During a recent warm summer night, the Main Line’s sleepy town of Berwyn was bustling. And it was rightfully due to the long-awaited grand opening of Veekoo Asian Cuisine, located in the former bank space of the Berwyn Shopping Center.
Locals—including myself—have been eagerly awaiting the opening of this sleek, friendly BYO, fulfilling the void of an upscale spot serving a range of Chinese, Szechuan, Japanese and Thai-style dishes.
On our first visit, we could not resist the chef’s Chinese specialties. In addition to the classics, Veekoo features a range of unique dishes. Our favorites: a roasted crispy duck served on a bed of Chinese greens with plum sauce and Mandarin Fancy (tender cubes of filet mignon and scallops stir-fried with fresh shiitake mushrooms in a traditional kung pao sauce).
Starters included a unique twist on the classic miso soup with the addition of king crab meat, as well as steamed veggie dumplings, hand-formed with the perfect ratio of filling to wrapper, complemented by a savory finishing sauce.
But equally tempting were the sushi options. On our next visit we’ll be sure to perch at the sushi bar for a few of their rolls. Specialties include the crispy Fuji (spicy tuna, crab meat, avocado and cream cheese with a spicy teriyaki sauce), as well as the fried dragon (shrimp tempura inside, topped with spicy tuna, jalapeno and four kinds of caviar).
Veekoo Berwyn is the second location for owners Tony and Shelly Li—you’ll find a sister restaurant in Royersford. Tucked away in Berwyn’s ho-hum shopping center, Veekoo’s modern, sophisticated decor is a welcome surprise. Beaded metallic curtains create semi-private dividers throughout the restaurant, and there’s even a small private dining space.
Seamless service and warm hospitality accented our dinner. Small touches, like the complimentary pickled Chinese cabbage and peanuts for snacking, as well as the chef’s eye for imaginative presentations, are appreciated. With its talented kitchen team and wide range of Asian specialties, there’s no doubt that Veekoo will be tempting Main Line diners on a regular basis.
Veekoo Asian Cuisine is located at 564 Lancaster Ave. in Berwyn; phone: (484) 318–7655. Click here to view the entire Veekoo menu.
Photo credit: Nina Lea Photography.
