Restaurant review: Hunan Gate
4233 N. Fairfax Dr.
Arlington, Va.
703-243-5678

Takeout Chinese is often hit-or-miss, and too often different restaurants churn out food tasting exactly the same. But if you’re careful with the menu, most takeout joints will have a few dishes better than the rest.

Recipe: Korean Bibimbap with Sesame Chicken and Stir-Fried Vegetables
From 150 Things to Make with Roast Chicken--and 50 Ways to Roast It, Taunton

1 cup peeled and grated carrots
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons canola or peanut oil
2 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, then cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 clove garlic, minced
6 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and caps thinly sliced
3 cups thinly sliced leftover chicken
1 tablespoon soy sauce
6 cups hot steamed medium-grain rice (long-grain also works fine)
3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant

Restaurant review: Huong Que (Four Sisters)
6769 Wilson Blvd.
Falls Church, Va.
703-538-6717

Huong Que, or Four Sisters, is a fantastic Vietnamese restaurant tucked in the northwest corner of Eden Center near Seven Corners in Falls Church.

Restaurant review: Meiwah
1200 New Hampshire Ave.
Washington, D.C.
202-833-2888

It’s a fact: Chinese food in Washington isn’t worth its weight in moo shu.

Other Asian cuisines boast delicious outposts in the region. Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Indian and Korean all feature excellent traditional restaurants, and some are even known to experiment with a more contemporary flair.

Even Malaysia, with 25 million residents, is accorded higher culinary acclaim in Washington than is China, home to 1.3 billion.

Meiwah, with its main location on New Hampshire Ave. and another in Chevy Chase, is one of the better choices for Chinese. It doesn’t take many chances, but the food is higher quality than many of its peers.

Restaurant review: Asahi Kaiten
Ballston Common Mall
Arlington, Va.
703-248-0777

Many mall restaurants aren't worth their square feet, but Asahi Kaiten breaks this mold. It pairs high-quality sushi with a fun atmosphere. Service is also particularly attentive.

Restaurant review: Il Mee
7031 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, Va.
703-642-2100

Yes, a buffet truly worth visiting. In fact, more than worth it. Whether you're a newbie to Korean food or a seasoned vet, Il Mee is an delicious (and mostly healthy) choice for dinner.

Restaurant review: Pho 75
1721 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, Va.
703-525-7355

Vietnamese beef noodle soup, or pho, is ubiquitous throughout Northern Virginia. One of the best options is Pho 75.

Restaurant review: Sala Siam
3813 Lee Highway
Arlington, Va.
(703) 528-5833

Formerly dubbed Supee's Kitchen, this true hole-in-the-wall serves some of the best Thai in the D.C. area, but the atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired.