Just for the record - I am basing my review on take out, not going to the restaurant to sit down…read moreand eat. I want to love this place. I want to give this place a stellar review - but alas, with the items that I have gotten, I cannot. I've ordered from Dumpling Dojo a few times and have gotten different things each time. Their menu is filled with delicious-sounding entrees that have a unique spin, different from typical Chinese places. In addition, all the food is definitely made fresh using real ingredients. So what's the problem? Well...they do not season some of their food items properly - specifically, the sides / veggie entrees. The best thing about typical Chinese food restaurants is the preparation and sauce that goes along with the food - and as someone who does not cook their own Chinese food, I look forward to the sticky-sweet, savory flavors that Chinese-American food is associated with. I find that Dumpling Dojo lacks that. On the plus side, their General Tso's chicken is some of the best I've ever had - and their dumplings are solid. Not amazing, but solid (although I liked them better crisped up in the air fryer the next day). But the other things I've had just simply lacked flavor. For example, I ordered their veggie fried rice and found it incredibly bland and mushy. It was great heated up and doctored, but I want that experience out of the gate. I also ordered their lomein veggie bowl - man, what a disappointment! Basically, I received a container of steamed vegetables and boiled noodles - no sauce or anything. Again, if I put my own spin on it, it would be fine - but when I order out, I don't want to season my own food. It should be prepared as it. Also, I had the short rib buns and they were ok. The sweet potato fry topper was really stale and stiff, and the coleslaw seemed droopy and old - but it was fine. The delivery has also always come very quick, which is a plus as well. However, I don't want to order from a place where the food is hit-and-miss.

Bao buns are amazing! So fluffy and veggies super fresh and crisp. Nice quiet place with friendly…read morestaff.

So yum!!!! Top 3 thai spots for me…read more Food- Classic order of Pad Thai & Drunken Noodles. The pad thai noodles are a big thinner than i've had before but that didn't bother me, it has such great flavor too. I recommend ordering it spicy, it's the perfect heat if you're looking for that kick but don't add it if you can't handle spice. The drunken noodles are not spicy in my opinion but i can handle a bit of heat. Loved the flavor and the noodles had the right texture, could've done without the huge chunks of tomato but great otherwise. The summer rolls were good, hard to mess those up. We also got a free mango salad with the order and that was so fresh and delicious. We just popped in for pick up but the hostess was really nice and attentive as soon as we walked in. It looked to be a nice casual spot, could be good for dinner with friends or date night.

Obao has delicious food. If you're in Hells Kitchen and happen to stumble by Obao, it is worth…read morecoming in. Obao is has both Thai and Viet food. It does well with doing the whole "fusion" schtick without losing the essence and flavor of the dishes. Pad Krapoa Moo Krob, the meat on the pork belly was so juicy - the pork skin was crunchy and chewy at the same time, flavors of Thai spice, basil, and bell peppers harmoniously working together to bring a balanced meal. The shrimp basil fried rice was delicious, a great alternative if you're not feeling the crab fried rice. The service at Obao is always prompt and helpful, whether it's questions about the menu or recommendations, anyone is willing to help. Inside Oboa is dimly lit, a moody vibe that is fun and invites playful conversations.

A preamble (or verbal ramble, take your pick): My reviews of…read morerestaurants tend to follow a certain pattern. I write about ordering a ton of food, joke once again that I'll have to start that diet very, very soon and bemoan those days long past when I used to eat like Art Carney's Ed Norton and drink like Ralph Kramden's Jackie Gleason and never gain a pound. Well, that "very, very soon" diet has finally, belatedly, become a reality. A few weeks ago, I went to my pulmonologist, and I weighed more than I ever have in my life. It shouldn't have been a shock, but it was...a bit. I talked with my oldest friend, who is my age (I'm older by 3 months), and he weighs what he weighed in high school. I don't think that's going to happen to me, but I'm thinking if I really seriously diet and lose the excess weight, maybe I can reverse or at least ameliorate some of these medical issues I've been dealing with lately. As my friend said, "At the very least, you'll feel a lot better." So... I'm trying. In the past few weeks, I've managed to lose 15 pounds. I don't think I'm going to make high school weight (which, if I remember right, was in the 190's), but I've got a good momentum going, and I'm committed to seeing where it will lead. What possible relevance does all that have to a review of Teri Teri Japanese Restaurant in Union City? It means I'm not going to be reviewing the appetizer, or the soup, or the large, spicy meal, or the rich desert, or the headache-inducing-but-soul-satisfying Coconut Bubble Tea. In other words, I'm going to eat moderately and healthily, and the review will reflect that (even if, as is my self-indulgent custom, I'm not writing a review that's moderate or...healthy? No. Let's say moderate, concise and to-the-point). Preamble over. On to the actual review... In the past, the Lunchbox Mafia where I work used to order from Okinawa and I liked their Bento Box. Sadly, they no longer offer the Bento Box, and we haven't ordered from them lately. A few times, though, we've ordered delivery from Teri Teri, and I've been satisfied. The Chicken Combo was a pretty good Bento Box replacement, with soup, salad, rice, tempura, slices of ginger (love 'em!) and a 5-piece California roll (I loathe sushi, but I can handle the California roll). Recently, the Lunchbox Mafia was going to order from Teri Teri, asked if I wanted to join them, and I checked out the menu-- and it was certainly a novel experience for me, perusing the items offered for "healthy choices." I decided on the Salmon Plate, which came with salad and rice. Delivery was quick and the prices seemed reasonable. I can't remember what The New Godfather of Lunch or Sir Cheapness (former Godfather of Lunch) ordered, but I had 2 very large pieces of perfectly cooked Salmon, and a massive pile of rice, which I picked at sparingly. The Salmon was delicious and very filling all on its own. And the salad was comprised of quality lettuce (it has always been my experience that if you receive a salad made up chiefly of Iceberg lettuce, you're eating at a cheap...in terms of quality, not necessarily price...restaurant). Once my heart had recovered from the unexpected shock of my healthy eating, I imagined I could hear it offer up a faint but...dare I say it?..."heartfelt" paen of thanks to whatever God or Gods exist that I've finally...at long last... changed my ways? (I think my liver offered up that same paen of thanks when I stopped the drinking and the opioids). In any event, all of my usual verbose nonsense aside, I've liked what I've had from here, and whether your tastes run to heavy, spicy meals or more healthful alternatives when it comes to Japanese cuisine, Teri Teri is highly recommended.

Teri Teri Means Terrible Times Two! Plus $65 tab to complete…read morethe formula! I am always wary of trying Asian food in Union City but once again, I gave in to my Asian stomach without using any logic and intellect. New Jersey is a big state so I hesitate to throw all NJ Asian restaurants in the garbage, but it's easier to go back to my beloved Chinatown than to drive hours to a reputable and honorable place within NJ. Upon entering, the place felt unclean and neglected, already a sign of the doom ahead. We ordered the "combo" or in a real Japanese place, called a bento; one salmon and one mackerel. When the plates arrived, I could not suppress my surprise, which burst out in the form of uncontrollable laughter. The enormous plates were filled with rice and on one sad side, was a small piece of dry fish. Then, the rest of the "combo" came later, the tempura in boxes and the California roll on another plate. My companion wanted tempura sauce, but I told him that they would be very confused. And I was right, the server had no idea what it was. Chicken wings were chicken wings, nothing to remark about, except that I suspect they are always frozen, with a good margin for the restaurant. I am surprised that there is another location on Bergenline because what type of a lunatic would think that this unforgivable menu and cooking deserve two locations? I understand that the population is mostly latino in the area but it is a shame that they are introduced to Asian cuisine in such a deplorable and degraded manner.

