The best Chinese/Japanese restaurant in Bloomington, IL

If you are as picky as me when it comes to authentic Chinese and Japanese food, then you would agree with me on this. One of my best friends, Ruth, goes to Orient Gourmet to have the Sushi fix with me and hang out. The restaurant has been in Bloomington for quite a few years now. It was the very first Chinese and Japanese restaurant in this area.

Orient Gourmet is located on Veterans Parkway, one of the main highways in town. It is in the Parkway Plaza by Best Buy and Jewel/Osco. It is easy to find and you cannot miss it. Since Orient Gourmet started the restaurant here, a lot of similar restaurants came in. Unlike others, Orient Gourmet has many great reviews and their food is authentic. Some people might say that their price is high but if you want quality food, you just would not mind to pay a little bit more. They have their regular customers. The waitress and waiter are friendly and courteous. They remember your name and your usual order.

My favorite Chinese dish is the Fish and Eggplant Hot Pot. Some of my friends whom tried that dish agreed. My favorite Japanese would be Shrimp Tempura and Sushi, of course! If you love Tempura like me and tried other restaurants, then you would know that Orient Gourmet has the best! Besides the Shrimp Tempura, I also love so many different Sushi rolls that I cannot begin to tell you.

My friend, Ruth, and I love the Dragon Roll, Spider Roll, California Roll, and Spicy Tuna Roll. The list goes on and on. The Sushi chef makes everything fresh as you order. They also have the most complete imported Beer which you cannot find from other local restaurants. For example, they have Tsingtao from China, Tiger from Vietnam, and Sapporo from Japan. They also have wine, hot or cold Sake.

If you are not sure if you like to food, then you should stop by for the lunch specials. It is less food or smaller plate but you get to try different things without a big portion. The Japanese Bento is a steal! The Japanese Bento is a steal! They also have a vegetarian menu for those who are vegetarians.

So, if you happen to pass by Bloomington/Normal in Illinois, I encourage you to go to Orient Gourmet and try the food yourself. This is certainly a local treasure and a rare find! I hope you will enjoy it as much as my friend, Ruth, and me.