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| This cat is considered lucky, but Perapol doesn't need it because he makes his own luck with hard work & good food. |
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| Perapol is always at the restaurant making sure everything is running smoothly. |
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| You must try this Shabu Shabu Hot Pot |
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555 S Virginia St Ste 103
Reno, NV 89501
Rice Box Kitchen is one of Reno's top restaurants in Midtown, known for its Asian-inspired, flavorful and comforting food offerings, with fun specials that pop up often and their phenomenal and welcoming service.
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| Shabu Shabu Hot Pot Menu |
Like many other discoveries, Yelp led me to another amazing one - Rice Box Kitchen.
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| Standard Menu |
It was a dish that sounded so simple yet was so complex in its simplicity. It was quality ingredients cooked to perfection and served in a way that was harmonious and comforting.
At first taste, these were my thoughts, that the meal was, comforting and had addictive properties.
The coconut rice was amazing. I could eat it all by itself and when paired with perfectly cooked chicken and super fresh and flavorful housemade sauce, it made for the perfect meal.
The same went for Khao Moo Dang. I'm salivating just thinking about these dishes.
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| Khao Moo Dang. Sooo delicious. |
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| Their sauces are wicked good. |
After looking up Perapol's story on his website, I found that his motivation for his restaurant was to share the same gift of comforting meals that he himself was lucky to experience with meals created for him in childhood by his mother.
Perapol serves up his signature dishes, select dim sum, and has recently added Shabu Shabu, a Japanese style meal in which thin-sliced meats and other ingredients are cooked in a pot of boiling broth on the table and served with a dipping sauce.
Being a fan of his food from his day-to-day menu, I didn't hesitate in signing up for a slot for shabu shabu. I picked the 5pm slot on Friday since I wanted enough time for my three little ones to eat without being rushed to bedtime.
Upon arrival for our all you can eat Shabu Shabu, Perapol greeted me and my family with a smile, as he always does, and we sat down at a nicely placed table.
We circled our desired types of sides, noodles, meats, and veggies, and waited anxiously (with the enticing fragrance of the broth filling the room).
I suggest tasting a little of everything since it's included in all you can eat.
*Their fun and tasty fish balls are a must.
The drinks were a separate charge and were worth every penny. We ordered two of each of their hibiscus fresca and Thai lime tea. They were incredibly refreshing and although I'm a water type of person, these would be the exceptions. Other drink options include teas, wine, soju, and beer.
As soon as the tower (similar to a tiered tower found at tea parties) arrived loaded with fresh, well-presented, ingredients, my kids didn't hesitate and all participated in placing some ingredients into the pot.
Silence hit and all I heard was "Mmm" all around the table, including from my three kids, who had a blast adding ingredients into the broth.
We had run into the perfect meal to welcome in the chilly breeze and we were in pure bliss.
We were completely consumed in the warmth of the broth and the fresh ingredients that could be dipped in Perapol's tangy peanut sauce and combined in all sorts of ways between so many ingredients.
This meal completely satisfied our taste buds, tummies, and hearts. Despite us being full, we felt pretty healthy, having consumed the equivalent of a magical food rainbow.
Our meal was followed by a yogurt drink I grew up with, Yakult, which is refreshing and highly addictive. You can find it at 168 Asian Market if you would like more.
RBK usually has mochi bars on hand (an Asian style dessert made with rice flour) that are unique to Reno and super fun and delicious to eat.
They come in all sorts of flavors - sesame, matcha, green tea, ube, and chocolate (call in for availability).
Perapol is the small business owner behind this amazing food and one of the nicest and most hardworking people I know that puts in so much work everyday towards his business. He does so with passion, a smile, and the intent to provide the best possible experiences for his guests.
From the restaurant and food to the details on the table and service, Perapol has thought everything out completely.
I followed the Caldor Fire closely and noticed how Perapol jumped right in and offered his food to victims and displaced people in need.
To give selflessly is something highly commendable in my book, and this trait, along with Perapol's delicious food, work ethics, and presence everyday to serve and make people happy is something I aspire to and motivates me in life.
Perapol, you've really outdone yourself. It's refreshing to have this passion in town and me and my family can't wait for more. Thanks for your hospitality, taking care of our community, and a big thanks for serving your heart on a platter.
Rice Box Kitchen is located in Midtown, a special part of Reno that's developed so much throughout the years and has become one of the coolest and most unique spots to hang out, dine, shop, and explore.
Do you have Midtown musts? If so, what are your top three?
*Information subject to change. Call in for the latest updates and/or follow RBK on Instagram.
Notes:
*Perapol keeps his menu interesting and changes things up once in a while (shabu shabu, high tea dim sum). Follow him on Instagram for the latest offerings.
*Shabu Shabu includes shrimp, mussels, fish balls, all really fresh.
*Always strives for ORGANIC
*Don't forget to ask for extra sauce for to-go orders
*You can get Reno-Tahoe magazines here. This magazine is the best foodie guide and showcases all of our local businesses
*Some dishes may run out by the end of the day. Call to double check what's available. Same for mochi bars.
*Save when paying with cash
*Vegetarian-friendly (tofu)
*Batch Cupcakery and Great Full Gardens next door. Batch has great cupcakes & Great Full Gardens offers lots of healthy and tasty foods (both spots vegetarian and vegan friendly).
*Walk around the whole block and find many cool and hip spots all around like Natural Selection, a super cool houseplant/taxidermy store
*restroom with baby changing table available
*located in midtown
*come early for parking
*Everything I've tried here has been super yummy
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| Lavender Chocolate Mochi Bars |
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| Please bring back these Thai tamales. |
