Park Slope, Brooklyn, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and fried rice, a beloved dish across cultures, is no exception. This post dives deep into the top 21 spots serving up the best fried rice in Park Slope, NYC, exploring everything from classic Cantonese variations to innovative fusions. We'll guide you through the flavors, textures, and overall dining experience each restaurant provides, helping you find your next fried rice obsession.
Finding Your Perfect Park Slope Fried Rice: A Guide
Choosing the "best" fried rice is subjective, depending on individual preferences. Some prefer a simple, classic style, while others crave bold, experimental flavors. This guide categorizes Park Slope's fried rice offerings to help you navigate the options:
Classic Cantonese Fried Rice
These establishments offer traditional Cantonese fried rice, focusing on quality ingredients and authentic techniques. Expect fluffy rice, perfectly cooked eggs, and a savory umami flavor.
- Golden Wok: Known for its consistently delicious fried rice, Golden Wok uses fresh ingredients and a well-balanced seasoning. Their vegetable fried rice is a particular favorite.
- New Shun Hing: A Park Slope staple, New Shun Hing offers a wide range of fried rice options, from classic pork fried rice to seafood variations. Their shrimp fried rice is highly recommended.
- Great Wall: Great Wall provides a classic take on fried rice, focusing on fresh vegetables and flavorful meats. Their chicken fried rice is a reliable choice.
- Asia Garden: While offering a wider Asian menu, Asia Garden's fried rice is notable for its use of high-quality rice and a subtle, yet flavorful seasoning.
Modern & Fusion Fried Rice
These restaurants put a modern spin on fried rice, incorporating unexpected ingredients and techniques. This category is perfect for adventurous eaters seeking unique flavor combinations.
- Buttermilk Channel: This upscale American restaurant offers a surprisingly delicious fried rice as a side dish, incorporating seasonal vegetables and a unique twist.
- Lilia: Though known for pasta, Lilia's fried rice side occasionally appears, and it's a must-try for those who manage to catch it on the menu. It’s known for its delicate balance of flavors.
- Emily: This wood-fired pizza place offers a surprisingly good fried rice, melding the familiar with pizza-inspired elements in exciting ways. They’ve been known to include smoked meats and spicy peppers.
- The Owl Farm: Their innovative fried rice features locally sourced ingredients and a focus on creative pairings. Expect unique flavor combinations and seasonal variations.
Vegetarian & Vegan Fried Rice Options
Finding delicious vegetarian and vegan fried rice in Park Slope is easier than you might think! Several restaurants offer hearty and flavorful options.
- Chavela's: This Mexican restaurant surprisingly offers a delicious vegetarian fried rice, incorporating their signature spices and ingredients.
- DeStefano's Steak House: Although primarily a steak house, DeStefano’s offers a surprisingly well-executed vegetarian fried rice as a side option. It is a surprisingly good complement to their heavier meals.
- Sunflower Seeds: This dedicated vegetarian restaurant offers various fried rice options, using a variety of vegetables and plant-based protein sources.
Unique Fried Rice Experiences
These spots offer a fried rice experience that goes beyond the typical. Expect unique flavor profiles, presentation, or dining settings.
- Stone Park Cafe: Known for its casual atmosphere, Stone Park offers a good quality fried rice that makes a great addition to their other American dishes.
- The Sycamore: While known for its upscale brunch, The Sycamore occasionally features unique fried rice dishes on their seasonal menus. Look for limited-time offerings.
- Al Di Là: This Italian restaurant’s surprising fried rice, though not the main attraction, is worth exploring for a flavorful Italian twist on this classic.
Fried Rice with a Twist
These spots offer unique fried rice dishes that often fuse different culinary traditions.
- Gorilla Cheese: This mac and cheese-focused spot surprisingly has a fried rice side option that is worth checking out for its fun and surprising flavors.
- La Parisienne: While known for French cuisine, their occasional fried rice special is a testament to their inventive menu. Expect unexpected ingredient combinations and refined plating.
- The Farm on Adderley: This farm-to-table restaurant showcases seasonal produce with creative fried rice dishes. Expect vibrant flavors and innovative pairings.
Budget-Friendly Fried Rice
These options provide excellent quality fried rice without breaking the bank.
- Good Enough to Eat: While known for their other dishes, Good Enough to Eat offers a simple, tasty, and affordable fried rice option.
- Five Leaves: Known for their brunch, Five Leaves also provides a surprisingly good fried rice choice at a reasonable price.
Hidden Gems
These often overlooked spots deserve attention for their delicious fried rice.
- Talde: This renowned restaurant often features a unique fried rice on its rotating menu, reflecting its modern take on Asian flavors.
- Le Bar Pijo: This Parisian-inspired bar sometimes offers fried rice specials as part of its late-night menu, a quirky but delicious choice.
Choosing Your Fried Rice Adventure
This list provides a starting point for your Park Slope fried rice journey. Remember to check restaurant menus and reviews before heading out, as offerings and availability can change. Happy eating!
