Interested in checking out the freshest new eateries in Columbia? From a Vietnamese restaurant to a Taiwanese tea shop, read on for a list of the newest spots to arrive near you.
Pho La Cay
Pho La Cay is a Vietnamese restaurant that's located at 8865 Stanford Blvd., Suite 103. You'll find beef, chicken, tripe and vegetarian styles of phở, plus a number of other noodle soup options. Stir-fried dishes are available, as are rice vermicelli bowls, grilled meats, rice dishes and banh mi. Wash it all down with Vietnamese iced coffee, made with condensed milk.
"This place is new and is a welcome change to the other Viet restaurants in the Columbia area," wrote Yelper John H., who visited Pho La Cay on Aug. 21. "Located in a strip mall, the decor is modern and clean. ... I ordered the small phở and it was quite tasty and a bargain around $7 a bowl. The broth was clean and flavorful with a generous portion of meat and noodles."
Kung Fu Tea
Next, stroll past 10100 Twin Rivers Road and you'll find Kung Fu Tea. The international chain founded in New York City specializes in Taiwanese drinks, including milk-based, fruity punch and tea-based options. Decide whether you want it iced or hot, choose toppings like mung bean, pudding, tapioca or popping bubbles, and then let the server know how sweet you want it. There are also slushy drinks and coffee.
First Watch
Then there's First Watch, a nationwide chain of breakfast and brunch cafes that has opened a local outpost at 6478 Dobbin Center Way. You'll find a bright dining area, single-source coffee and a combination of traditional and signature dishes. Pancakes, omelets and sandwiches are here, as are seasonal items, like this summer's Rainbow Toast, with blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, mango and housemade granola atop ricotta cheese-covered brioche toast.
There's also a section of the menu devoted to healthful options, like egg white omelets, avocado toast and a superfoods bowl of coconut milk and chia seed pudding topped with fresh bananas, berries, blackberry preserves and housemade granola.
