ASIA MARKET

1010 W Cavalcade St #D

Houston, TX 77009

(713) 863-7074

 

3 out of 3 faces

 

I’ve been meaning to write about Asia Market for quite some time now, and since it’s become a full-blown obsession of mine, I felt the need to comment.  It is, quite simply, the best Thai food in the city of Houston.  Asia Market is just that, a little market on a quiet strip of Calvacade that specializes in all sorts of Asian products, produce, and sweets.  While I am delighted to have a place a few minutes from my home where I can dash in and buy Thai basil and Pocky on a whim, the real draw here is the “restaurant” section, which consists of about ten or so small tables and sit-down service.

 

I must admit I am just stuck on the kee mao noodles with chicken (also known as Drunken noodles or just plain old C4—wide rice noodles, basil, onion, cherry tomatoes and chili sauce); apparently, this is their best-seller.  I order it medium (my in utero child does somersaults at that heat level, so I think I’m going to wait until I’m post-partum to try anything spicier).  It’s got a nice kick to it and the taste and texture of the noodles is absolutely addictive.  I’ve also tried another one of my Thai favorites, Pad See Ew (I love those flat noodles), and it did not disappoint.  My husband swears by their Kang Dang Supparos, which is a red curry with coconut milk and pineapples that is served in a bowl with rice on the side.  It has that gorgeous mixture of sweet and spicy and savory.  On our last visit, he tried the regular Kang Dang (it has Thai eggplant in it), and it was good, but not as good as the pineapple version.  Another friend also highly recommends the panang, but I am just so stuck on my Kee Mao noodles that I am embarrassed to admit I don’t branch out much.  Next time I go, I am going to try the dish that everyone else seems to order when I go there—some type of chicken wings, which are described on the menu as “Fried Chicken Wings with Sweet Thai Chili Sauce”—sounds like a winner to me!  

 

I truly believe that you would be hard-pressed to eat here and be disappointed.  The food is fresh, spicy, and amazing.  I have yet to get anything spicier than medium, but they are more than happy to ramp it up for you.  At times it takes awhile to get served (all the food is cooked to order), but you can call ahead with your order, or order your food to go (warning, though, it is packed in Styrofoam and doesn’t travel too well—especially the curries, which seem to eat up the Styrofoam).  An added perk—open on Sundays (note; they are closed on Mondays)!  The only con is that they close at 7 PM each day, and the kitchen closes at 6, so no Asia Market for dinner unless you’re feeding your visiting grandparents.  Asia Market is a prime example of what makes Houston such a wonderful city for ethnic food—cheap, no frills, authentic, and delicious.          

 

 

– Catie