Ethnic restaurants in West Chester, Ohio

If you like flavors and spice and everything nice, West Chester Twp. has a great selection of ethnic restaurants concentrated in a relatively small radius.

Recently, I had an enjoyable lunch at Thai Koon Kitchen followed by a delightful dinner at Haveli Indian Grill. Both restaurants offered their spin on traditional dishes as well as a few that you won’t find on menus locally.

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I walked away from both meals feeling grateful to have had so many flavorful restaurant options to choose from. These two restaurants are just a few of the ethnic dining options I have exercised in the last year when I have found myself in West Chester and in need of a meal.

The next time you are looking for something seasoned that’s packed with a zesty, spicy bite, here are a few restaurants I recommend:

Haveli Indian Grill and Cuisine

9446 Water Front Drive, West Chester

513-847-1116 or http://haveligrillcincy.com

A Haveli is a term used for a traditional Indian palace or mansion, which is appropriate because you will eat like royalty at West Chester’s Haveli.

Located at The Streets of West Chester near Bravo and Mitchell’s Fish Market, this little gem has been a happy find.

The samosas ($4.99 for two) are some of the best around packed with seasoned potatoes and peas and served with mint and tamarind chutneys. They are clearly made in house, unlike some other Indian restaurants you’ll find.

The menu offers a robust selection of lamb, goat and seafood curry specialties in addition to the chicken and vegetarian that you usually find on the menus of most Indian restaurants.

The almond and cashew nut sauce they use to make their korma is creamy, rich and delectable and is worth ordering regardless of protein choice (vegetable $12.99, chicken $13.99, lamb $16.99, shrimp $17.99).

Bullet Nann ($4) comes topped with green chili, cilantro and garlic and packs an additional punch to an already punchy meal.

Credit: Greg Lynch

Credit: Greg Lynch

Thai Koon Kitchen

9114 W Chester Towne Ctr., West Chester

513-860-0143 or www.thaikoonkitchen.com

Fresh, flavorful food served up fast, this is worth considering a stop at for the bubble tea alone.

Served blended or iced in several flavors including taro, mango, strawberry, thai tea, honeydew, green tea and raspberry, the bubble tea is a good deal for $4 with those wonderful great big chewy tapioca pearls.

There is a nice selection of noodles, fried rice, curry, vegetarian and traditional Thai dishes on the menu.

The pad Thai ($8.99) is always a solid choice, but there are plenty of other options that aren’t as mainstream to tempt.

The Tom Kha and Tom Yam coconut milk soups ($5.50 each) are wonderful warm-ups to the meal.

The crab or lobster fried rice ($13.99) and chili basil fried rice ($7) are filling, flavorful options.

If you are looking to eat healthy, it’s not hard here. The larb chicken ($9.50) is chopped chicken seasoned with scallions, cilantro and ground toasted rice in a spicy lime sauce served over fresh lettuce.

This is a great spot for a casual, quick lunch if you find yourself in need and are nearby.

Here are some other great ethnic restaurants in West Chester Twp. that I have enjoyed in the past:

FILIPINO

Dai Trang Bistro

4970 Union Centre Pavillion Dr., West Chester

513-860-3777 or www.daitrangbistrooh.com

JAPANESE

Sushi Monk

6064 West Chester Rd., West Chester

513-881-1889 or www.sushimonk1.com