It is no secret that authentic Asian cuisine is hard to come by in Buffalo. We have Ming Café (during the fall and winter), Woo Chon Korea House, Gin Gin and, of course, 99 Fast Food. Many of you were lucky enough to have visited 99 when they were at 99 Niagara Square. I envy you. 99 is now located on Bailey Avenue, and while it isn’t a far drive, it certainly isn’t accessible to this downtown employee on her lunch break.
99 serves authentic Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese fare. On my most recent visit I couldn’t resist the Cốm Chiên Dương Châu (pork sausage fried rice). The pork sausage, commonly referred to as Cantonese-style Chinese sausage, is fatty and glutinous, making it a savory indulgence. Carrots, peas, egg, and diced chicken all happily accompanied the sausage in the fried rice to create a tasty, well-rounded dish.
Oops! I forgot about the appetizer. I’ve gotten carried away; Chinese sausage does that to me. Before my provocative entrée, my dining companion and I split a Combination Fresh Spring Roll, a translucent rice paper wrapper enveloping shrimp, thinly sliced cooked pork, rice noodles, lettuce, parsley, and mung bean sprouts. Unlike some herb-heavy spring rolls, this was more neutral in taste; not at all a turn-off given the rich peanut sauce it is served with.
My foodie comrade, tempted to try something different on the menu, ultimately gave in to the Phở Đặc Biệt (noodle soup variety/combo) per usual. And rightfully so, as there are few establishments in our city who so perfectly prepare phở. The variety/combo phở is the all-inclusive phở. It contains both raw and cooked beef, tendons, meatballs, tripe, and other cuts of beef along with the usual phở ingredients rice noodles, parsley, and scallions.
Of course, the traditional side of sprouts, basil, lime, jalapeños, and sauces (hoisin and sriracha) accompanied the large bowl deemed a “small serving” on the menu. We both enjoyed hot Vietnamese coffee. The robust coffee is mellowed with sweetened condensed milk culminating in a rich delight.
Don’t be fooled by the casual atmosphere, 99 serves high quality, fresh food. All of the above delectable food came out, in order, within 15 minutes and our total was just under $18. You really can’t beat that. Get to 99 for delicious authentic Asian cuisine.
99 Fast Food
3398 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, 14215
716.836.6058