Restaurant Review: Lakeside Asia Café
- The Reston Letter Staff
- Oct 22, 2024
- 2 min read
by Sarah Golden, Staff Writer
Anyone who has moved to a new town knows how crucial it is to scout out the best local spots — from finding the grocery store with the freshest produce to discovering the nail salon with the perfect shade of red, or the coffee shop that gets the “just right” latte temperature. But perhaps the most important quest of all: locating the best Chinese takeout. Few things feel better after a long day at work than slipping into your comfiest sweats, turning on a binge-worthy Netflix show, and indulging in classic takeout staples like Crab Rangoon, Fried Rice, and Orange Chicken.
Now, let’s be clear — this is not an attempt to downplay the greatness of Orange Chicken. But much of what we recognize as Chinese food in America is actually American in origin. Crab Rangoon, for instance, first appeared in San Francisco, making it as American as apple pie.
For those ready to expand their takeout routine, Lakeside Asia Café in Reston is a perfect place to start. Specializing in Sichuan cuisine, it brings authentic flavors straight from China’s Sichuan province. The modest storefront, tucked away in South Lakes Village Shopping Center, may be easy to miss, but the flavors inside are hard to forget.
While the spring rolls and steamed dumplings make for good appetizers, the real star power is in the entrées. If you're feeling unsure about what to try, the Mapo Tofu is a sure bet. One of Lakeside’s most popular dishes, it features melt-in-your-mouth tofu bathed in a rich pork chili sauce, giving you a hug in every bite, while the Sichuan peppercorns bring that signature fiery kick. It's a great introduction for anyone hesitant about tofu.
Another standout is the Sichuan-style green beans. Cooked to perfection, these beans are bursting with flavor, thanks to the peppercorns that elevate even simple veggies. The duck, served with a flavorful au jus, also deserves a mention. On the flip side, the Soybeans with Shredded Pork and Mustard Greens didn’t leave quite as lasting an impression.
This writer will absolutely be returning to ask the chef for recommendations which will hopefully result in experiencing some more stand-out dishes.
Lakeside Asia Café
11130 South Lakes Dr, Reston, VA 20191
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–9 PM
Thursday 11 AM–9 PM
Friday 11 AM–9:30 PM
Saturday 12–9 PM
Sunday 12–9 PM
We have never been and will never be reimbursed for our restaurant reviews, nor do the restaurants our staff review know that they are writing about their food and experience beforehand.
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