Finding a reliable Chinese takeout spot is basically a rite of passage for anyone living in a growing suburb. You know the drill. You're tired, the fridge is empty, and you just want a massive container of Lo Mein that tastes exactly like it did five years ago. For people in Southern Indiana, Asian Taste New Albany has occupied that specific, comforting niche for a long time. It isn't a Michelin-star experience with white tablecloths and a sommelier. It’s a classic, strip-mall staple located at 1513 Payne Road.
People often get confused because the name sounds generic. It’s easy to mix it up with the dozen other "Asian Taste" or "Asian Star" spots scattered across the Midwest. But in New Albany, this specific location has built a reputation on consistency. If you’ve ever lived in a place where the local Chinese joint changed owners and suddenly the Crab Rangoon tasted like cardboard, you know why "consistent" is actually a huge compliment.
Honestly, the atmosphere is exactly what you’d expect. It’s small. There are a few tables, but most of the action happens at the counter where the phone is constantly ringing with carry-out orders. It’s functional. It’s fast. It’s New Albany.
What Actually Sets Asian Taste New Albany Apart?
Most people go for the lunch specials. Why? Because in an economy where a fast-food burger combo is pushing fifteen bucks, getting a full plate of food with an egg roll and rice for a reasonable price feels like a win.
The menu is expansive, bordering on overwhelming. You have your standard Cantonese-American classics, but they also lean into those spicy Szechuan-style favorites that people crave when the weather gets grey and rainy in the Ohio Valley. One thing you’ll notice if you’re a regular is the texture of the chicken. A lot of budget-friendly spots struggle with "velveting" the meat properly, leading to that weird, rubbery texture. Here, the General Tso’s usually maintains a decent crunch even after sitting in a steam-trapping plastic container for twenty minutes on your drive home.
There’s a specific science to why we love this kind of food. It’s the umami. It’s the salt. It’s the fact that they don’t skimp on the garlic.
The General Tso’s Litmus Test
Every Chinese-American restaurant is judged by its General Tso’s chicken. It’s the law. At Asian Taste New Albany, the sauce hits that middle ground. It isn’t cloyingly sweet like pancake syrup, which is a common sin in the world of takeout. It has a creeping heat. It’s not going to blow your head off, but you’ll know it’s there.
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If you want it "Thai hot," you probably have to ask specifically or look at their curry options. But for the average Tuesday night, the standard spice level is what I’d call "Midwest Spicy"—flavorful enough to be interesting, but safe enough for the whole family.
The broccoli is usually the star of the plate that no one talks about. It’s usually steamed just enough to stay bright green and snappy, acting as the perfect vehicle for the extra sauce pooling at the bottom of the container.
Beyond the Basics: What to Order Instead
Everyone gets the Sweet and Sour Chicken. It’s fine. It’s safe. But if you want to see what the kitchen can actually do, you should probably look toward the Beef with Broccoli or the Mapo Tofu.
The beef is sliced thin. It’s tender. It actually tastes like beef rather than a mystery protein. When you pair that with their fried rice—which is notably less greasy than some of the competitors over in Clarksville—you get a meal that doesn't leave you feeling like you need a three-hour nap immediately afterward.
- Crab Rangoon: These are the "American style" ones. Thick cream cheese, a hint of imitation crab, and a very crispy fried shell. They are addictive.
- Hot and Sour Soup: A sleeper hit. It has that thick, vinegary punch that clears your sinuses.
- Egg Foo Young: Not many people order this anymore, but they do a solid version here with a rich, brown gravy that feels like a warm hug.
New Albany has seen a lot of culinary growth lately. You have high-end spots downtown and trendy gastropubs popping up every few months. But places like Asian Taste represent the backbone of the local food scene. They serve the workers, the busy parents, and the students who just need a reliable meal without the pretense.
Navigating the Logistics of 1513 Payne Road
Location matters. Being tucked away off Grant Line Road means it’s a prime spot for students at IU Southeast or anyone commuting back from Louisville.
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The parking is straightforward. You aren't fighting for a spot like you are on Pearl Street. You pull in, grab your brown paper bag of food, and you’re out in two minutes. In the world of SEO and digital reviews, people often complain about the "decor" of places like this. To be fair, if you’re looking for a romantic date night with dim lighting, this isn't it. The lighting is bright. The menu is taped to the glass. It’s a kitchen first and a dining room second.
But that’s the charm. You’re paying for the food, not the overhead of a fancy interior designer.
Why Online Reviews Can Be Misleading
If you look at Yelp or Google Maps, you’ll see the occasional one-star review because someone’s delivery took an extra ten minutes on a Friday night. Take those with a grain of salt.
When a place is this busy, the kitchen is a high-speed environment. The staff is efficient, which some people mistake for being "curt." Honestly, they’re just trying to get your food to you while it’s still hot. If you want a long conversation, go to a coffee shop. If you want a massive portion of Sesame Chicken, go here.
Most regulars know the secret: call ahead. While online ordering platforms like DoorDash or Grubhub are available, calling the restaurant directly often ensures your order is prioritized and helps the business keep more of the profit.
The Evolution of Asian Taste
Over the years, the menu has adapted. You’ll see more "Health Food" sections now—steamed veggies and protein with sauce on the side. It’s a nod to the changing diet habits in Southern Indiana.
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However, the soul of the place remains in the wok. The "Wok Hei" or "breath of the wok" is that slight charred flavor you get when food is cooked at incredibly high heat. It’s something you can’t replicate at home on a standard electric stove. That’s why the Lo Mein here has that specific depth of flavor that makes leftovers taste even better the next morning.
Is it the "best" Chinese food in the world? Probably not. Is it the best version of what it tries to be in New Albany? It’s certainly a top contender. It fills a void for fast, affordable, and tasty food that isn't a burger or a taco.
Making the Most of Your Order
To get the best experience, there are a couple of "pro tips" for this specific location:
- Ask for extra spicy: If you actually like heat, tell them. The default is dialed back for a general audience.
- Check the specials board: Sometimes there are items not listed on the main printed menu.
- The Lunch Combo is king: It usually runs until 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM and offers the best value-to-volume ratio in the city.
- Rice choice: Their pork fried rice actually has decent-sized chunks of roast pork, which isn't always a guarantee at other places.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning to check out Asian Taste New Albany for the first time, or if you haven't been in a while, here is how to handle it for the best result.
First, skip the delivery apps if you can. Drive there. The food is at its absolute peak the second it comes out of the wok, and even a ten-minute delivery delay can make the fried coatings lose their crunch. Second, try something outside of your comfort zone. If you always get Orange Chicken, try the Bourbon Chicken or the Triple Delight (beef, chicken, and shrimp). The quality of the mixed meats is surprisingly high for a takeout-centric spot.
Finally, bring cash just in case, though they do take cards. Sometimes small local spots have minimums for credit card transactions, and you don’t want to be stuck buying extra egg rolls just to hit a limit (actually, maybe you do—the egg rolls are great).
New Albany’s food scene is more than just the trendy spots on the riverfront. It’s the small, family-run kitchens in shopping centers that keep the city fed on a daily basis. Asian Taste is a prime example of that local grit and consistency.
Next Steps for the Hungry Reader:
Check the current operating hours before you head out, as mid-day breaks are common for family-run establishments. If you're ordering for a large group, call at least 45 minutes in advance during the weekend rush. Always verify your spice level at the counter to ensure your General Tso's has the kick you're looking for.