HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FOOD Asian IN BETWEEN DAYS WOODEN LADLE BUYA RAMEN • St. Pete; $ • This Japanese gastropub offers a short but standout selection of izakaya-style small plates, from bao stuffed with crispy pork belly to chargrilled edamame. The ramen is excellent, especially the tonkotsu versions, where a flavorful chicken and pork bone broth is paired with anything from crispy duck to braised short rib, pork belly and shiitake mush-rooms. HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FOOD • St. Pete; $$ • An homage to Asian street food stalls, the menu at this EDGE District restaurant provides a fun excuse to sample from a variety of appetizer-style plates. Don’t skip the Malaysian roti canai, which gets dragged through a warm curry sauce, or the Korean fried chicken wings, coated in a garlicky gochujang sauce and topped with crushed peanuts. IN BETWEEN DAYS • St. Pete; $$ • Linger over sake cocktails and good tunes at this St. Pete restaurant, bar and “listening room,” inspired by Tokyo record bars and jazz cafes. The sake list is among the most comprehensive in the Tampa Bay area and the food menu is always evolving. If oysters are on deck, they’re always a good bet. DOORIBAN • St. Pete; $ • St. Pete’s best bet for traditional Korean fare sits inside a former drive-through fast food restaurant but the casual, no-frills setting belies the fantastic, firecracker flavors exiting the kitchen. Meals start with banchan, a collection of small side dishes. Don’t skip the marinated beef bulgogi or the fiery kimchi soup, which arrives bobbing with thick hunks of tofu, pork and vegetables. PATTI’S KITCHEN • Pinellas Park; $ • This off-the-beaten-path foodie destination in Pinellas Park delivers big rewards for anyone in search of some seriously spicy noodle soups and Thai specialties. The tiny, nook-of-a-restaurant serves as an homage to the street noodles of Bangkok. Starters like the buttery, flaky Thai curry puffs and the restaurant’s signature boat noodle dish are more than enough reason to visit. WOODEN LADLE • Oldsmar; $ • Drawing on culinary influences from Japan and Vietnam, this ramen and pho spot in Oldsmar offers a selection of noodle soups, izakaya-style snacks and small plates in a modern setting. Ramen is the highlight, from the traditional tonkotsu-style bowls to spicy chicken and vegetarian versions. A long list of beers pairs well with dishes like the Japanese-style karaage chicken. VISITSPC .COM 79
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