Best Other Asian 2010

At Spice Islands (Gold), the brightness and depth in plates like lemper—sticky-rice dumplings of lime-scented chicken—and rendang daging owe much to freshly toasted and ground spices. Banana Leaf took Silver on the strength of its original West Broadway room, whose roti canai trumps any in the city. Pan-Asian street food unites the wanderlust menu at Flying Tiger (Bronze). It all works because of Tina Fineza’s focus on detail and authenticity. Curries at Café Kathmandu (Honourable Mention) are softer, more elegant than their Indian counterparts. Unfamiliar with Nepali and Tibetan cuisine? Submit to taste ambassador Abi Sharma and his tender khasiko maasu (goat) simmered in a rich, hearty sauce.