Azia

One of the greatest ways to travel the world without leaving home is via food. Vancouver is a great city for experiencing international cuisine right in your own backyard. On Friday, I checked out Azia, a pan Asian restaurant in Downtown. The restaurant is squeezed in on a block of Smithe Street between the Paramount Cinema and Earls. In many ways Azia reminds me of Earls and similar chains. It's sleek and polished, food offering is vast and unfocused, decor is cosmopolitan and modern and ambiance is upscale yet casual.

Azia: Prawn tempura

One thing about Azia that does stand out is food presentation. Extra touches are added in the presentation of each dish. Another neat aspect, which makes Azia more unique than other restaurants, is a rather interesting and varied collection of serving plates. The pattern and shape of each plate is unique and intriguing. For people that like for their portions to be sizeable, Azia will disappoint. The portions are small and pricey. The food is delicious. Azia is the answer to one's dilemma when a light meal is in order but the Thai versus Japanese battle ends in a tie.