The Top Asian Restaurants in Fort Collins

When you think of Colorado, you probably don't picture a mecca of international cuisine. But in Fort Collins, along the northernFront Range, a tantalizing number of tastes are represented in the city's restaurants. Although it couldn't be farther fromAsia, Fort Collinsoffers an array of foods from many countries in theEastern Hemisphere. Here is a guide to the top Asian restaurants in this gastronomically diverse college town.

China Palace, 117 S. College Ave., 970-221-0448

http://www.eatfortcollins.com/index.asp?inc=Restaurant&RestaurantID=106&sponsor=no

Located in the heart of Old Town,China Palace is a vintage Chinese restaurant and is definitely the classiest in Fort Collins. Bright reds and golds contrast with black lacquer in the dining room, where brightly colored screens and fans provide a classic, refined Asian ambience. The food is typical Chinese fare, but it is high quality and served with style. Soups like hot and sour and egg drop precede appetizers of egg rolls and pot stickers, and a number of chicken, beef, pork and vegetarian entrées are available. In addition to the delicious food,

China Palace's location in the thriving Old Town neighborhood means a great bar for an after-dinner drink is only a few steps away. Entrées can be a little costly, but for the quality of the food, the price isn't bad. For Asian food inFort Collins, Palace is the best Chinese available.

Toy's Thai Café, 128 W. Laurel St., 970-224-1512

http://www.eatfortcollins.com/index.asp?inc=Restaurant&RestaurantID=326&sponsor=no

In an unassuming storefront across the street from the campus of Colorado State University is Toy's Thai Café. Don't be fooled by its diminutive size; a large menu of authentically prepared Thai dishes will satisfy all tastes. The spring rolls, delicately wrapped in rice dough, are particularly delicious. Entrées are served in generous portions and can be made spicy enough to cause your eyes to water. The meat is high quality and the service is excellent. Prices are reasonable for such delectable food, and the small dining room is opulently decorated: Statues of animals and deities and the pictures of the Thai king that adorn the walls complete the genuine Southeast Asian décor. Although crowded among many other restaurants, Toy's Thai Café stands out in Fort Collins for its great food and cozy atmosphere.

Taj Mahal, 148 W. Oak St., 970-493-1105

http://www.eatfortcollins.com/index.asp?inc=Restaurant&RestaurantID=186&sponsor=nNestled

in a quiet corner of Old Town Square, Taj Mahal offers authentic Indian food in a dignified setting. The plush interior and quiet atmosphere are conducive to conversation over steaming basmati rice, soft nan bread and spicy curry. Many tasty vegetarian dishes are available, and they are so flavorful they will please meat-eaters as well. Stop in for their weekday lunch buffet to sample a range of dishes at a very reasonable price. Dinner prices aren't outrageous, but the value of the buffet is hard to beat. If you are not familiar with Indian food, the buffet is a great way to learn about and refine your taste for dishes from the subcontinent. From chicken to potatoes to chickpeas, Taj Mahal serves the most unique and delicious Indian cuisine in Fort Collins.

Sri Thai, 950 S. Taft Hill Rd., 970-482-5115

http://www.eatfortcollins.com/index.asp?inc=Restaurant&RestaurantID=324&sponsor=no

This upscale casual restaurant equals Toy's Thai in quality of food but has a very different atmosphere. Where Toy's is intimate and dark, Sri Thai is spacious and bright. The food is just as delicious here across town on the city's western edge; a large menu accommodates a variety of preferences and the dishes are very authentic. A number of meat and vegetarian entrées are available, and copious appetizers and desserts round out the meals. Sri Thai is slightly more expensive then Toy's, but if you prefer a more elegant setting, you won't mind paying a couple extra dollars.

In short, Fort Collins has a wealth of delicious Asian restaurants to suit every taste and budget. This vibrant college town offers culture and diversity, so a spicy pad thai or mouth-watering Mongolian beef won't be hard to find