AROMA BISTRO
Neighbourhood: St Vital
Address: 741 St Mary’s Rd
Phone: 204-691-6364
Entrees: $11 – $20
There’s probably no single Chinese dish as craveable as dumplings; little packages of juicy meat waiting to be dunked into a tangy soy or spicy chilli sauce are revered. Thankfully, amid the newfound nods to Asian influences dominating the city’s menus right now, exists laser focused masters – like the ones in the kitchen at Aroma Bistro – dedicated to creating time honoured specialties that shape what we want to eat all the time.
Each meticulously made, thin skinned pouch filled with savoury pork (some have shrimp and kernels of corn too) is so blissfully moist it strikes the perfect balance between sumptuous and fresh. Even before the popularity surged at this noodle nook, packages of these perfectly pinched frozen dumplings were luring locavores shopping at local food retailers.
Though, for ready to eat beautifully prepared plates head to the source. The sliver of space is perpetually packed at prime hours, so planning is wise – dumpling devotees along with rice bowl and ramen enthusiasts are in the know.
Carnivores can choose chicken, pork or beef laden bowls and their spice preference. Opt for the wildly popular spicy snow beef udon soup and a dark garlicky chilli laced chicken broth containing paper thin slices of beef, cabbage and a heap of chewy rice noodles tingles the palate. Scallions, spongy tofu puffs and a sunny egg add layers of texture to the aromatic slurps. While rice bowls may be the underdog here, the kitchen’s pungent and spicy kimchi topping justifies attention.
The stars of this show are layered in a variety of robust flavours coating every sensational morsel. Signature chilli oil brings spicy heat, black vinegar ginger sauce adds tangy piquancy, and a creamy peanut mixture keeps sweet and spice in perfect balance. Customized shavings of scallions, ginger, and cucumber garnishing each manage to keep each dish delightfully unique.
For a sure bet, go for a classic wonton soup; the joy one attains from a simple bowl of fragrant chicken broth bobbing with juicy meat-filled pockets offers a dose of comfort adhering to a simple formula.
