. But be forewarned: once you get past the
initial shock of sweet and sticky, you're likely to not stop until the
dish is licked clean.

As for the main course, the specials (some of which are intended for two
people), are always good. One evening we shared a concoction called
Triple Crown consisting of steamed slices of beef, shrimp, and chicken 
with spinach, in a very light brown sauce. They did not skimp on quantity 
of meat, the spinach was excellent, and in general the dish was quite acceptable.
Also, the grilled chicken is greaseless and very tasty. On another occasion,
Iona's dinner partner ordered shrimp with tofu which she liked very
much, although Iona thought it a bit bland. The curried vegetables are served
in a light curry sauce that is very nice. One complaint: Iona wishes they would
serve the okra and mixed vegetable platter again, as she hasn't seen it on the
menu for awhile.

A very pleasant surprise always comes at the very end. Unless you've gone
overboard ordering from the juice bar, it is unlikely that dinner for two will 
set you back more than twenty five dollars.

Last reviewed 7/02
Grumpy Gourmet