Sesame & Soy Blends Chinese, Taiwanese and American Fares

Sometimes the simplest cuisine can be the most satisfying — especially if you’re eating on the fly.

When co-owners Paul Yu and John Tran opened Sesame & Soy in Tremont’s former A Cookie and a Cupcake location in October, the Asian takeout and delivery concept instantly charmed us with a simple and affordable blend of Chinese and Taiwanese fare.

Sure, the St. Paul’s Sammy ($7) looks like it’s been thrown together fast, but don’t let the traditional Texas toast fool you. Inspired by Chinese-American restaurants in St. Louis, this sandwich is stacked with a thick, fried egg foo young patty made with your choice of shrimp, beef, ham, chicken, mixed veggies or mushrooms. Topped with pickles, lettuce and your choice of regular or spicy mayo, it’s both flavorful and filling.

For a larger, shareable meal, try the Taiwanese Pork Chop ($12), a thin, pork cutlet crisply breaded and served over a mound of steamed rice, a red pork meat sauce, steamed bok choy and spicy cabbage.

There are other more familiar favorites too, such as sweet and sour chicken ($10), light and fluffy egg rolls ($3 for two) and black pepper beef ($11), a spicy rendition with tender strips of beef and diced green and red peppers and onions.

Although finding a parking spot is tough, ordering online is easy. Everything comes packaged in traditional origami-style containers perfect for preserving leftovers, so ordering more than your fair share is a no-brainer. (216) 508-1888, 2173 Professor Ave., Cleveland, sesameandsoy.com