By Leeanne Griffin

Calling all Asian food lovers! You now have a new place to satisfy your cravings for delicious, authentic cuisine. Apsara, focusing on the flavors of Vietnam and Cambodia, has opened at 264 Park Ave., the former home of Thai Cha-Da.

The new eatery, named after a form of traditional Cambodian dance, is the brainchild of first-time restaurateur Vinh Ly, 27. Ly, with past restaurant experience at Vinny T’s, Ciao Bella, La Bussola and The Boynton, quickly seized the opportunity to open up his own spot as Thai Cha-Da closed. He and business partners Stephen and Justin Hopkins completed a massive top-to-bottom overhaul of the building in less than a year. The interior décor is modern, with an Asian flair.

Apsara’s menu features native dishes like pho (Vietnamese soup), chow foon, rice plates and more, all cooked “fresh and entirely from scratch,” says Ly. The recipes are courtesy of his mother, Caitang, Apsara’s head chef. The pho dishes are made with homemade stock, simmered for hours.  Sauces are also crafted fresh in-house. For non-meat eaters, there are a handful of vegetarian options. Entrees range from about $9 to $20. The restaurant has a full bar, with wines carefully selected to complement the food.

Ly said he’s particularly excited about Apsara’s “hot pot” offering, where patrons can cook their own meats, seafood and vegetables tableside in a heated pot of broth, fondue-style.

Want to feel like a VIP? The restaurant features a raised center platform with four tables offering traditional “floor seating,” where diners sit on cushions to enjoy their meals.

Ly also plans to bring in local talent for regular performances of Apsara dance.

Above all, Ly wants his customers to feel valued as they dine at Apsara. “I believe in great service, and I want this to be an experience for people,” he said. “I want the service here to set us apart from other restaurants.”

264 Park Ave., Worcester
508-752-2211, www.apsaracuisine.com
Takeout and delivery available.