We've ordered takeout from Zaw's three times now and I've reached a level of comfort with the food that allows me to make this post. Zaw's is effectively takeout only, there are some stools against the wall and a narrow counter, but it isn't really a place that you would want to dine in. All of the dishes that I've ordered have been quite good, some have been quirky, in a positive way. Rather than going into a detailed comparisons on a dish by dish basis (which I'm probably not really capable of doing) I would say that this restaurant is as close to fresh, home style, chinese cooking as you will see in Pittsburgh (at least Squirrel Hill). Nothing fancy, everything prepared to order, no Chef's special Singing Three Kinds or Happy Family, (I know some of these are valid traditional Chinese menu items but they usually turn out to be overly dressed up renditions of simple dishes at a premium price.) The Singapore Rice Noodle is the best that I've had in Pittsburgh. (rice noodle, roast pork, scallion, green pepper, shrimp, onion, and curry powder, with egg). They have a bunch of noodle dishes both lo mein and chinese noodle (szechuan style), as well as various egg foo young dishes. I suspect that if you have something special in mind, for which the ingredients are available, they can cook it up for you. This place reminds me of a smaller version of the old Hunan Restaurant in SF which was a lunch counter with 3 gas woks and no end of flames and activity. It's worth going to pick up your order a little early to watch it being prepared. Bonus is that entrees are sold as pints or quarts, and prices are lower than China Palace or Sz House. So, I like this place, I like the people that work there, and I like the idea of a take out establishment than lives and dies by its food rather than its ambience. Give them a try. Zaw's Asian Food 2110 Murray Ave (next to Aiello's Pizza) 521-3663
Pittsburgh, PA
Zaw's Asian Food (strong rec)
Dave M. wrote: >... >So, I like this place, I like the people that work there, and I like >the idea of a take out establishment than lives and dies by its food >rather than its ambience. Give them a try. > >Zaw's Asian Food 2110 Murray Ave (next to Aiello's Pizza) >521-3663 > > ... I agree. One simple comparison measure I always use is the fried rice, and Zaw's has some of the best I've had in Pgh. Very tasty, and fun to watch them prepare! Interesting also to compare Zaw's with The New Dumpling House right down the hill on Murray. Dumpling House is quite nice inside and has some great dishes (and dumplings, of course); I've had some outstanding meals in The Dump (as we affectionately call it), and recommend it. On the other hand, they've consistently been unsatisfactory for takeout--lower quality chicken, less interesting sauces, that sort of thing. So, we always get takeout from Zaw's but still like to eat in at The Dump. Tom