La Cai Noodle House

Reviewed by Becky

I recently visited La Cai Noodle House on State Street in downtown Salt Lake City. After reading its great reviews on City Search I knew I had to give it a try. Who doesn’t like good cheap Asian food! And with a name like La Cai how can you go wrong. For those of you who don’t live in Salt Lake- our most expensive restaurant is also called La Caille. They have nothing in common besides the fact that I enjoy both.

La Caille is a French restaurant that is near the foothills of the mountains and is surrounded by green landscapes with small ponds, a winery, and lots of beautiful peacocks. It’s a great place for a romantic dinner, reception or Sunday brunch but I’ll save that review for another day.

There is much to be said about the Asian style La Cai; the prices were as the reviews said- very reasonable and the food was even better than expected. But what I really didn’t expect was the great atmosphere. State Street is known for good ethnic food restaurants (like Taj India and Thai Siam) but they usually come right along with pretty below average eating areas. La Cai has several private booths to sit in along with tables lining the windows. The private booths could fit 4 people and they have a curtain enclosing them from the rest of the restaurant. We took forever to choose an entree, because we are two indecisive women who are just happy to be going out to eat together. We finally landed on Lemongrass Chicken and Curry Vegetables. The Lemongrass Chicken was highly recommended by our waiter and reviews on-line. And I must say they were all stated correctly, the lemongrass chicken was delicious. It was served over steamed rice and sautéed in lemongrass and chili to add a little spice.

While we were there I spotted some of my Korean friends and we asked them what they chose from the menu. My friend Daniel, who comes here religiously, said he always orders the Pho (rhymes with “duh”), a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. Next time I would like to try that, if I can stand not to reorder the Lemongrass Chicken. So, I appeal to you today to save your money and try La Cai, the Asian alternative to the beloved French La Caille, you will be sure to leave with a better fortune.

For additional thoughts on their lunch menu check out Salt Lake City’s Lunch Examiner.


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