Best Thai/Malaysian
Seri Melaka
READERS' PICK: This fairly recent addition to the Tucson dining scene, Seri Melaka offers a range of classic dishes, which can run from the sublimely mild to the infernally hot. Adventurous lovers of spicy food should run, not walk, to Seri Melaka for their wonderful "velvet fire" curries; for the more pallid of palates, the tamarind chicken, potstickers and seafood rices are a fine break from a regime of burgers and fries.
6133 E. BroadwayREADERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Char's Thai advertises that eating there is like giving your palate a trip to Thailand. Well, some of us have not have made it to this southeast Asian country, but there is no doubt in our minds that Char's food is an excellent substitute for world travel. Often noted for its fiery zing, Char's Thai food gives customers the choice of having their dishes prepared mild or spicy hot. Plenty of items on the menu will spare your tongue any scorching sensations, but for our money the spicier dishes are some of the best Char's has to offer. For starters, the Larb Neau is a deliciously piquant mixture of ground beef, lime juice, mint leaves, green onion and Thai spices served on lettuce wedges. The fried wonton, which can be made either with meat or vegetarian style, is a mild counterpart and good choice to accompany the far spicier larb. If you feel as though you might be coming down with the latest strain of whatever flu is knocking out everyone in your office, Char's version of a hot-and-sour chicken soup is just what you need. The moderately spicy-hot soup seasoned with lime juice and lemon grass works better than penicillin at curing what ails you. As for the entrées, we've tried to branch out and try new and different things, but we always come back to the Pad Panang Neau--a delicious and unusual combination of tender sautéed beef with red chili, fresh basil, coconut milk and a spicy gravy. Char's, at 5039 E. Fifth St., may not be Bangkok but it's close.
STAFF PICK: The curry rolls alone are a reason enough to dine at Selamat Makan, 3502 E. Grant Road. These rolls are moist potatoes seasoned with curry, wrapped in pastry and then fried. But since you're not just there for the curry rolls, sample the sambal, a Malaysian curry, meat or tofu, served with coconut rice and fresh mixed vegetables. The chef will make it as spicy as you like, but be wary of the word "hot." We've seen self-proclaimed fiery-food lovers get tears in their eyes over these dishes. Meat-eaters and vegetarians alike will find plenty of selections on the menu. The satay, a Malaysian dish resembling shish-kabob topped with tangy peanut sauce, now is also prepared with tofu. Bring the kids; they're always welcome in this family-run restaurant. When you're waiting with children, order the chapati. Its fresh, warm, nutty flavor makes this flat bread a welcome diversion. The lush greenery and tiny colored Christmas lights give this restaurant an added touch of warmth for eating such special food.
