Asian

By ANTON SKERL

Szechuan Express 125 Oakland Ave. 412-687-8000 $ Panther Funds? Yes

Want to… Szechuan Express 125 Oakland Ave. 412-687-8000 $ Panther Funds? Yes

Want to picture your food before you eat it? Szechuan Express has pictures of various food items on their walls so you know exactly what it is you’re ordering.

As for atmosphere, the modest-sized restaurant maintains a friendly feel. Szechuan Express is ready for business from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon to 11 p.m. Sunday.

They can be reached for delivery at campusfood.com or their telephone number, but the delivery minimum is $7.

Golden Palace Buffet 3607 Forbes Ave. 412-687-2288 $ Panther Funds? No

Golden Palace Buffet says come on in from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. seven days a week.

They also offer catering and delivery service. With lunch and dinner buffets daily, the place is all you can eat, so Golden Palace is a good place to go if you haven’t eaten for a while.

In addition to meaty fare, Golden Palace also has a great many vegetarian options, and if there’s not enough time to sit and relax, you can always order take-out.

Ginza 239 Atwood St 412-682-9226 $$ Panther Funds? No

Ginza, a Korean and Japanese restaurant located on Atwood Street, is open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

The cost is moderate enough at Ginza, ranging from $4 to $10, but some of the sushi items can cost more than $15.

The restaurant offers takeout, and there’s also a full bar where legal patrons can chase their meals with the beverage of their choice.

In addition to the sushi, traditional Korean fare like Bulgoki and Bibim Bap is available as well.

Korea Garden 414 Semple St. 412-681-6460 $$ Panther Funds? Yes

Korea Garden welcomes customers to dig in from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

If you want to go to a place to study while you chow down, but you’re easily distracted by excess d’eacute;cor, Korea Garden is the place for you.

The interior gives off a simple, elegant vibe.

Price ranges from $9 to $22 for some of the in-house specials, but the sea cucumber dish tops off at over $30.

Luckily, the restaurant does accept Panther Funds.

Oishii Bento 119 Oakland Ave. 412-687-3335 $$ Panther Funds? Yes

Oishii Bento, or “the Yummy Lunchbox” in Korean, is ready to rock with delectable cuisine from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.

The restaurant has its own website at http://oishiibento.com/index.html where you can order for delivery.

Prices start as low as a buck, and nothing costs more than $10 except for the party sushi sets.

Check their website for reviews on the food, or stop on by and judge for yourself.

Orient Express 4609 Forbes Ave. 412-622-7232 $ Panther Funds? No

Orient Express is shouting “all aboard!” to customers from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

They have an online menu for convenience, but no delivery.

That’s fine though as this express has an atmosphere that’s somewhat study friendly.

$10 is enough to get you almost anything on the menu and compliment the meal with smoothies or hot tea if you wish.

Budget your wallet wisely as Orient Express doesn’t accept Panther Funds.

Spice Island Teahouse 253 Atwood St. 412-687-8821 $$ Panther Funds? No

The Spice Island is consistently described as having a romantic atmosphere, so the next time you’re on a hot date, make this anything-but-deserted island your destination.

Don’t expect them to top off your chardonnay, as this Teahouse is BYOB.

You can also choose from a variety of sodas and, of course, a wide selection of teas.

Spice Island Teahouse is ready for you and your significant other from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Sushi Boat 128 Oakland Ave. 412-681-1818 $ Panther Funds? Yes

This boat doesn’t want its crew of patrons out in the harsh Pittsburgh seas, so you can dine in as well as take out.

Sushi Boat is open during the hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The most expensive thing on the menu is Rainbow Roll (a sushi dish) for $10.95, so how about whipping out the Panther Funds and giving this place a try.

Little Asia 301 S. Craig St. 412-622-0133 $ Panther Funds? No

Come in for some reasonably-priced, tasty Asian fare at Little Asia.

Menu items range from a couple bucks to around $8, but $10 should be enough for a lunch special and a drink (non-alcoholic).

Little Asia does more than a little business between the hours of 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday.

Lulu’s Noodles 400 S. Craig St. 412-687-7777 $ Panther Funds? No

Lulu’s opens its doors to customers daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The brightly colored atmosphere may make people feel like they’re in a fast food restaurant, but the sumptuous, exotic food reminds them otherwise.

Lulu’s offers a vast array of noodle dishes, including lo mein and pad Thai plates, but the restaurant also serves up soups and appetizers.

While it’s not the best place to study while you eat – Lulu’s can get crowded, which means lots of noise – studying might be the last thing on your mind once you taste the food.

Asia Tea House 4100 Forbes Ave., Schenley Park 412-681-1974 $ Panther Funds? Yes

Almost every student walks by this little place from time to time; it’s by the Merry-go-Round across the street from Hillman Library.

Asia Tea House stays open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

$10 is more than enough for a meal and a drink, and the atmosphere is perfect for mingling outdoors with your fellow Pittsburghers.

Tables and chairs are dispersed throughout the plaza, so sit back, relax and enjoy your meal.