Reviews for Saburi

03/30/2006 - Kai
You are eating on the level of a personal chef for the emperor. In general, think Chinese food except cooked with great and fresh ingredients and not much oil with Japanese care.
Conclusion:?By far one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city! Even the better known ones like Mr K's and Shun Lee pale in comparison to Chinatown joints. And Chinatown joints can't really touch Saburi.
Saburi brings a whole new level to the table. While I've been to a lot of the great spots in Chinatown, Sai's cooking is really on the royal level. What’s nice is that he doesn't get too fancy with the menu, which is great because to me, Chinese food loses its appeal when you get too fancy and sophisticated with it. There are more exotic plates on the menu so Sai is certainly capable of experimenting and turning it up a notch in the kitchen.
The last time I encountered Chinese food of this level was in Taipei's Sheraton Hotel restaurant. I think its better to go to this place with people who have a real taste and passion for Chinese food. There are alot of details and nuances in the subtle flavors and layering of textures that won't impress people who are not used to Chinese food.
Sai also cooks with the stomach in mind and he did a good job of bringing out the dishes to balance the pH in my belly. I left feeling full but not sluggish. Burning high octane fuel never felt better!
Another thing I like is that all dishes are personally cooked by Sai so you're really getting him on the dinner plate and not one of his assistant chefs.
If you're looking for that down and dirty Chinatown experience, this ain't gonna be it. But if you wanna sample those same homestyle dishes but with the royal treatment, Saburi is the place to be.

02/12/2006 - Sunny

I asked my friend where I could have a good Ramen noodle soup in New York City. She gave me some names in East Village like….Minca on 5th St. or Momofuku Noodle Bar on 10th. But she highly suggested of going was to Saburi bt. 30th and 31st on Lex.,

I had their Tokotsu Ramen. The broth was rich with flavor and very much like an authentic Japanese Ramen. Especially soup broth and noodle were excellent! The price was about $8. I went for lunch and lunch special comes with 3 Gyoza for the same price!

The images in the menu made me to think that portion of food are not so big so I ordered more. I ordered Chicken Salad. The dressing was so good and chicken was perfectly crispy and jucy in side.

Every things I had were good so far so that I ordered more. I tried Subuta. Oh! my gosh! I don’t recall when was last time I had good Japanized Subuta. I thought not possible to experience in New York but I was wrong!

I will definitely go back!