The need for solid and casual Chinese fare persists, and thanks to the team behind Okinawa Japanese Cuisine, City Park now has that in the form of Ma’s Kitchen.
Inside, chef and co-owner Xi Nuan Zheng helms the kitchen, whipping out spicy wontons in chili oil, shrimp and spinach dumplings, garlic spare ribs, twice-cooked pork stir-fried noodles, and so much more. The chef trained at prestigious dim sum houses in China for years, and makes everything fresh from the noodles to the hot and sour soup base to the pickled daikon.
Xi Nuan Zheng runs Ma’s Kitchen with his brother, Xi Yong Zheng, who has overseen Okinawa Japanese restaurant for over 15 years. During this time he built a following of those looking for quality sushi in a neighborhood setting. Now, the same vibe can be found nextdoor at Ma’s Kitchen, where instead of Japanese food, Chinese dim sum and noodle dishes run the show.
“Colfax has always been a hub of culture, food, and community,” said Xi Yong Zheng in a press release. “We’re proud to contribute something new and authentic to the neighborhood, especially at a time when so many local businesses are working hard to overcome the challenges of the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) construction.”
Ma’s Kitchen took over the former Rolling Pin Pizza spot, which was Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey before that. As a nod to the past, the team left the rolling pins decorating one of the walls, though the rest of the space showcases modest Asian-style decorations and red accents. Take a seat at the communal hightop, or score a table for ground-level feasting.
Because of the BRT and the location, parking can be tight. Luckily Ma’s has a dedicated space on the north side of the building. It’s worth the challenge to get a taste of Xi Nuan Zheng’s outstanding dishes, which offer some of the best Chinese cuisine flavors. On a recent visit the Clay Pot Eggplant wowed with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and silky umami pop. We also swooned over the spicy Stir-Fried Green Beans in housemade XO sauce (which is also available on the table to put on anything). Beef Stir-Fried Noodles with Chili Pepper filled and comforted, as did the hearty Dim Sum Combination, the perfect way to try multiple bites when not dining with a group.
The doors to Ma’s Kitchen officially launch on Saturday, November 1. But it’s not just an opening, Ma’s Kitchen is in full party mode with Tsing Tsao beer giveaways, goodies, and beer tastings. There’s also plenty of other drink options to purchase, including a delightful iced Vietnamese coffee and Thai tea. Doors open at 11 a.m., officially marking the start of a beautiful restaurant and neighborhood friendship.
Visit Ma’s Kitchen daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 1514 York St., Denver, no website
