Travel to South East Asia while in NYC, The Spice Market

My girlfriend and I took a trip to NYC a few years back, and went to a fantastic place called the Spice Market.  I was so enthralled, that I made sure that I took my husband on our recent trip to the city. The Spice Market is found in the cobblestone streets of the old Meat packing district, on the corner of 13th and 9th.

The birthchild of Phil Suarez, Chef Jean-George Vongerichten and designer, Jacque Garcia, the Spice Market was the first step in the renaissance of the District.   The lofty ceilings and rustic beams from the old building work beautifully with South East-Asian decor brought in from Malasia, Indonesia, India, and Bura.

Chef Jean-George Vongerichten creates a menu that is inspired by a multitude of spices and cuisines from the South East, and is executed beautifully by Chef de Cuisine, Anthony Ricco.

Once you are seated, they present you with Papad (Indian fried tortillas) and a spicy dipping sauce.  They have an extensive drink menu highlighting the asian inspired cocktails on the first page.

I ordered the Lychee Raspberry Bellini, Prosecco with lychees and raspberries, and of course my husband ordered an Asian beer, Asahi's Black.  The bellini was sweet and smooth and delicious. My husband now says that Asahi Black is his new favorite beer.

We ordered two appetizers, the Lobster spring rolls and the Grilled Chicken Satay.  The spring rolls were fresh and light and served with a siracha sauce allowing for a delightful kick. The Chicken Satay was amazing, tender chicken in a light peanut sauce, with just a bit of heat.   My husband and I fought over the last one.  I could have eaten another serving.  To satify this craving, I dipped the cucumbers in the peanut sauce.  So good!

For dinner we ordered, the Steamed Red Snapper, the Onion and Chili Crusted Short Ribs with Egg Noodles and Pea Shoots and the Ginger Fried Rice.  The server informed us that each item will be presented as it is ready, not all at once, in a more family style way.

The Steamed Red Snapper came out first with a side of white rice.  The fish was fantastic!  It was tender and moist and cooked perfectly!!  My husband said, "I am not a fish person but this is really good".  That is huge coming from him! We didn't even eat the rice!  The fish stood alone!

The Ginger Fried Rice came out next and what a treat that was! Instead of mixing the egg into the rice leaving a gummy texture to it, they fry the egg on top allowing it to be mixed in later, leaving the rice with the proper consistency.   The fried egg added a bit of crunch to the dish. It was the best fried rice I have ever had!


Lastly, we received The Short Ribs.  This was a pleasent surprise.  We did not realize that it is actually a soup!  The short ribs are bathed in a wonderful broth that is a combination of soy, ginger and spices.  It is rich and allows the meat to be so tender it falls apart.  The noodles are perfect and are imbued with the flavor of the broth.  It is a beautiful dish!  My husband said it is reminisent of a dish his Filipino mother makes.

My husband finished off his meal with a Vietnamese coffee which he thoughly enjoyed!

The Spice Market is an wonderful experience for the senses.  We were very happy with our visit and you will be too.  Happy eating!