Asian Cuisine in Chicago

by Rebecca Taras 0

Duck sauce and greasy, pan-fried noodles have a time and place, but Asian cuisine is best appreciated when you can taste its clean, vibrant flavors. Aja Urban Greenmarket in the Dana Hotel and Spa is anything but lackluster. As the name suggests, Aja has jumped on the sustainable bandwagon, offering patrons a dining experience they can feel good about, right down to the last bite of maki roll or sip of sake sangria. Chef Ariel Bagadiong sources ingredients locally according to what is fresh and available, which you can taste for yourself with a three-course tasting menu created for PopSugar Chicago readers! Along with a great sushi menu, using the freshest seafood from all over the globe, you'll find a variety of apps ranging from classic favorites (think pan-fried dumplings, crispy crab rangoons) to more modern preparations like minced chicken and pine nuts in lettuce cups. Entrees — all made with authentic Asian ingredients — cover Hunan, Szechuan, Mandarin, and Chinese cuisine. Portions are designed with sharing in mind, which sets the tone for a laid-back dining experience. "Come as you are; casual, with an urban vibe," says Chef Bagadiong. Just in time for Summer, Aja's outdoor patio is perfect for al fresco dining and people watching between courses.