"Tucked away among the eclectic mix of specialty shops and creatively named 'clubs' along Winchester Road, next to the eye-catching Big Ass Fans mural (which I surprisingly enjoy), lies some great food options. While there have been decent taco spots and longtime favorites like Spalding's doughnuts and Charlie's famous fish sandwich, many establishments seem to fade away into obscurity. However, I’m confident that Jasmine Rice, housed in the former Fusion restaurant at Winchester and Seventh Street, will certainly stand the test of time.
Offering a blend of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, Jasmine Rice also features Laotian dishes on weekends—Lexington’s first of its kind. Although the drinks arrive promptly at your table and the decor, with its oilcloth tabletops and bare walls, lacks charm, the flavors are a delightful contrast. Each dish is perfectly seasoned, akin to a harmonious culinary perfume, with the spice level delivering genuine heat.
One fantastic way to experience the menu is by sampling various appetizers. The skewered barbecued pork is incredibly tasty, and its marinade may even evoke thoughts of ancestral connections between Laos and the American South. The Larb, made with stir-fried ground chicken, scallions, and onions, carries a subtle hint of fish sauce, complemented by julienne cucumbers, carrots, and fresh cilantro for a refreshing bite. You can wrap it in lettuce or pair it with sticky rice.
The Vietnamese egg rolls are a standout; they’re fantastic! While a healthier option is available with vegetables, noodles, and tofu wrapped in fresh rice paper, the deep-fried version with minced pork, mushrooms, onions, and carrots is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. You can also enjoy a salad as your main dish. The green papaya salad, featuring fresh shrimp and chopped peanuts, caught my eye—it offers a unique texture reminiscent of vermicelli and bean sprouts, with the withered shrimp adding a delightful crunch and intense salty flavor.
For something more substantial, the spicy Thai beef salad is a must-try. Thinly sliced beef mingles with fragrant lime juice, green onions, lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes, tossed in a simple house dressing that whispers of fish sauce, enhanced by fresh chopped cilantro and Thai basil.
Jasmine Rice excels in soups as well. Downtown residents are in for a treat with their exceptional pho, which boasts a broth scented with cloves that transports you to the Spice Islands. You can order it with tripe if you prefer, but I find the tender brisket and melt-in-your-mouth meatballs to be the highlight. It’s customizable with jalapeño rings, Thai basil, scallions, lime, and bean sprouts.
The tom yum soup offers a tangy, vibrant citrus kick that perfectly balances lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. It’s filled with tender squid rings and shrimp, along with fresh tomato wedges and quartered mushrooms, making for a satisfying meal.
Moreover, Jasmine Rice serves the best pad see ew in town. The wide, flat noodles are rich yet soft, coated in a sweet sauce, and stir-fried with eggs, broccoli, and your choice of protein. A squeeze of lime adds brightness, while bean sprouts contribute a refreshing crunch.
And you can't overlook the curry—every meal deserves one! The kitchen’s delicate touch shines in the green curry, with its light coconut milk base and herbaceous, spicy flavors that perfectly complement the generous portions of diced carrots, baby corn, peas, and your choice of meat, seafood, or tofu.
Even with my usual hesitation about blending multiple cuisines, I must say that Jasmine Rice nails it effortlessly."
