Indochina is a region in Southeast Asia, east of India and south of China. That said, while Culver City’s 5i Indochine Cuisine restaurant offers a fusion of cultures, India isn’t really one of them. Rather, the place offers a blend of Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai food, and it’s great.
It’s located in a strip mall on Sepulveda, strangely and snugly between a dry cleaners and a weapons store. There’s also a collectible toys store two doors down, which makes for fun browsing if you have to wait for your food.
The food, though, is wonderful. We had two appetizers to split between the family – the beef spring rolls and the salt & pepper shrimp. The spring rolls – marinated beef, vermicelli, mint, green leaf lettuce and wrapped in rice paper – are delicious. People often opt for egg rolls over spring rolls due to the fried, decadent vibe of the former. That said, while spring rolls are healthier, they are no less tasty. The marinated beef is tender and full of flavor, while the vegetables add crunch and vitality.
The salt and pepper shrimp – marinated shrimp with chopped jalapeno and green onion – is equally delicious. We tried the salt and pepper tofu last time we visited, and we wanted to see if those same flavors could be transferred to the delicate seafood without drowning out the flavors. The dish is actually executed magnificently.
For the mains, we opted for the Pho Thap Cam: rare steak, brisket, tendon and tripe, in a delicious broth with fluffy rice noodles. As with most pho soups, the fun comes from the accouterments. The chili and beansprouts, basil and sauce. Add and stir until it’s to your own taste. Sure, it’s a little more work than other soups, but it’s totally worth it. There’s a lot of beef there, especially when paired with the beef spring rolls. But don’t be squeamish, especially with the tripe and tendon. It all works well in the soup.
Finally, we went with the Charbroiled Shrimp Salad. Plump, large shrimp sit on a bed of leaves, sliced almonds and crispy noodles. A light dressing on the side, and you’re good to go. It’s fresh and healthy, and utterly delicious.
5i Indochine Cuisine, with its blend of flavors, is certainly worthy of your time and money.
5i Indochine Cuisine is located at 5407 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City 90230. Call 310-572-6000 or visit 5iindochinecuisine.com.