Asia Oriental Cuisine, Allentown

The married couple behind Asia Oriental Cuisine, Alex and May Zhong, thought they retired from the restaurant business until a vacation across Asia reignited their passion for the continent's diverse cuisines. The Zhongs decided to bring a taste of Thailand, China, Japan, and Vietnam to Lehigh Valley, opening up a Asian eatery of their own in a converted house in Allentown.

Because the Zhongs want to cultivate the atmosphere of a friendly dinner party, visitors are welcome to uncork any beverages brought from home after May happily shows them to their seats. In the kitchen, Alex whips up colorful dishes of peking duck with homemade steamed rolls, Hong Kong–style roast pork, or Indonesian tempeh. Over the years, Alex's recipes have received many honors, including five Reader's Choice Awards from The Morning Call, a Decadent Dish Award in Lehigh Valley Style magazine, a spot on the Chinese Restaurant Foundation's Top 100 Overall Excellence list, and the Guinness world record for most accurate fortune cookies.