Eating Out: buku in downtown Raleigh

In downtown Raleigh there is a restaurant called buku whose menu is focused on street food from around the world. I usually don't venture out that far, but a friend invited me to visit the new wing of the NC Museum of Natural Science, then coupled it with a place whose menu includes some of my favorite things, and hence I couldn't resist.

It was much swankier than my dining companion and I anticipated (despite all the signs being there that it would be). Nonetheless, we decided to stay and splurge a little since we had been experiencing some deprivation in our lives lately. That aside, I really would consider this a 'special treat' sort of place, since the prices do not match the proportions in my view, but that's just because I don't usually pay anyone to make a falafel pita for me.

Vegetarian Options

 

"German Soft Pretzel Knots: sea salt, honey-truffle mustard"

"Sicilian Arancino: crispy rice ball, fresh mozzarella [stuffed inside], arugula, blood orange"

"Paneer Tikka Skewers: soft cheese, bell pepper, tamarind chutney"

Vegan Options

 "Asian Pear Salad: mixed greens, toasted almonds, ginger vinaigrette"

 This was incredibly good.

"Vegetable Dumplings: cabbage, carrot, ginger, scallion, ponzu"

 These were okay. The dough texture was fluffy and cloud-like as it should be, but I found the filling rather lacking. (I am spoiled because I make these at home with a greater number of vegetables stuffed inside.)

"Massaman Hot Pot: zucchini, squash, cauliflower, house mushrooms, green beans, massaman curry, coconut"

This was also very good. The coconut milk sat well with me (it often doesn't), and paired well with the red chili oil.  (Unfortunately, before I could get a shot of the gorgeous curry surface in the large bowl brought to the table, my server was ladling it into these small bowls. Such a pity about the missed photo.)