Dinner for one at Buddakan turned into one of those rare experiences where the setting is nearly as…read morememorable as the food. Located within the historic Chelsea Market building--a former Nabisco factory where Oreo cookies were first produced--the restaurant feels theatrical in the best possible way. The soaring ceilings, dramatic lighting, and energetic atmosphere create a sense of occasion from the moment you walk in. It feels less like simply going out to dinner and more like stepping into a beautifully staged production. I started with a Botanist Gin Martini with a twist, which paired wonderfully with the meal. The surprise star of the evening was the new Cucumber Tiger Salad. The balance of flavors was exceptional: bright acidity, a pleasant touch of heat, and just enough mint to make each bite feel fresh and exciting. Every so often the mint would come through and suddenly all the flavors would click together in a way that made me immediately want another bite. This is a dish I would happily order again. Next came the Edamame Dumplings. They were delicate and comforting, especially when enjoyed with the accompanying broth. The broth adds depth and richness that elevates the entire dish. My only suggestion would be the slightest touch more salt, perhaps even a finishing sprinkle of black volcanic salt for both flavor and presentation. I also found myself wishing there were a bit more of that delicious broth because it contributes so much to the overall experience. For my entrée, I ordered the Glazed Alaskan Black Cod, and it absolutely lived up to its reputation. The fish was rich, buttery, and perfectly prepared. What impressed me most was how thoughtfully the accompaniments were composed. The pickled cucumbers brought brightness, acidity, and crunch, while the black bean and eggplant relish delivered deep savory notes and unexpected complexity. I'm generally not an eggplant fan, but this relish was outstanding. The cucumbers and relish sit at opposite ends of the flavor spectrum, yet both somehow make the cod even better. Looking back, I think a glass of Sauvignon Blanc alongside the cod would have been the perfect pairing. I finished with the Miso Caramel Milk Bar, which was spectacular. Decadent, sweet, salty, and touched with just enough umami to keep every bite interesting. The chocolate crumble underneath added a wonderful crunch that contrasted beautifully with the creamy ice cream and luscious caramel sauce. Every component worked together perfectly, creating a dessert that was both indulgent and sophisticated. From start to finish, the meal felt polished, thoughtful, and memorable. Thank you!

The vibe and food here is great! It's also very good for larger parties. We were a group of 10 and…read moreI was able to make a reservation without dealing with a pre fix meal or being put into a private room which I appreciated. We went family style for our dishes which worked very well. Everything we got was delicious, but the garlic fried rice, kung pao monkfish, crab rangoons and wok fried xo cheung fun noodles were my favorites. I also tried the Blush cocktail which was similar to a lychee martini. I loved it and it was perfectly sweet. Overall it was on the pricey side once we split everything, but the vibes were great for a nice night out.

Came in for an early dinner while walking around Hoboken. No complaints! Restaurant was empty…read morebesides us (it was raining) so service was good. Reasonable prices. Appreciated ice in the water

Saku is attractive in a strange Two-Face kind of way, where one room is all pink sakura lightness…read moreand being, while the other room (where we were seated) is all dark, depressing velvet underground melancholy. The menu kind of reflects this struggle too, as it can't seem to decide if it wants to offer more traditional Japanese sushi-ya fare or something more innovative. As a result, we kind of wound up with the middling middle with our choice of 4 specialty rolls: 1) Saku: Probably the best and most traditional of our rolls with salmon and avocado inside, and ponzu, chives and crispy shallots on the outside. 2) Lobster: Not enough lobster salad inside to justify the overuse of miso-yuzu mayo, and just a whole ton of filler nonsense going on outside wrapped in pink soy paper. 3) Drop It Like Its Hot: Not spicy enough to justify the cute name. This should've been an easy slam dunk in flavor, but everything felt kind of bland and flat. Maybe due to the lack of nori. 4) Crunch Drunk Love: Lots of fish, but again, not enough flavor. We also got the Edamame with Spicy Miso Butter, which was just OK--the butter was weirdly sour. I wouldn't order it again. In fact, I....wouldn't really order anything here again.

Hidden gem in deep jersey city! The food and service were…read moregreat! for the banh mi, I really liked how the bread was a little crispy and warm. for the pho, the broth was flavourful and the portion was good!

I'd give this a 4.5 if I could for consistency…read more The pho (on a good day) is the best in the area by far. Sometimes it's watery and not as aromatic as others. Sometimes they also send two miniature pcs of basil, which don't quite do the trick when you want to add herbs to your pho. Spring rolls are dank. Super consistent and crispy. The rice bowls are great too, but very pricey for the value (also inconsistent in portion size and flavor). Overall solid 4.5 order often and will continue to. Noice.

The best ! Ordered for New Year eve. The Sushi is great and…read moreeverything was on time! Highly recommend!

Such a hidden gem! The decor is intimate, cozy, and just plain adorable--it feels like the perfect…read morelittle date spot. The staff... OMG, so friendly and attentive! From the moment I walked in, I felt completely welcome. The food? Absolutely delicious and just the right portions. The Loco Tiger Roll was incredible--my man literally ate every single grain of rice off the plate. My personal favorite was the Spicy Girl Roll--so flavorful, fresh, and soooo good! If you're looking for a local sushi spot that's not just about great food but also warm vibes and amazing service, this place is a must.