Asia and Sushi: Authentic Thai Tucked Away in Leland

At Port City Foodie, we are always on a mission to find great restaurants, accomplished chefs, and a good meal. We like to expand our search to our neighbor of the Port City, Brunswick County, and did so with a stop at Asia and Sushi.

This restaurant has closed. Please enjoy this article on part of Port City dining history!

Brunswick County is among the fastest growing counties in the nation. Located in Brunswick, just “over the bridge” from Historic Downtown Wilmington, Leland is the second fastest growing city in North Carolina.

A few Brunswick County restaurants have been featured on Port City Foodie along the way, and once again we’ve found another hidden gem. Asia and Sushi is conveniently located in the Waterford Plaza in Leland.

I don’t know about you, but I am always up to indulge myself in some delicious Thai food. A meal that offers up a balance of salty, sweet, sour and spicy, Thai food has a unique flavor all in its own. Thai culture boasts a rich past and is replete with hospitality. Food is often a social occasion. Restaurant meals often start with an appetizer, followed by a main course, and ending with a dessert. Thai dining culture does not mandate a starter, nor does any dish belong to themselves. All dishes are most often served to share and enjoy as a whole.

Thai food varies with the influences of the countries surrounding Thailand: Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia. Thai food also incorporates vast influences and modifications, arriving at the Thai dishes with which Western diners are familiar. This has created one of the most popular ethnic cuisines.

Walk into Asia and Sushi, and experience the casual, moderately decorated space with a full bar and sushi bar. The staff are very attentive and friendly, and greeted us immediately. The menu at Asia and Sushi is extensive, with a sushi list, vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as authentic Thai meals.

On this visit, we started with some edamame and vegan spring rolls. The edamame was served slightly warm and lightly salted. The vegan rolls were delicious, perfectly fried to a light golden color and served with a side of Thai peanut sauce.

I ordered my favorite Thai dish, which I always order at Thai restaurants as my benchmark of the experience: Tom Kha Gai. Tom Kha Gai is an aromatic, silky, rich chicken coconut soup (can substitute with tofu) with mushrooms, red chilies, ginger, lemongrass, and coconut milk, as well as additional herbs and sauces. Traditional Tom Kha Gai is already spicy, but I always like a little more chili oil for some added heat. On request, you can also add any of the variety of Asian noodles on the menu. At Asia and Sushi, the chef made my requested modifications perfectly, keeping the added spice well-balanced, and pouring my soup over my choice of flat rice noodles.

We also enjoy one of the sweetly-priced lunch specials, Sesame Tofu. The tofu was cut into perfect cubes, and fried to a delightfully crisp exterior, with a soft, silky interior. The dish was served with just the right amount sticky, flavorful sesame sauce. We choose a healthy side of brown rice, and enjoyed the steamed broccoli.

Our impressions? Flavorful. Visually appealing. Relaxing ambiance. Great value.

Next visit, we’ll try the sushi.

When you are out-and-about in Leland, or need a little lunch break from the office, drop in to Asia and Sushi. This restaurant is a welcome addition to the growing food scene in Leland, providing locals with an option for authentic ethnic cuisine and deliciously satisfying Thai food.

We’re always in the culinary mood for Thai, and die for a great noodle bowl. Indulge your own inner foodie with a dining adventure at one of the many ethnic restaurants in the Port City.

 

Contributing blogger: Sarah Koob is a foodie, home cook, and lover of seafood, Bloody Marys, and is always up for any kind of food adventure.