Cre-Asian — Restaurant in South Bend

Cre-Asian is a small restaurant located in one of the many strip-malls along Ironwood Dr. At first glance, it looks ordinary, with the large and open glass window giving diners a view of the street. There is a certain time for the lunch specials, from 11-2:30, which is generally the time I come to Cre-Asian to eat. The specials are all generally around six dollars and come with drinks and will often have a complimentary dish of rice crackers. The fare is a mix between staple Vietnamese dishes such as Pho and other standard Pan-Asian like Fried Rice or General Tso’s Chicken. There’s something for everyone’s palate. In my first trip there, it was a rainy day, so I chose General Tso’s Chicken as my order. The food arrived in a timely manner and was piping hot, as if it had just popped out of a pan. The arrangement of the dish was simple; steaming white rice on one side, with the chicken on the opposite end. The spring roll that came with the order was a nice touch. Surprisingly enough, the General Tso’s Chicken was also spicy, more than what I had expected from the dish. I wound up eating the meal slowly, as the warmth of the meal filled me up. The rice sopped up the remaining sauce, as to not make any of it go to waste. The dishes even come with a spring roll. It was a perfectly satisfying introduction to the eatery, and I have since gone there on a regular basis and have sampled dishes from across their lunch menu. Each dish was piping hot and recalls exactly what one desires from a Pan-Asian restaurant. Of note would be the fried rice dishes, each of which come in a heaping pile, and the massive bowls of Pho. This is a place in which the fare will keep one coming...

A couple of years ago, I visited my cousin who resides in Taipei, Taiwan. I immediately fell in love with this beautiful country, rich in both history and culture. Out of the many things I came to cherish during my stay in Taiwan, the amazing cuisine was what I missed most of all after having left.

In particular, the national dish known as beef noodle soup became one of my most favorite meals, making sure to try whatever regional variation I could on my journey throughout Taiwan. I became saddened when I returned to the United States, as I thought I'd never get to eat this delicious dish until my next trip back, whenever that would be. That is, until I visited Cre-Asian several weeks ago.

Owned by a kind man from Taiwan named Frank, Cre-Asian, both to my surprise and joy, made my beloved beef noodle soup. Further, Cre-Asian's take on this dish is the second best of all the versions I tried, meaning if you don't have the budget or time to visit beautiful Taiwan, (though I highly recommend you do if you can), you can still enjoy this incredible meal and not miss out on any of the amazing, authentic flavor at all.

If you want to enjoy the delicious taste of Taiwanese cuisine, among several other Asian dishes, at an unbelievably affordable price and in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, I can't recommend Cre-Asian enough. This has now become my favorite restaurant in South Bend. You'd be crazy not...

If you're craving something deliciously different in South Bend, Cre-Asian is the spot to check out. Specializing in Vietnamese cuisine, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite of mine for both dine-in and takeout. Their garlic chicken is hands-down the best in town, perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor.

Another standout is the drunken noodles with chicken, a dish full of savory goodness that pairs well with their perfectly spiced chicken satay. And of course, you can’t visit without indulging in their crispy, creamy crab rangoon. Every dish we've tried has been fresh and packed with flavor.

One of the things I love about Cre-Asian is that their spice levels range from 1 to 10. The first time, we played it safe with a 5, but after a few visits, we bumped it up to a 6 for just the right kick. Whether you're new to spice or a seasoned pro, they’ll help you find the perfect level.

The staff is absolutely delightful, always ready to guide you through the menu, and they make you feel right at home. It's a hidden gem—close to Notre Dame—but not-so-hidden for those in the know. If you’re ever in the area and craving some authentic Vietnamese or Chinese dishes, Cre-Asian...