Bambu (Washington DC)

In less than a year, this pan Asian restaurant has enjoyed immediate success in attracting loyal local customers.  Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisines are their specialty, and when we asked the owner what dishes were the most popular, the answer was “everything.”  Well, our favorites are the long list of lunch Bento Boxes, and their recurring lunch specials: General Tso’s Chicken and Grilled Salmon.  Dinner favorites include Thai Curry Chicken with Coconut Milk and Grilled Chicken Teriyaki.  Bambu also has a Sushi Bar that ranks high on our list. 

Spices (Washington DC)

The locals know it’s tough to go hungry in Cleveland Park.  Situated amidst some more continental fare, you’ll find a small and bold restaurant called Spices, an average person’s idea of a great pan-Asian restaurant.  Once inside, you can order from a menu of Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, and Vietnamese cuisines.  Must tries are: the Thai Drunken Noodle or the Thai Tom Yum soup with noodles.  Spring Onion Cakes are amazing, served with a Special House Ginger Dipping Sauce, and the Japanese Bagel Roll (Salmon with Cream cheese) and Rainbow Roll (Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna, Flounder, Eel, and Cucumber) are both delights.