Located in the heart of downtown Omaha, Heart of Asia Cuisines is hidden on South 14th street that boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating. Contrary to its cozy size, this restaurant offers an extensive variety of dishes that span across Asian culinary traditions, including Indian, Chinese, and Korean cuisine. The decor is very basic and minimalistic, with a mix of contemporary and traditional elements that make it a wonderful spot for a casual dinner, but not necessarily a special occasion. When we arrived at the restaurant we were greeted with a friendly face of our waitress, and she sat us down at our cozy booth. We were then given menus, and presented with an array of asian cuisines. One standout feature of the restaurant was the customizable spice levels. When ordering, we were asked how spicy we’d like our dish on a scale of 1 to 10, making it ideal for both spice enthusiasts (Angel) and those who find even a dash of salt intense (Olivia). This thoughtful touch ensured that both of us could enjoy our meal at our preferred heat level. The food itself arrived quickly and it was clearly made fresh to order. Each dish came to the table piping hot, with steam still rising, which was a sign of the quality of the food. We tried a variety of foods, including cashew chicken, chicken lo mein, samosas, and tom yum ramen, all of which were bursting with flavor and deliciously prepared. The cashew chicken was a yummy balance of tender chicken and crunchy cashews in a savory sauce, while the chicken lo mein had perfectly cooked noodles with a medley of vegetables. The chicken and the noodles were our favorite, since the spice was just right!

The samosas were crispy and filled with a spiced potato mix, making them a great appetizer that came with a nice sweet dipping sauce.

The tom yum ramen, had a fusion of Thai and Japanese flavors, soaked in a simple broth with noodles. This dish wasn’t the most appetizing or flavorful dish. It had a pretty bland taste to it, and a weird after taste of sweet and sour. If you’re feeling sick and need a hot soup, the tom yum ramen would be perfect for you. But if you are looking for a more flavor bursting ramen dish, you should avoid the tom yum ramen. In addition to the excellent food, the service at Heart of Asia Cuisines was rapid. It took about 20 minuets for our food to come from when it was ordered. The restaurant had 2-3 other tables as well. Our waitress was super quick. They made sure our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable, from quick service to great recommendations. All in all, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a full dinner experience, Heart of Asia Cuisines is a must-visit spot in Omaha for anyone who loves Asian food of all kinds. With its wide range of dishes and customizable spice levels, it’s perfect for diners of all tastes and preferences. Although, it is not the place for a celebratory dinner, as the space is bleak and relatively small.