Chai's Noodle Bar & Bistro
Durham, NC 27705
Phone: (919) 309-4864
Editorial Description for Chai's Noodle Bar & Bistro
Asian fusion menus combines Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese dishes. Located across from Duke University.
User Reviews for Chai's Noodle Bar & Bistro
05/08/2008 Posted by poopaskoopa
I actually think it's not that bad, but I like noodles, so I'm probably biased. I had 2 dishes. Noodles with chicken, and the other was the same dish with tofu. While I'm not a vegetarian I'm pretty familiar about tofu, having grown up in Japan. I know when the texture is off, or if I'm being served some dry and over-fried firm tofu when I eat it. Because of this I sympathize with vegetarians in NC, because y'all are often stuck with substituting meat with tofu, and tofu in NC restaurants aren't very good. They must all come from the same crappy firm tofu factory with overcooked skin. The fact is, tofu doesn't taste as good as animal-based protein sources, but it does not have to taste this mediocre. There're better tofus out there. Maybe some day restaurants will make their own tofu, or find a better supplier. That, and someone, someday, need to prepare meals with tofu in mind, rather than simply throwing tofu as a substitute. Anyway, I thought the food was ok. I like the presentation, the description, even the taste. I'm not a picky eater. But everything they do left me thinking that a real chef would make the same dish better. I like their ideas, and their sales pitch, but they fail in execution. I like the price, though. $7 or $8. Can't beat that.
Pros: Price. Nice location.
Cons: Food.
09/20/2007 Posted by spinningninny
Chai's is an easy to get to little noodle shop right near Duke. They have a range of "Asian" foods, but it behooves one to adjust their thinking before going there. It's not a Chinese restaurant. It's not a Thai restaurant. It's not a different type of Asian restaurant. Although, it does serve it's own version different Asian foods, they are likely to not be just as you remember it from your favorite Asian restaurant. Their Red Curry is good, but not like it would be prepared in an exclusively Thai restaurant. They have a good number of options and each is good in its' own right - just be sure to readjust your thinking before walking in.
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