If you didn’t know any better, you might think that Sun is strictly an Asian Market. For those in ‘the know’ Sun has become a destination eatery serving up a variety of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean dishes unlike no other place in the city. Upon entering, guests must navigate through aisles of Asian groceries before winding up at the elevated dining area towards the back. Once there, depending on the time of day of course, diners must first find an empty table – a task that is not necessarily easy considering the popularity of the place.
One look at the extensive menu provides the customer with an immediate sense of being overwhelmed due to the vast cuisine categories and subcategories. Are you in the mood for Korean? Why not start with a bun vermicelli option? Or do what I did today for lunch – order the spicy pad gra pow with tofu, seafood or meat. The dish consists of Thai basil leaves stir fried with vegetables in a hot chili sauce. My dish was ample; featuring large chucks of perfectly prepared tofu and served with a side bowl of rice. My buddy to my left ordered the pho noodle soup, Thai style with rice noodles, veggies, fish ball, shrimp and scallop. He was pleased with his order, but warned that the meal was indeed a soup and a bit different than the traditional phos that he was accustomed to. My friend to my right decided on the red curry chicken with coconut cream, red pepper, veggies, Thai basil leaves and carrots. He mentioned that the taste was delicate and sweet with a rather unique sauce.
As we ate, I couldn’t help but notice that all of the seats continued to turn over, keeping the conversation level at a comfortable buzz. The table service was friendly and quick, the large spring rolls were fresh and delicious, and the unique ambiance was totally refreshing. It was like eating in an obscure Asian market in Chinatown. Additional lunch and dinner options range from udon to stir fry, dumplings to pad Thai and teriyaki to Kung Pao chicken. We were all quite pleased with Sun (especially at the price of $10 a person including three cans of aloe vera and tamarind juice), and will return to try many of the delights featured on the menu. I love discovering these little-known restaurants located in different pockets of Black Rock – especially when there is a grocery store to browse through before and after the meal!
Sun International Foods and Asian Feature Restaurant
1989 Niagara Street (located across the street from Gondola @ Austin Street exit, between Hertel Avenue and Amherst Street)
Buffalo NY 14207
716-447-0207
Open 7 days a week, with delivery.