213 B EST T R A D I T I O N A L C H I N ES E R ESTAU R A N T Old Town Taste 1845 E. Broadway Road, Tempe 480-702-7101 oldtowntaste.com The past few years have taken their toll on the East Valley’s Chinese restaurant scene. Between the pandemic, visa restrictions and a shrinking Chinese student population at ASU, the engine that was roaring in 2019 is now idling. But through all of the difficulties and a significant retooling, Old Town Taste remains a go-to spot for folks seeking sharply executed traditional Chinese fare. Evolving away from its original Shandong- and Beijing-centered menu, Old Town Taste has leaned more fully (though not exclusively) into Sichuan cuisine, and classics such as the homey mapo tofu and crispy fried Chongqing chicken pack a satisfying mala punch. Signature dishes like pungent, fish- flavored eggplant and crispy Sichuan fish filets still sizzle, and there’s plenty of tendon, pig ears and intestines on the menu for those who prefer their Chinese food unadulterated rather than tailored to American tastes. 22222 B EST CA N TO -A M E R I CA N C H I N ES E FO O D George Yang’s Chinese Cuisine 6048 N. 16th St. 602-368-2688 georgeyangschinesecuisine.com At the front entrance of George Yang’s, a steady stream of customers and delivery drivers pick up bagged takeout orders. But this Chinese restaurant offers much more than delicious food to go. Beyond the host stand, a large, dimly lit restaurant unfolds. A glass-enclosed bar displays specialty bottles of wine and spirits. Large tables spin their feasts on lazy Susans, while couples enjoy cocktails on date night. The menu offers a wide selection of dishes ranging from familiar classics, such as Mongolian beef and orange chicken, to more unique house specialties. We love the Kung Pao 3 Seas, which includes shrimp, scallops and crackly, crispy fried fish in a spicy, rich sauce. The giant menu has something for everyone, whether you prefer to dine in or enjoy the flavors from your couch. 22222 B E ST U P S CA L E I N D I A N R E STAU R A N T Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine 3491 W. Frye Road, Chandler 480-534-7178 feringhee.com We’d wager to guess you’ve never had Indian food like this before. Feringhee, a bold restaurant in Chandler, puts a fine-dining twist on classic dishes, infusing fragrant spices into unique preparations. It’s the perfect spot for Indian food fans to try some- thing new, special and wildly different. Start with a trio of pani puri, bursting with the flavors of mint, blackberry, pineapple and passion fruit. Then try Kandhari pork ribs with pomegranate glaze and fennel pollen and Feringhee’s version of saag paneer made with layers of cottage cheese and spinach brightened with red pepper jam. The Black Dairy Dal is good enough to drink, and when it comes to actual cocktails, continue on your spice-filled journey with a Masala chai- infused vodka or a turmeric-essenced Jack Daniel’s tipple. Feringhee often features special menus and prix-fixe dinners that level up the experience even more. 22222 B E ST N E I G H B O R H O O D I N D I A N S P OT The Dhaba 1872 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe 480-557-8800 the-dhaba.com The Dhaba is cozy, comfortable and welcoming. On top of that, the food is deli- cious, which all together makes this Tempe staple the perfect neighborhood spot. The large menu focuses on Punjabi recipes and includes a number of options for kebabs and skewers cooked in a tandoor-style oven. There are plenty of vegetarian dishes, along
