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In Depth

Traditional Asian cuisine includes such staples as rice, ginger, and soy sauce, with stir frying and steaming among the most common cooking methods. Across the globe, many eateries are taking these classic ingredients and techniques and fusing them with other cultures to create such specialties as Korean Tacos, Tuna Nachos, and chicken and donuts. Here, in no particular order, are restaurants creating modern and exciting dishes with Asian flair.

Starting off the list at #1 is KEO in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a blend of healthy dining options, increased choice, and Asian cuisine. It offers dishes from a variety of countries in Southeast Asia including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia, utilizing fresh ingredients prepared in traditional manners. Menu items include Tempura Cauliflower and Tuna Nachos with crispy wonton.

KEO offers event catering, ranging from formal dinners, cocktail parties, and weddings, to office luncheons and business meetings. The team will develop a menu with wine pairings, arrange for china, stemware, tables, linens, and service staff. The eatery has been featured in Oklahoma Magazine and Urban Tulsa.

KEO offers event catering, ranging from formal dinners, cocktail parties, and weddings, to office luncheons and business meetings.

At #2 is Mai Thai in Boise, Idaho, which combines traditional and modern styles of Asian cooking. It offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten free dining options, including Steamed Pot Stickers with mushroom and tofu and Curried Japanese Pumpkin Croquettes. It also regularly hosts vegan buffets. The restaurant has been voted Best Thai Food, Vegetarian, Sushi, and Happy Hour in the city.

Mai Thai sources its ingredients from Wagner Farms, a local food cooperative that distributes to restaurants and grocery stores and features sustainable and all natural produce and dairy. The restaurant also uses sushi rice from Koda Farms, the oldest, continuously family owned and operated rice plantation and mill in California.

In the #3 spot is Co, which incorporates flavors from Southeast Asia with both new and familiar dishes populating the menu, from noodles to pho, sushi to banh mi. It has locations in Atlanta, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh, Savannah, and two sites in Charlotte. Popular dishes include Pork Belly Buns, Malaysian Chili Wings, and Crab Rangoon. Gluten free and vegan options are also available.

Popular dishes include Pork Belly Buns, Malaysian Chili Wings, and Crab Rangoon.

Co has received numerous accolades for its food, including Charlotte Agenda naming the Curry Laksa, which includes shrimp, chicken, bun rice noodles, and shredded cucumber, served in a spicy coconut broth, as one of the Best Soups in Charlotte. The restaurant is also a Diamond Award Winner from Midtown Magazine.

Entering the list at #4 is the Rise Eatery in Vancouver. Founded by husband and wife team, Dan Leung and Wanda Lai, the restaurant brings together the flavors of Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Menu items encompass such dishes as Chicken Seoul Good, a Korean style fried chicken dressed with white truffle and mushroom Parmesan cream sauce, and the popular Wheel of Sweets, a miniature Ferris wheel filled with bite sized desserts.

The Rise Eatery partners with Mealshare, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting youth hunger in Canada and around the world. For every branded menu item purchased, the restaurant provides one healthy meal to a youth in need through KidSafe and Boys and Girls Club of South Coast British Columbia.

The Rise Eatery partners with Mealshare, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting youth hunger in Canada and around the world.

At #5 is Welcome Chicken and Donuts, which serves Korean Fried Chicken and donuts made from scratch. Among the flavors the shop regularly showcases are Maple Bacon, Apple Fritter, Churro, and Sprinkle. Patrons can pair their selections with a specialty sauce like Korean Chili, or sides such as Cucumber Salad, Thai Slaw, or Seasoned Potatoes.

The expanded bake program and catering service at Welcome Chicken and Donuts produces donuts, pies, and more for farmers markets, select schools, and special occasions. Some of the shop's purveyors include Red Bird Farms, Palm Done Right, McClendon's Select, and Singing Dog Vanilla. Among the media outlets to feature the eatery are Arizona Food & Wine, Phoenix New Times, and The State Press.

Wrapping up the list at #6 is MOGO, which specializes in Korean fusion tacos and burritos. Featuring beef, chicken, pork, or tofu seasoned in homemade marinades, fresh ingredients are served on a flour tortilla. Other menu items include the Bibimbap Burger, topped with pickled vegetables, spicy mayo, Asian pear hot sauce, and a sunny side up egg, the Bokki Cheesesteak, and fried chicken wings glazed with Soy Ginger and Spicy or Buffalo Kimchi.

Featuring beef, chicken, pork, or tofu seasoned in homemade marinades, fresh ingredients are served on a flour tortilla.

MOGO offers full catering services for corporate events, holidays, weddings, and private parties. Other options for special occasions include a pop up Taco Stand, do it yourself bar, or booking its food truck. Among the media outlets to feature the eatery are Asbury Park Sun, New Jersey Monthly, and the Star-Ledger.