FOODIE
Azumas’ Own Blend of Asian Cuisine
Sushi and more to choose from
By Leah Weinsteinl/ foodie@longislandernews.com

It’s hard to keep up to date with the cravings of Huntingtonians.
Azuma, located in Greenlawn, covers its bases by dipping into several types of Asian cuisine.

The menu is half sushi-based, and half everything else. This allows the Chinese, Thai and Indonesian flavors to blend together at certain points and stand out distinctively at others.

Azuma opened in 2004 and Ivy Chen, one of the owners, has seen a change over time in what customers are looking for. Sushi has subsided and given way to more brazen Asian flavors such as the ones found in the Thai Curry soup that is based on a Malaysian recipe.

This variety appeals differently to every patron allowing for a new experience each time you head back. Chen said they see a lot of regular customers.
“On Friday and Saturday nights, it is all families,” she said.

One thing that stands out for this restaurant is the large outdoor patio that can sit large groups for casual al fresco dining during the summer months.
Waitresses recognize familiar faces and help new customers with knowledgeable recommendations.

“Asian dishes, like the Four Seasons, and Ginger Chicken and Shrimp, are becoming more popular than the sushi,” said Chen. “They are more popular than tempura.”
Thai curry soup with shrimp and vegetables is spicy while the Thai tom yum soup also with shrimp and vegetables in a lemongrass broth is slightly tart.

A creative specialty is the spicy crunchy tuna avocado bowl. You have to ask for it by name, if you can remember it. A balanced blend of tuna and crunch wrapped in a bowl of avocado, topped with wasabi fish eggs, and drizzled with spicy mayonnaise is a fantastic sushi appetizer.

One of the most popular dishes at Azuma is the Four Seasons ($15.95). This platter of jumbo shrimp, chicken, beef and pork cooked in a brown sauce with Chinese vegetables is quite filling.

For a lighter flavor, the Wok-Glazed Ginger Sauce gives a sweet coating by combining the Japanese ginger (with whole pieces of ginger) and soy sauce. It is served on top of your choice of chicken, pork or tofu ($11.95), sliced flank steak ($12.95) or scallops or shrimp ($14.95).

If a spicy meal is what you crave, Chen recommends the Szechwan peppercorn sauce. Although many of the entrees are labeled as spicy, the chefs are more than happy to tone them down for you, or turn up the heat.

Sometimes simple is better and the sushi rolls at Azuma, like the spicy salmon roll, are
a good example. Any of the sushi or sashimi options can be enjoyed because the fish is fresh and its simplicity is key.

Specials such as the seared Tuna Carpaccio ($8.95) consist of delicately thin strips of tuna with a wasabi sauce.

The tuna tartar ($7.95) chopped with scallion and tobiko and covered with loads of different colored fish eggs lacked the substance to be a meal on its own, but were tasty and have eye appeal.

During lunch hours most of the entrees are available at reduced prices along with various sushi combinations.

Lunch specials include miso soup and salad.

The laid back atmosphere with wraparound tables that easily accommodate eight people, make Azuma a great place to bring the family.

It’s hard to bounce back and forth between the different cuisines. Azuma merits more than one visit so you can find out which flavor serves you best.

Azuma
252 Broadway and
Little Plains Road
Greenlawn, NY 11743
631-262-7200

Prices: Inexpensive to Moderate

Cuisine: Japanese and Asian-Fusion

Atmosphere: Casual

Hours:
Lunch:
Mon-Fri: Noon - 3 p.m.
Dinner:
Mon -Thurs: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Fri: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Sat: 2 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Sun: 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Main Menu