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We came to Bendi Wok N’ Bar for the messy fries. We stayed because we accidentally fell in love with a secretive Samurai Bowl and a cocktail named after Fairly Odd Parents (2000s kids, where you at?)
Sound chaotic? You’re darn right! But at Bendi Wok N’ Bar, that chaos is delicious. With locations in both German Village (277 E Livingston Ave) and New Albany (160 W Main St), Bendi is an Asian fusion spot that’s shaking things up with bold flavors, stunning cocktails, and even a few surprises on the menu.
If you haven’t been to Bendi yet, here’s what you need to know… and why you should probably definitely cancel whatever other boring dinner plans you had tonight.
The Messy Fries That Might Ruin All Other Fries for You
If you only remember one thing from this article, make it this: order the messy fries.
These are not normal fries. These are fries that went to therapy, found themselves, traveled abroad, and came back spicy.
They’re loaded with kimchi, jalapeño, sesame, scallions, spicy mayo, and something called “Messy Sauce” (which I’m convinced is just liquid addiction). They’re technically an appetizer, but good luck not inhaling them before your entrée hits the table. RIP to your self-control.
Secret Samurai Bowls During Sake Hour
Now, let’s talk about the hidden gem on Bendi’s menu: the Samurai Bowl. This isn’t available full-time, it’s only able to be ordered during Sake Hour, which runs a limited 15 hours per week. (3–6 PM Monday–Friday) So yes, it’s very exclusive.
It’s loaded with crispy chicken, kimchi, cucumbers, and rice. It’s equal parts comforting and craveable, and, oh yeah… it’s only SIX BUCKS.
Cocktails Worth Bragging About
For my fellow 2000s kids, the Cosmo N’ Wanda cocktail is an elderflower-laced nod to Fairly Odd Parents that hits both the nostalgia button and the “whoa, that’s good” button.
The Kodama cocktail, on the other hand, is a whole entire experience. Don’t be surprised when it comes out on fire and inside of a clay elephant. Seriously.
Would it taste the same without the clay elephant? Probably. But it’s much less fun that way.
Karaoke too?
Bendi isn’t just about bold flavors and secret menu items. It also knows how to party. Every Tuesday at 9 PM, the German Village location turns into a full-blown karaoke night, which goes surprisingly well with an order of crab rangoon. And that’s coming from a guy that HATED crab rangoon.
Buckle up, because this story is a doozy.
My Crab Rangoon Comeback Story
I used to hate crab rangoon. Truly. I had a vendetta. A deep-seated, stomach-turning hatred. Why? Because the first time I ever tried it was at an Irish pub in suburban Pennsylvania. Yes. An Irish pub. In Pennsylvania. I was 9 years old and clearly making terrible life choices.
Cut to present day. I’m at Bendi, someone orders crab rangoon for the table, and I figure… fine. Let’s see what happens.
What happened was magic. Crispy on the outside, rich and creamy inside, just the right amount of sweetness. It was balanced. It was beautiful.
I’d been living in the shadows. Turns out I don’t hate crab rangoon. I just hate bad crab rangoon. Bendi’s rangoons actually healed something in me.
Save Room for Donuts
You thought we were done? Nope. Bendi’s Thai Donuts are a unique twist on one of my favorite desserts… donuts!
These come with sweetened condensed milk and a pistachio crumble that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s a little nutty, a little sweet, and the perfect cap to a great meal. In Columbus, we love our donuts, and these ones hit the mark in an entirely new way.
Check out Bendi Wok N’ Bar at either of their locations below and check out their menus here!
This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOC advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.