Tulsa Food Diary

We passed through Tulsa during our moving trip, and even with a packed schedule, we made sure to stop for two memorable meals—one satisfying Chinese feast, and one cozy (if slightly slow) dinner spot! 🚗🍴 🥢 Lunch: Pinwei – Authentic Chinese Comfort Food After days on the road, our first bite of real Chinese food here felt like a hug from home! Pinwei serves classic Chinese dishes that hit all the right notes—no “Americanized” twists, just the flavors Chinese diners know and love. Golden Broth Fish: The star of the meal! Tender pieces of fish swim in a rich, savory golden broth—light enough to not feel heavy, but packed with umami that lingers. Every spoonful is warm and comforting, perfect for chasing away travel tiredness 🐟. Spicy Oil Scallion Chicken: Crispy, tender chicken tossed in fragrant scallion oil with a hint of heat. The oil soaks into the chicken, making each bite fragrant and flavorful—no dry meat here, just juicy, well-seasoned goodness 🌶️. Takoyaki (Octopus Balls): A fun, savory side! The outer layer is crispy, while the inside is soft and chewy, with chunks of octopus mixed in. Drizzled with takoyaki sauce and topped with bonito flakes, it’s a tasty nod to Japanese street food that paired surprisingly well with the Chinese mains 🐙. For anyone craving familiar Chinese flavors during a trip, Pinwei is a no-brainer—it’s like finding a little piece of home in Tulsa. 🍽️ Dinner: Bodean – Cozy Ambiance, Solid (But Unremarkable) Bites Bodean has a great vibe—dim lighting, soft music, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels perfect for a date night (though the slow service might test your patience a little! ⏳). The food is decent, but it lacks a standout “wow” factor—solid for its price range, but not something we’d rush back for. Grilled Red Snapper: Cooked well—flaky, moist, and seasoned simply to let the fish’s freshness shine. It’s a safe, tasty choice, but nothing about it stood out from similar dishes at other restaurants 🐠. Tuna Avocado Tartare: The tartare itself was good—fresh tuna mixed with creamy avocado, brightened by a zesty dressing. But the fried dough base it sat on was a miss for me; it was too crunchy and overpowered the delicate flavor of the tuna and avocado 🥑. Lobster Bisque: The highlight of the dinner! Rich, creamy, and loaded with lobster flavor—every sip was indulgent, with just the right amount of saltiness. It’s the one dish that made the slow wait worth it 😋. Chocolate Mousse: Decent, but overly sweet. The texture was smooth and creamy, but the sugar overpowered the chocolate’s depth—better for those with a major sweet tooth 🍫. Final Thoughts Tulsa might be a quick stop on a road trip, but it’s got enough good eats to make the detour worthwhile. Whether you’re craving Chinese comfort food or a low-key dinner with nice ambiance, these two spots deliver—no travel hunger pangs here! #OklahomaFood #AmericanRestaurants #TravelEats #TulsaFoodie #RoadTripDining