Lexington's 5 Best Lunches

So I've decided to write up a post about what I think are the 5 best lunches in Lexington.  Qualifications include a price under $10 and a meal that allows for a continuation of daily activities.

5. Steamed Dumplings (New China) - By far the best dumplings you can get around. I prefer the steamed, but will occasionally get half pan-fried as well. The dipping sauce here is really what puts these dumplings ahead of the rest in town. Be sure to ask for chop sticks because they usually do not include them with the dumplings. I find them much easier to eat with sticks than with a fork.

4. Gyro (Fat Boys) - If you are looking for the best Greek food around, you won't find it at Grecian Gardens or Mediterranean Cafe. Fat Boys, the greasy burger joint has the best Gyros in the midlands. The tzatziki has a great flavor and consistency while the lamb/beef is cooked perfectly. I had considered not including Fat Boys because it's actually in West Columbia, but the quality of Greek food is worth the quick drive.

3. 5x5 (Mi Pueblito Taqueria) - It's unknown which days this special is available, but you can check yourself simply by driving by. Located behind Rush's, this is the best and most authentic Mexican restaurant in town. The 5x5 special is a great lunch option allowing the choice any combination of 5 items at a cost of $5. Usually the options include: rice, beans (fantastic), crunchy tacos, burritos, & enchiladas. I have been when the enchiladas have been replaced with cheese quesadillas. I'm not saying that this is the best dish available here (honestly I haven't eaten enough of them to know), but it's near impossible to find a better lunch value.

2. Singapore Mei Fun (New China) - A quite delicious noodle dish if you are a fan of curry. This dish includes pork, shrimp, chicken, mixed veggies, and rice noodles. It has a nice spiciness to clear out the sinuses.

1. Pho Tai, aka. #6 (Saigon Moon) - It's no secret that pho is one of my favorite foods. Pho Tai is rare beef over rice noodles with pho stock poured over. The rare beef is cooked by the broth. Other condiments are added by the individual such as basil, bean sprouts, jalapenos, lime, sriracha, soy sauce, fish sauce, and other available items. Until today I was just appreciative of having a place to get a bowl in Lexington.  In all of the places I've eaten pho, I would have ranked The Moon somewhere in the middle. Today, that changed. The broth had a much more rich and full flavor. After speaking with the waitress the mentioned that they had switched to a different type of cinnamon. I hope they stick with the change, but will continue to enjoy the pho either way.