First, what is authentic? Is the indicator that only people of that nationality are eating at the restaurant? Only Chinese people at a Chinese place? Only Thai at a Thai place? “Chinese New Year” or lunar new year, celebrated in many parts of Asia, was on January 29 this year. There is a “Chinatown” in Washington, DC, but it’s not as “authentic” as “Little Vietnam” — Eden Center, out in Falls Church, Virginia.
Back to the idea of authentic Asian food. It’s been tough finding food that meets the standards of my “authentic like it’s 1985 kind of way” friend. But we have found a few places, some listed on my favorite places list: Y Noodles, Mumaroi, Mandu Erang, and the mala tang place in the 99 Ranch store in Centreville. Plus some of the places in Eden Center. At Eden Center, I like the Huong Viet, Thanh Son Tofu (only take out tofu and desserts), Hai Duong, and some of the other places out there. You can follow my Instagram account to see more of my recommendations.
Mainly, all this talk of “authentic” makes me ponder the nature of food culture. The food of the diaspora is probably more “authentic” if you are looking for the food of 40 years ago. For example, Korean food now includes cheese in the ramyun and rice cake dish. What horror! Not to everyone. Times move on and the food becomes “fusion” or “Americanized” or “de-constructed” — but it’s all good unless you want it the way it used to taste.
Meanwhile, for lunar new year, the “authentic” food is tea cakes. I prefer spicy noodles.
