Sakaya Kitchen

Self styled as a “fast-casual Asian-inspired organic-conscious restaurant”, Sakaya is my new favorite Asian spot.  While the menu is limited, what they serve, they serve well.

I was introduced to their food at a small superbowl party at my friend’s (D & M) house earlier this month.  I was told that there were some awesome ribs and wings coming from a new organic Thai place.  Well, that certainly piqued my interest… I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Well, let me tell ya!  The ribs were big and tender and falling of the bone like any good BBQ ribs should be.  Both the ribs and the giant wings had super delicious sauces and toppings that put them over the top.  Oh, I almost forgot to mention the Coconut Rice… are you kidding me? I can’t believe I have never tried this before – or maybe if I had, it wouldn’t have impressed me like Sakaya’s Coconut Rice.  I could make a meal out of the rice alone… and I’m not even a rice guy!  I was quite surprised that I hadn’t known about this type of Thai food before… but then I found out that it wasn’t Thai at all! Most of the menu looks like Korean BBQ with a few Pan-Asian elements thrown in.

Today, J & I grabbed lunch at the new _Korean_ place called Sakaya I tried a couple of new things.  The Pork Buns stuffed with 8 hr Roasted Pork (2 for $5) were out of this world. I was expecting a Chinese style dim sum pork bun.  I was wrong!  Extremely tender, falling apart roast pork with pickled cucumber slices and sweet chili sauce sandwiched in between a delicate taco shaped steamed bun… yummmm… this was the clear winner, believe it or not.  We also tried the Angus Beef Bulgogi with FRESH lettuce wraps ($10 w/rice, pickled garlic, and Kimchi) and the Honey Orange Ribs ($10 w/rice, scallions, and Ginger Green Beans).

The ribs were great, but took third place in this particular fight out.  There was some type of sauce that they had included the previous time for the ribs that nobody knew about this time.  I would suggest that you ask them to swap out the normal jasmine rice for the coconut rice when you order.

I talked to the chef a bit and apparently he used to work at the Mandarin Oriental.  I’m very happy that he left and started Sakaya!  I hope this joint does well, but not too well that I have to wait in line!

I saved the best for last.  The Chef told me that they are starting a Sunday Dim Sum type deal from 11am – 3pm.  This makes it even more affordable and varied.  I’m hooked!

Sakaya Kitchen
The Shops of Midtown Miami
Between 34th & 36th Street on Buena Vista Avenue
Miami, FL 33127

Phone (305) 576-8096
http://sakayakitchen.com/
Open 11AM – 10 PM, 7 Days a Week