Favorite Asian
For the last four years, Asia Oriental Cuisine owner and executive chef Alex Zhong has been treating Valley residents to the varied tastes of Asian cuisine with an unmatched selection of classic Chinese favorites, along with a sampling of Thai, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese. It's this variety that attracts not only locals, but also “people come from New Jersey and New York City,” says May Zhong, Alex's wife and business partner.
The Zhongs make every customer feel like they're at home, which is one of the reasons why they chose a converted house as the site for their second restaurant endeavor. The couple has been in the restaurant business for more than a decade, having previously owned a successful carry-out and catering business in Saucon Valley, which they sold in 2005. “Some foods don't travel well, a sit down restaurant allows for more creativity,” explains May. It's exactly this creativity that keeps customers coming back to Asia. “Customers want to be surprised,” she says.
Alex prepares nearly all of the meals himself and while there are many traditional dishes on the menu, he enjoys accommodating his patrons' unique tastes. He's even named some dishes after his regulars, like “Skip Delight,” a mix of shrimp, chicken and beef in black bean sauce, and “Jane's Birthday Dinner,” a crispy pork served with mushrooms, carrots and a Hoisin glaze. “These dishes are popular because they're unique not just General Tso's,” May says.
Asia Oriental Cuisine | 1102 E. Susquehanna St., Allentown | 610.798.7777 | asiaorientalcuisine.com
