Teriyaki Express

At the old Hogi Yogi, across the street from the BYUIC

The Teriyaki Express originally started as a trailer parked at Horkely’s that had a 15 minute line whenever you showed up. Now that they’ve moved to the old Hogi Yogi, the lines seem shorter, since you can sit and wait in peace. Famous for their large portions, the house special is chicken thigh and white rice, with what I believe is a homemade teriyaki sauce (but don’t quote me on that). You can spring extra for chicken breast, beef, sometimes pork, or replace the rice with vegetables, but why mess with a classic? The lovely part is that for $6 you can feed two people or yourself…twice. They advertise two days worth of food for $6, and it’s totally worth it. On dates, as long as she doesn’t think you’re cheap it’s easy to share. You can order smaller, separate containers if you want to be less awkward. Their beef is a little dry – I much prefer their chicken, which is a rarity, but these guys do a good job. One day, all the construction will finish there, and the restaurant will look more conventional, but I admire that they keep feeding us during the remodeling. Seriously my mouth waters every time I walk by. This is on my top 10 for sure, and as such I insist you check it out during your time in the ‘Burg.

Original Thai

On Main street,  a little bit closer to Broulim’s than Fongs is

I have had some good Thai food in the past, and this place ranks among my top 5 Thai Restaurants. Their green curry is excellent, and it’s the only place that can get me to knowingly eat egg plant. You can go spicy or not on most dishes, and I vote you should, but I won’t force you. I also hear good things about their pad Thai. This isn’t the kind of restaurant you go to looking for meat though – everything is dominantly vegetarian, but that’s okay. It isn’t the kind of vegetarian restaurant that makes me want to eat ribs to make a statement – it’s just the recipes don’t need a dead cow. That is the only time I’ll ever say that too. My only concern is that the portions are small and pricey. It’s not that the cost is more than any other restaurant; it’s just how little you get for the price. I believe they serve what are known as single portions, not the American portions I’m used to. However, if you’re looking for a classy and exotic date in town, this is one of the best places to take your lady friend.

New Fongs

Between the roundabout and Porter Park

I broke convention and didn’t order sweet and sour anything the one time I went here. Instead I bought orange chicken, and think I made a mistake. It seemed to me that they only had two sauces, the brown sauce that was used whenever sweet and sour isn’t called for is mediocre at best. It wasn’t the worst food I’ve ever had, but I didn’t like it. The recipes are similar to those at Old Fongs, but blander and not as satisfying. I’ve known a few people who prefer New Fongs to the Old, and more power to ‘em, but as for me personally, I prefer actual flavor and variety. Not a big fan.

Fongs (Old Fongs)

Main Street

I ate here when I first came to Rexburg, and as such, I’m rather fond of it, mostly for nostalgic purposes. When I go to Chinese restaurants, I consistently order Sweet and Sour chicken or pork, and try to convince someone to order the orange chicken. Their sweet and sour is the best in the ‘Burg. Dripping in sauce (as it should be) it has a perfect flavor, and there is neither too much nor too little. What is left over easily mixes in with their fried rice. They also offer chow mien, but not your typical noodle laden chow mien. This is a mix of celery and other vegetables. To be honest, it looks uncomfortably gross. I had ordered it myself once because my date had, and while I had only seen it before, I didn’t want her to be alone in having it on her plate, so I got it too. Not one to turn down food I bought, I started to eat it, and it’s actually pretty good. I don’t have a single complaint about the taste, only the look. But I don’t buy food to look at it – if I did, there wouldn’t be any point in saving up for that Picasso I always wanted. So if you aren’t a fried rice fan, get the chow mien – it’s delicious, just don’t scrutinize it. I usually just order from the back of the menu, their lunch/dinner specials. There is actually a very large selection of meals, but it’s been my experience that the sauces are more or less the same, so I just have my regular and am perfectly satisfied with it.

Mandarin's Chinese

Just past Big 5 on N 2^nd E

The most recent Chinese food establishment in Rexburg, it is very similar to Fongs, but a little more out of the way. True to form, I ordered my sweet and sour pork, which was good but unremarkable. What was much more intriguing was the Mandarin Chicken, which came out in large strips of lightly marinated meat. Normally I love my sauces, and this was a little skimpy, but it was actually very well balanced and excellent. I stole more of the Mandarin Chicken then I ate of my own pork. The orange chicken was also well done – you dip the fried chicken in the orange sauce, which was plentiful. Not my favorite orange chicken, but probably the best in Rexburg. The fried rice was a step above, and would have been perfect with a little more green onion, but overall gets a 9 out of 10 on my fried rice scale. The chow mien looked gross, much like the chow mien at Fongs but actually tastes fine. I would almost recommend it if their fried rice wasn’t such a cut above. However, since their fried rice is so excellent, don’t bother with the chow mien. You’ll be glad you listened to me.