Fresh hand-grated coconut stars in chef Soulayphet Schwader’s upmarket take on traditional rice balls. Thai jasmine rice—a Lao staple—gets touches of funk and spice from fish sauce and red curry before it’s fried in balls for a crisp exterior. Break apart the orbs—with your hands, in Lao fashion—and mix with slices of homemade kafir-lime sausage and honey-sweetened sambal chili sauce. 157 Duane St between Hudson St and West Broadway (212-587-1089, kheyo.com). $10.—Suzanne Lehrer
There’s never been a better time to eat Asian food in NYC. With top-notch Indian, Malaysian and even Laotian joints springing up all over Gotham, you don’t need to set foot outside the five boroughs to take a tour of the continent. Get ready to dig into rice balls, squid pancakes and more in this year’s roundup of standout Asian fare.
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