NOMAD’s Halal Asian Fusion Feast (and more)

(Gerry Furth-Sides) NOMAD asian bistro in Long Beach, definitely a destination dining location, has long been a cornerstone of the burgeoning Long Beach community.  The hospitality and outstanding service in an airy, inviting atmosphere alone are worth the trip.  Chef Cary Huynh, always so passionate and generous in sharing his knowledge of food, slept only three hours in order to prepare the special banquet.  He took it upon himself to personally prepare the Shrimp Egg Rolls and the desserts.  Born and raised in Viet Nam, Cary’s family is Chinese.

This Asian fusion restaurant is famous for its rich, Halal Chinese cuisine.  It was the first restaurant  certified to serve Chinese Halal in Southern California.   NOMAD’s fresh Asian cuisine also features Hui specialties. The Hui are a Chinese ethnic tribe who originated in regions along the historic Silk Road.  The unique blend of traditional Chinese food with Mediterranean influences introduced by Persian and Middle Eastern travelers along the trading route culminated in what we know today as Hui cuisine.  Staying true to its Hui roots, NOMAD serves familiar classic Chinese staples and seasonal specialties from all over the Asian continent.  

Family-style dishes to share arrive at the table as soon as they as they have been fired up and finished in the kitchen.  In fact, 250 people at one time can arrive within an hour on a Sunday for lunch!  Different areas of seating include congenial, huge communal tables; smaller ones in a more private area, plus a sunny indoor and outdoor patio section at the front of the roomy dining areas.  The restaurant can seat up to 250 guests at one time. Specials are on the wall as you walk in the door. Free parking in a more than ample lot is right outside the door.

In addition to classic Chinese dishes, the restaurant is known for being the only Halal-certified Chinese restaurant in North America.  It is famous throughout the Islamic community nationally and internationally. “Certified Halal” means that animals must be slaughtered as prescribed by Muslim law, as defined in the Koran. The specific respectful manner is followed by a blessing. There are similarities to Kosher food that complies with Jewish dietary law.

Chef Cary Huynh wears the hats of chef, baker, proprietor and caterer. He and his team can prepare this luscious  feast menu for eight people or more.   Lobsters have to be ordered 24 hours in advance in order to be prepared properly.  Yes, there are the classic Lazy Susans on every table!

Eight-Person Menu with dishes from the regular & special menu 

• Appetizers
• Chicken Roti Wrap
• Shrimp Egg Rolls
• Lotus Root and Berry Salad

Preserved baby lotus stems stood out in the Lotus Root and Berry Salad in the appetizer dish. They were very firm in texture naturally, and the chef suggested sautéing the stems to make them more tender.

Chicken Roti Wrap

Main Dishes

• Mix Green Chow Fun
• Apple Walnut Shrimp
• Lobster in Black Pepper Sauce
• Filet Mignon in Brown Butter Sauce
• Lamb Rack in Basil Sauce
• Jade Fried Rice

The Mix Green Chow Fun showcased the restaurant’s hand-pulled gluten-free noodles. It already is a favorite dish of ours because of the texture. This was a more refined version that has become an NOMAD customer favorite, too.

Apple Walnut Shrimp

Another popular Chinese favorite in many  Chinese restaurants is Walnut Shrimp.  Here Chef Cary adds apples for an unexpected crunch that works.  He also lightens the mayonnaise with yogurt.

Lobster in Black Pepper Sauce

Lamb Rack in Basil Sauce

Filet Mignon in Brown Butter Sauce 

Vegetable Delight

Jade Fry Rice

Filet Mignon in Brown Butter Sauce is influenced by classic French cuisine culinary techniques.

Desserts

• Coconut and Black Sesame Panna Cotta
• Thai Tea Crème Brulee
• Rainbow Cassava Stripes
• Mango Taro Swiss Roll
• Pandan Madeleine

Nomad asian bistro 6563 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA  90803 //www.nomadasianbistrolongbeach.com