Chuar brings authentic Chinese food to Salisbury
Meg Ryan
CLARIFICATION: This story has been updated to reflect the exact relationship of Chuar's investors.
Foodies hankering for authentic Chinese food should look no further than Chuar Restaurant and Bar.
Opened in mid-September, the restaurant is one of the newest additions to Sea Gull Square on South Salisbury Boulevard. Created by Manager Mary Tindall, she said the goal for herself and two investors was to offer Eastern Shore residents a taste of China.
Tindall moved to Salisbury in November 2005 from southwest China. For about 10 years, she worked at another area Chinese restaurant on weekends. She said she noticed customers enjoying the food, but she felt it was not authentic to her home country.
So in January, she and two friends decided to get the ball rolling on opening their own authentic Chinese restaurant.
“We need to do something different. Let people really know what we eat in China," Tindall said.
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Chuar, which translates from Chinese to "kabob," is a restaurant focused on just that. The eatery offers a variety of chuar including meats like chicken, beef and lamb, seafood like shrimp and vegetables like eggplant.
Tindall explains the difference between chuar and American kabobs is the seasoning and size. Whatever meat or vegetable is used for chuar is seasoned with the restaurant's special mixture of spices including cumin and black pepper, plus traditional Chinese spices, Tindall said.
The restaurant seasons its chuar before and after cooking. However, nothing is too sweet or salty. Tindall said one of the biggest issues with Americanized Chinese food is the overwhelming use of sweet and salty seasoning.
While chuar is seasoned with the restaurant's special blend of spices, it's not overwhelming, leading to a healthier, more authentic Chinese meal. Tindall said the restaurant doesn't offer extra salt or soy sauce to its customers.
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“We want (customers) to try the food in the original taste," she said.
While chuar anchors the menu, customers can also order from a variety of noodle and rice dishes, plus other appetizers and salads.
“This food is really what we eat in China," she said.
Tindall said one of their best sellers is the spicy pot. It's described on the menu as a combination of beef, pork, chicken and shrimp with four sides. Customers can choose from a list of sides including cauliflower, mushrooms and fish balls.
For customers who enjoy food with a kick, Tindall said it's the right way to go.
“It’s so rich with flavor," she said.
Customers can pair their Chinese dishes with drinks from a fully stocked bar of beer, wine and cocktail options. Chuar also serves bubble tea and smoothies.
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Tindall said being located in Sea Gull Square gives Chuar the opportunity to reach a younger customer base that is typically more likely to try new foods and flavors. After only about a month open, Tindall has received positive feedback, but wants to make more Salisbury residents aware of her restaurant.
With her past experience working in a Chinese restaurant, she knows locals have an interest in the cuisine, but her goal is to direct them toward something healthier and more authentic than food that is breaded, glazed and salted.
“We need to open this door for them," Tindall said.
On Twitter: @The_MegRyan
If you go:
What: Chuar Restaurant and Bar
Where: 1306 S. Salisbury Blvd.
When: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.