Close your eyes and transport yourself to memories of walking into your grandmas house. What do you see, how do you feel?
Grandma makes you the center of attention. The moment you walk in the door, Grandma starts feeding you. Every few minutes, she asks if you need anything,
"How does it taste? Do you need more water? Can I get you anything?"
You do your best to ensure grandma knows her food is excellent, but you cannot conjure the right words. Grandmas food makes your heart warm, it causes a grin that stretches from ear to ear. The only noises you are capable of making while eating are chews, slurps, crunches, and the occasional verbal confessions of "mmmm" and "oh my god".
Now open your eyes and become aware of the present. The only thing that has changed is you are not at Grandmas. Instead, you are seated inside Asahi Restaurant, off of Independence Blvd. Kimberly and her Mom are taking care of you exactly how Grandma asked.
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When we walked in the door, we were greeted and sat by Kimberly.
After the menus, water, and barley tea were brought, Kimberly asked if we had any questions.
We sought out Asahi hoping to try Jjamppong but learned that the dish is no longer served post Covid. The menu is fairly small, and the restaurant is manned by none other than Kimberly and her mom.
Even though they did not have the dish we were hoping for, Kimberly made a recommendation based on the dish other guests order when they learn Jjamppong is not on the menu.
We happily agreed and ordered steamed dumplings and Yook Gae Jang. Kimberly took our orders and returned to the kitchen.
Upon Kimberly's return, we were surprised with 2 canned sodas, and 2 apple soju. Kimberly and her mom expressed their apologies for Jjamppong no longer being on the menu and insisted we accept the drinks as an apology.
We were beyond grateful and apologetic in trying to express that the issue was a non issue, but happily accepted. Kimberly surprised us by saying the soju was "from their family collection". I must say it was the most delicious soju I have had.
Shortly after our drinks came, so did our dumplings and our small plates of Korean condiments. In front of us was a spread of radish, broccoli, fish cake noodles, cucumber, kimchi, and bean sprouts. With every swipe of my chopsticks, I tried each condiment, enjoying each progressively more and more. I must say, the fish cake noodles were my personal favorite!
The dumplings were extremely fresh tasting and savory. Accompanying the dumplings were 2 sauces, 1 being a spicy sauce, the other 1 being an umami soy based sauce. I enjoyed the dumplings thoroughly and alternated use of both sauces.
Quickly, our soups arrived at the table, paired with a small bowl of multi grain rice. The soup consisted of a spicy red broth, clear noodles, a type of shredded beef, green onion stalks, onion, and egg.
I immediately went for the noodles and greens as my first bite. This is when the sensation of grandmas house truly hit me. I was transported to an emotional state of warmth, comfort, and happiness. Following the bite of noodles, I scooped up broth in my soup spoon and washed the noodles down with the explosively delicious taste of the broth.
Only a few bites into my main course and I fell in love with Asahi. I fell in love with Yook Gae Jang. I feel in love with Kimberly and her mom's cooking, service, and the way Kimberly would tell her mom, "I will be right back mom!" every time she left the kitchen.
This mother-daughter duo has something truly special happening at Asahi. So special it inspired me to write my first review so I could assist in spreading the word to the world.
If you are ever in Virginia Beach and are craving a dining experience of warmth, comfort, and happiness, paired with food that will leave you without words capable of expressing how delicious it is, try Asahi. read more