Vibrant Southeast Asian cooking in Midtown — the Tuna Carpaccio and Crispy Pork Belly are quietly two of the most exciting plates in the neighborhood.
By Tony Abraham
VisitedOctober 16, 2025
CuisineSoutheast Asian
NeighborhoodMidtown
SEA brings the diverse and exciting flavors of Southeast Asia to the heart of Manhattan. The room is theatrical — dramatic lighting, intricate detail. We came to test whether the kitchen lives up to its setting, and across five plates, the answer was clearer than we expected.
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Appetizer
Tuna Carpaccio
The Tuna Carpaccio redefines what you might expect from a raw fish preparation. Featuring immaculate, buttery cuts of bluefin tuna, the dish is a masterclass in flavor and texture.
From the first bite, it's an explosion of perfectly balanced sensations. There's a pleasant heat from young peppercorns, a bright tanginess that cuts through the richness, and the unmistakable buttery melt of high-quality tuna.
The genius of this dish, however, lies in the addition of grilled rice paper. It provides a delightful crispiness that creates textural contrast, taking the dish to a completely different level — far more memorable than a traditional tuna crudo. Adding to the complexity are the subtle notes from thinly sliced onions and fresh mint, which introduce a fresh and varied flavor profile that keeps every bite interesting.
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Side
Chilli Eggs
The Chilli Eggs are another must-try, delivering a spectacular combination of texture and flavor. The dish starts with perfect soft-boiled eggs, fried until the outside is wonderfully crisp, providing fantastic contrast to the rich, runny yolk inside.
The star is the Tamarind Chilli Jam — packed with a ton of flavor, where the heat of chilli, the sharpness of vinegar, and a hint of garlic are all clearly evident. Spicy and delicious, hitting all the right notes of sweetness, heat, and tanginess while packing a serious umami punch.
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Small Plate
Crab Fried Rice
The Crab Fried Rice is another standout, showcasing how perfectly executed elements can create a truly wholesome and satisfying dish. Every component is beautifully cooked, from the sweet, generous chunks of crab to the fluffy omelette integrated throughout the rice.
What elevates this is the masterful balance of flavors. Thai basil imparts a distinct, aromatic freshness that cuts through the richness, while a subtle addition of chilli provides gentle warmth without overpowering the other ingredients. All the elements work in perfect unison — simply a great bowl of fried rice and a testament to the kitchen's skill.
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Main
Crispy Pork Belly
The Crispy Pork Belly is an absolute bomb — a true flavor explosion in every single bite. While every component is strong enough to stand on its own, together they create something truly phenomenal.
The pork belly itself is cooked to perfection, with beautifully crisp skin giving way to tender, succulent meat. However, the knockout star is the chilli nam jim. This sauce is just perfect — packing more of a spicy punch than other sauces on the menu, yet incredibly well-balanced and loaded with a ton of flavor. The combination of the rich pork, the delicate vermicelli pancake, and the vibrant sauce is an unforgettable experience.
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Dessert
Coconut Sundae
The Coconut Sundae is a good dessert to round out the meal — a creamy, sweet profile with hazelnut, Vietnamese coffee, and coconut as the prominent flavors. For texture, toasted coconut flakes are added, providing a slight, pleasant crunch.
The dessert is well-balanced and not overly sweet, though the portion is generous and might be a bit much for one person. Overall, a solid choice for a final course, effectively capturing familiar dessert flavors.
From the Bar
Liquid Notes
Order
Sambalrita
Smoky and spicy and really well-thought-out. Smokiness from the mezcal is prominent in a very pleasant way. Thai chilli delivers a definite kick of heat, beautifully balanced by the sweetness of pineapple.
Order
Dirty Chai Yen
A creative, Asian-inspired take on a classic Old Fashioned. Properly alcohol-forward, with a beautiful note of orange blossom water in every sip — a unique and sophisticated flavor profile.
The Verdict
Dish Deconstructed
A four-pillar framework. One to five.
First Bite
4
/ 5
Flavor Journey
4
/ 5
Technical Execution
3
/ 5
Order Again
4
/ 5
Honestly Speaking
The Tuna Carpaccio redefines crudo. The Crispy Pork Belly is a flavor explosion. The Chilli Eggs are not optional.