Schaumburg's Asian Kitchen a unique fast-casual option

Asian Kitchen, an uncluttered, modern space seating about 60 at booths and tables, opened some seven months ago on Algonquin Road in Schaumburg, bringing an intriguing menu to town.

Designed to attract casual sit-down or carryout customers, the new venue takes orders and payment at a counter just inside the entryway. Overhead signs display the menu and a nearby chalkboard announces the daily special. There's no delivery service.

The restaurant's food is described as Asian fare with a flavoring of Indian sauces.

During a lunchtime visit, staff brought our food, napkins and utensils to our booth. Entrees came as they were released by the kitchen, one at a time. Because of a miscue, a shared appetizer dropped off the list and caught up with us only after our party of two were tucking into the main courses.

I found it reasonably priced, amply portioned and for the most part decidedly delicious. Zesty, too. So be prepared to make known your tolerance for spiciness so the kitchen can respond accordingly.

Pan-fried chili paneer, our appetizer, was a palate-pleaser. It featured Indian cheese fried and tossed with just the right mix of green bell peppers, onions, chilies, ginger and garlic.

Other vegetarian options included charred edamame with ginger salt and lime, fried wontons, fried spring rolls and seasoned sweet corn tossed with chopped onions, chilies and green onions.

Beef lovers can order the Szechwan beef entree with confidence. The meat, prepared with chunks of red and green bell peppers and red onions, gets a kick from dry red chilies and zippy Szechwan oil. It's accompanied by a bowl of steamed white rice, though vegetable-fried rice can be substituted for a small upcharge.

Looking for a milder beef-focused dish? Opt for Asian Kitchen's broccoli beef, which is cooked with broccoli florets in a mild soy garlic sauce.

Chicken takes center stage in eight entrees, such as Kung Pao, Mongolian, Manchurian, orange, basil and sweet-and-sour.

Vegetarian choices also are plentiful, including stir-fried crispy eggplant with a tangy chili-honey sauce, fried tofu wok-tossed with ginger and fresh green chilies, and fried cauliflower florets in a mild spiced soy-garlic sauce cooked with fresh cilantro, celery, chilies, ginger and onions.

Still other options include tilapia, three different shrimp preparations and a handful of noodle dishes.

Tea and soft drinks are sold, as are beer and wine, but no hard liquor.

Almond cookies and chocolate spring rolls comprised the short — and unexpected — dessert list. The latter, small, crispy chocolate-filled wonton rolls came topped with a dollop of whipped cream. They looked good but offered little excitement to the palate.

• Restaurant reviews are based on one anonymous visit. The Daily Herald does not publish reviews of restaurants it cannot recommend.

Asian Kitchen

1424 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg; (847) 907-9232, <a href="http://www.akschaumburg.com">akschaumburg.com</a>

<b>Cuisine:</b> Asian-Indian

<b>Setting:</b> Casual, modern eatery with counter-service

<b>Entrees:</b> $7-$9

<b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday