Formosa Street Food & Bar 福爾摩沙居酒屋 — Restaurant in Oklahoma City

There are few things I like more than Asian street foods. But one thing I like more than that is Asian street foods done right. I've always loved this location on 23rd Street and I am thrilled that it did not take long to not only have this space filled, but filled by a concept that is worthy and contributes to one of my favorite areas in OKC-Uptown 23rd. Although there were just two of us, we ordered as many items as our stomachs could handle because everything sounded good. We ordered the Basil Popcorn Chicken, the Shrimp Dumplings in Chili Oil, the String Beans, the Spicy Cold Noodles, and the Crab Rangoons. My friend and I tried to rank our favorites from top to bottom, but it was impossible, it was all good. I was most impressed that the basil popcorn chicken was amazing just solely on its own, without any necessary dipping sauces (it is kind of like chicken karaage, which usually requires dipping sauce to bring it together), but this chicken needed nothing. It was crunch on the outside and juicy on the inside and packed with flavor. We brought three dogs and the patio was totally dog friendly. While the concept is counter service, the owner and cashier were both helpful in bringing out utensils/napkins and water for the dogs. The food arrived incredibly quickly and was hot and fresh. This will quickly become my go-to for solo dates as it's perfect for eating tapas-style/snacky/small portion type dishes. Congrats to the owners, they deserve all the success. So...

Next door to the Tower Theatre on NE 23rd St it caught our eye as we were waiting outside the Tower for the doors to open. I drive down 23rd all the time and never saw it among the many store fronts. It sets on the North side of 23rd. Parking in back of the building or the lot south of the Tower is perfect. You go to the counter, check out a menu. We had a very nice staff person take his time with us as we decided what to eat as we are unfamiliar with Taiwanese, Asian fusion foods. I chose the Beef Meat Sauce Noodles and loved it. Noodles with ground beef like a not real wet chili texture. Slivered cucumbers and scallions. The servings aren't large so you can order more than one thing from the menu and not get too full. I didn't try anything from the bar so I can't tell you about that. Service was good. It hasn't been opened too long, but there seemed to be a vibe from those eating that this was a neighborhood place where they could eat good food and meet others there. Dining room very clean and comfortable. They do have a patio on the sidewalk, but it does have a railing around it. I would go there a lot for lunch as I work a few blocks east of the restaurant, but they don't open until 4pm, but stay open late which is perfect for eating, drinking before or after the many events that...

Great new place. Wasn't sure it was going to open. Got the Cold Noodles and Soup Dumplings. Very tasty noodles. I will order more protein with it next time. I love soup Noodles. But they are hard to find since they are very labor intensive. You have to make a true bone broth and then place on sheet pans in the fridge until it cools into a gel. Then you make the dumpling with a piece of the gel and some small ball of spiced ground pork. Have to work fast as you don't want the gel to melt before you cook. The few times I had them, they were steamed. Here they steamed and pan-fried, I think. Unfortunately, they lost most of the soup. The 1st place I ate these was at a Chinese restaurant under an overpass next to the Greyhound bus station in DT Philly. Not the most hospitable area. But they were fantastic. I will definitely eat here again (the Formosa) as it is very good, great atmosphere, friendly owner, decent counter help. This a counter order and sit place. The young girl was a bit unfamiliar it seemed. She couldn't answer my question about which dish had the most garlic. I was craving garlic that evening. The location is great as it is next to the Tower Theater on 23rd. Lots of clubs for...