Asian Spice-- 4 Chopsticks Up!

This establishment is truly a rare jewel in the eatery options in the Beech Grove area. Although we were able to count approximately four other Asian-themed restaurants within a 2 mile radius--all of which pale in comparison, Asian Spice truly stands a chance of becoming a food icon for the area. Asian Spice wins a "4 Chopsticks Up" award (from my boyfriend and I) for the "highly affordable, yet highly delicious" category. This restaurant is a Thai/Chinese genre hybrid, and offers the best of both cuisines. Upon walking into the restaurant, you immediately notice the subtle differences that separate it from similar strip-mall Asian eateries. You will not find generic photographs of Asian cuisine, with the name and price listed beneath, adorning the walls of this establishment. You will also notice that there are no bland white walls with generic China scenery panoramas, and the floor is not sticky. Instead, you notice the pleasantly decorated, although small, dining room. The staff is incredibly friendly, and is very helpful in identifying the ingredients in the items on the menu that people might not be as familiar with. It also appeared, as we were sitting in the dining room awaiting our dinner, that Asian Spice does a fairly decent take-out service, with many of the customers having the aura of being regular patrons. The food was incredibly fresh, with generous portions at a very reasonable price. Our party ordered (*prices are from memory and may not be Exact): --Crab Rangoon ($1.50)--4 large pieces of crab rangoon cooked to perfection (wonton was not overly greasy, the filling was not lava-hot to the point of burning ones mouth) served with a piping hot side of sweet and sour sauce. The one reservation we had about the crab rangoon was that it could have had a bit more crab within the filling. --Dumplings ($2.75)--4 Thai style fried dumplings served with a side of sweet and spicy soy sauce blend. These were quite flavorful, although slightly heavy on the grease-factor. --Garlic Shrimp with Fried rice ($6.99)--which was 6 large tail-on shrimp cooked perfectly in a very savory garlic sauce with garlic, green beans, and onions. The shrimp did not have a rubbery consistency, and the garlic in this dish was highly flavorful instead of overpowering, as it has a tendency to be at other local establishments. The vegetables were cooked to perfection, and were still crisp without having a raw taste. --Yellow Chicken Curry with white rice ($5.99)--a perfect blend of curry spice with freshly cooked vegetables (again, cooked to perfection) and tender thinly sliced chicken, and is the best curry we have found on the south side. --Thai Iced Tea ($1.75/cup)--they make a very good Thai Iced Tea at Asian Spice, although I feel there was too much ice for the size of the cup.

Overall, I highly recommend Asian Spice to anyone who might be venturing to the south side and has an urge for wonderful Asian food.

Great Food & Great Price.

The owner is super friendly and serves up some really tasty dishes. I'm a big fan of the Ginger Beef. Some of the least greasy crab rangoons in town. You get plenty bang for your buck at lunch.