Rice Box Kitchen -- Reno, NV (Asian-Inspired Comfort Food)

As a lover of all types of cuisine, my nearest and dearest is Asian food, because that is the food I grew up eating. I am always happy to see variety and different options of Asian cuisine wherever I travel and where I live, as there is so much to learn and enjoy in this one category alone. 

Located at 555 South Virginia Street, #103 is a very approachable, Asian fusion establishment that is inspired by the cuisine of Thailand, China and Japan. This is my newly discovered option for a quick in house or to-go meal that is made by warm, friendly, always smiling and incredibly welcoming staff in a design-centric space with elements of light and dark. 

During my first visit for a to-go meal, I ended up chatting with the very down-to-Earth and San Francisco transplant owner, who reminded me of the fun and friendly people I grew up with during my time living in San Francisco. After this pleasant exchange, I left with my food and a smile on my face.

https://www.riceboxkitchen.com/

Here are some of the things I've enjoyed.

Chicken Dumplings. Only available on the weekend Dim Sum menu, these were filled with ground chicken and seasoned with green onion and ginger. The wrappers were thin and chewy, as they should be, and the fillings were juicy and satisfying. These were savory and addictively pop-able. 

Pork Dumplings. Also only available on the weekend Dim Sum menu, these little morsels were filled with succulent ground pork. This can work as a wonderfully flavorful appetizer or as part of a weekend brunch meal.

Thai Tamales. This is the first time I've seen tamales made with Asian flavors. There was a lovely coconut fragrance, and I can only guess that coconut milk was used in the masa and/or to cook the moist, shredded chicken encased inside. The red curry sauce was a little sweet, a little savory, a little spicy and did a wonderful job to enhance the flavor of each bite. I very much enjoyed this.

Khao Moo Dang. A generous portion of pork and rice, smothered in a sweet and savory sauce. The pork was expertly roasted until tender but still toothsome and the sweet jasmine rice soaked up the sauce very nicely. The side of black vinegar mixed with soy sauce and chili can be used to add dimension to the dish and I also enjoyed it as a dip for my perfectly medium-boiled egg and fresh cucumber between bites of rice and pork.

Mochi Bars. Great as a teatime snack or after dinner treat, the ube (left) and vanilla (right) mochi bars were perfectly sweet without being overpowering, chewy and moist. These would be wonderful for a party.

The expanding menu and fun presentations keep me coming back to see what may have changed and also for the standard items that I now need as staples in my regular meal planning. I would encourage anyone to visit for what I would consider comfort food.