Posted: Sunday, January 25, 2009 8:30 am

Many readers are trying to make better food choices when dining out. I have some healthy suggestions for you that may introduce you to some new tastes as well as reduce your waist line.

There are a number of Asian restaurants in Murfreesboro that offer a selection of very healthy choices for dining out. The dishes are made from fresh natural ingredients, using a variety of herbs and spices to produce tremendously flavorful creations. The tastes are unique and distinctly different from Americanized dishes at typical Chinese restaurants. Many menu selections have less fat, cholesterol, and sodium and more nutrients because they rely on savory fresh ingredients.

My first recommendation is a restaurant that is well known to many readers, but may be new to you. Bangkok Thai Cuisine on Robert Rose Drive has been a favorite for two decades. Owner Bubpha (“boo-pa”) delights diners by preparing exceptional meals while she and husband Jack treat everyone like family. Having been in the kitchen on more than one occasion, I can tell you that the food is made with only freshly prepared ingredients in an immaculate facility.

Bubpha’s unique cooking style has made devotees of most people that try her food. I recommend a delicious noodle dish called phad thai, but you can choose from dozens of other options. If you prefer a milder or spicier taste, just let the server know and it will be prepared to your preference. Likewise, if you are new to these menu items, ask questions and the server will make recommendations. A new wine menu is extensive.

Another local favorite is Fuji Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi on Northfield Boulevard. Owners Chris and Hannah have recently completely renovated Fuji. The result is a beautifully designed open dinning room with about a dozen separate teppanyaki grills. For the uninitiated, your party will be seated at a grill where a chef will prepare your meal right in front of you. In addition to delicious food, the chef will deliver some spectacularly fiery theatrics. In addition to excellent sushi, steaks and chicken, healthy salmon and vegetarian selections are available.

Chris and Hannah also own Golden Eagle Mongolian Stir-Fry on Thompson Lane. Here, you choose exactly what goes into your dish in the same manner you would stack your plate at a salad bar. After you have chosen your own fresh ingredients, you hand it over to a grill specialist that prepares it for you. The result is a quick, freshly prepared meal that contains the exact ingredients you select. This restaurant is growing in popularity with people that are on the go but still want a healthy, flavorful hot meal.

Visit Sakura Japanese Restaurant on Broad Street and you will likely be greeted by either James or Pan (“pahn”), the owners. Sakura offers traditional sushi menus, Japanese dishes such as Bento boxes as well as some Korean favorites. This is some of the best sushi I have ever tried. Ask sushi chef Joe about the Yum Yum or the Murfreesboro roll. If you want to try a new taste that is likely to become your favorite, ask for bulgogi. This traditional Korean beef dish is served on a searing hot stone. The taste is incredible. The meat has been marinated so it is exceptionally tender.

I saved my newest favorite for last. At Thai Spice on Rutherford Boulevard near MTSU, owners Nick and Mo will greet you warmly and make sure that every taste is to your liking. Try the satay kai, phad kee mao or anything else on the menu; you will be pleased. Although new to the Murfreesboro dining scene, this is some of the best food in town. Using fresh ingredients such as holy basil, galangal (ginger), lemongrass, prik (Thai peppers), curry and coconut milk Mo creates exceptional memorable dishes. I guarantee your first visit will not be your last.

These are all great places to meet with friends. Try them all. I’m sure there are other places I have not yet tried or failed to mention. If you have suggestions, please post them so others can try your favorite healthy eatery.


Dr Mark Kestner
DrKestner.com