Bambu

Not that you need an excuse to go to Bambu, the new triple–Asian eatery in the eastern burbs, but there are at least three good reasons to go. Consider three menus in one—Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai. All are done in reasonably good form—as a starter, try the beef tapioca from the Thai side ($7.95) and then roll right into the excellent hu tieu, a Vietnamese chicken soup with rice noodles ($7.95). Bambu, in the old Singapore space, even has a happy hour Tuesday through Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. that features $1 beers and $3 appetizers such as sweet and spicy sugar cane shrimp and curry wings. Don’t be surprised to find yourself thinking of excuses to head to Maplewood.

1715 Beam Ave., Maplewood, 651-747-1000