As in any city that is constantly changing and growing, a large part of Baton Rouge’s culinary scene comprises of inconspicuous, under-the-radar restaurants. Often, in order to find authentic ethnic cuisine, it’s best to venture to these lesser-known establishments. This method rings true with Asian food in the city in particular.
Kaminari
Nestled in the College Row Northgate shopping center near the back gates of the University sits Kaminari, a humble sushi buffet and hibachi restaurant. While this technically may not be a hidden gem, I find that not enough people have had the pleasure of dining here. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, serving a different selection of traditional and signature sushi rolls (the Volcano Roll, served at lunch, is the best), sashimi, nigiri and some Chinese favorites for both meals. Dining at the all-you-can-eat buffet is reasonably priced, but filling up a to-go box with items from the buffet is cheaper, as the price is not fixed but based on weight. Trust me on this one; I pick up from Kaminari no less than three times a week.
Thai Kitchen
Authentic Thai food is hard to come across in the Capital City, but Thai Kitchen, located behind Walmart on College Drive, serves genuine Thai cuisine, along with sushi and other Japanese favorites. The restaurant doubles as a buffet and sports bar and offers friendly service and flavorful food in an unassuming environment. All of the Thai options can be ordered using a sliding spiciness scale, and they have a large selection of gluten-free, low-carb and vegetarian items. Try the lemon grass soup; it’s the perfect cure for the ever-present LSU plague.
Viet Garden
Sometimes the best restaurants require a trek to get to, and Viet Garden on Florida Boulevard is well worth the journey. Baton Rouge’s Vietnamese options are generally few and far between, but this restaurant is my go-to for pho, bun and other traditional Vietnamese dishes. The portions here are extremely generous, and the service is fast and efficient, making for an all-around pleasant experience.
Hunan
Hunan, a classic Baton Rouge institution, is a fixture for standard Chinese food among those in the know, but it’s still relatively unknown among University students. One could blame that on the restaurant’s location, about 15 minutes from campus, but distance should not be a deterrent from trying this exceptional eatery. The Bo Bo tray — just an appetizer sampler — is perfect for sharing among friends, and the Asian-inspired décor is complemented by a wall of signed portraits from notable national and local figures who have dined at the restaurant.
Waka House
Right down the road on Highland is another sushi spot that does not get the credit it deserves. Waka House II, which is in the same shopping center as the Neighborhood Walmart, is a stylish and sleek option for unique, high-quality sushi rolls. The affordability of the food — the Hayden Roll, at only $9.95, is my go-to order — and the proximity to campus makes this restaurant a frequently visited favorite.
