Cafe Asiana's Fresh, Healthy Cuisine

It seems that every time I even mention “Thai food," the person sitting across from me always says, “I know a place.” The place happens to be , a quaint Braintree restaurant known for its killer Thai and Asian food and reasonable prices. When everyone is raving about the same place, it’s got to be good. Time to see for myself.

My mission at Asiana was clear: Experience as much of the restaurant’s cuisine as my stomach could handle while seeking out some of the healthier items on the menu. What I found was freshly prepared, colorful and flavorful dishes that left my guest and I satisfied without feeling weighed down.  And though I’m sure I got more than my fill of fat, the food was decidedly less greasy than the typical Asian fare I’ve sampled in the past.

As I scanned the menu, I was naturally drawn to the protein. Go figure, huh? We decided on the Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce. Though the chicken clearly wasn’t the lean, grilled chicken I had envisioned, it was still delicious and the peanut sauce was a standout. Think smooth, rich, peanut flavor with just the right amount of heat. Perfect.

And there was no way I was going to eat at a Thai restaurant without at least sampling the Pad Thai. I’m glad I did. Large shrimp and bite-size chicken were nestled among lightly stir-fried noodles and garnished with toasted peanuts and scallions. Though I can’t vouch for its fat content, I can say that Café Asiana’s version of this traditional Thai dish didn’t leave us feeling bloated or heavy.

When I asked our server what he would recommend for a “lighter” dish, his choice was spot on. The Chicken Rama Garden included a large portion of moist, steamed chicken and a rainbow of al dente vegetables like red and green bell peppers and carrots served with a side of peanut sauce. The Chicken Rama Garden was just my style; nutritious, filling and full of flavor. 

I was also happy to see that there were several healthy options on the menu, including low-fat, steamed Fresh Rolls packed with rice, vegetables, shrimp (if you choose) with a side of peanut sauce, several salad options and even steamed brown rice.

All in all, my experience at Café Asiana was definitely worth it; the food was delicious and the prices were perfect. If you’re in the mood for Thai and Asian cuisine that won’t completely weigh you down, Café Asiana hits the spot. Just watch your portion sizes. And if you’re really trying to “go lean," consider the Chicken Rama Garden. Let’s put it this way; I would be a very happy girl if I could have this dish for lunch every day. Enjoy!

Cafe Asiana is located at 25 Pearl St. in Braintree.

Have a nutrition or fitness question? Write me at valerie_cogswell@yahoo.com.