Review: Fyr & Ice Brings Asian Fusion to Coral Springs

Fyrball at Fyr & Ice. Photos by Stevette Ballog.

By: Stevette Ballog – Food Critic

Coral Springs is home to a variety of foods that’ll satisfy an array of appetites. It’s clear that you don’t have to travel outside of town if you’ve got a hankering for sushi, Italian, Latin, Indian, or American cuisine. But what about those of us who occasionally crave something different – something unlike anything else in the neighborhood? Let me introduce you to a new kid on the block, a kid with an unbridled passion for one of my favorite things; noodles. Taking over the former home of Chick N’ Treats on Sample Road, Fyr & Ice Asian Restaurant is a fast-casual outlet featuring a fusion of Asian fare.

Enter this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it eatery and send your senses into overdrive. The combo of umami-laden aromas and a scrolling marquee of food porn leave you feeling hungrier than you originally anticipated. The space is small but inviting. It’s whimsical cartoonish décor may appear zany, but this joint takes its grub, and drinks, seriously. Their menu is anchored by seven ramen varieties, but there are also many other great options. With appetizers like Japanese-style fried chicken, Takoyaki, Bun Baos and a wallet-friendly yakitori menu that’ll please carnivores, pescatarians and vegetarians alike, you can’t go wrong here.

Our gluttonous galavant began with a Tornado Potato. This eye-catching tuber gets spiral-cut, skewered, fried and seasoned to order. The paper-thin slices of salty spud reminded me of the kabob-style carni-foods I enjoyed as a kid. Next, I sunk my teeth into a Japanese staple, the Fyrball (aka Takoyaki.) Tender pieces of octopus get fried in a savory, pancake like batter and drizzled with Takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayo and a dusting of bonito flakes. This fritter was a first for me and even though it caused my anti-octopi fiancé to curl a lip, it won’t be the last.

Tornado Potato

Shifting to the center of the menu, we then ordered the Asian pork street tacos and few skewers of yakitori. The steak and chicken yakitori were perfectly grilled and juicy. The quality of meat surpassed my expectations and at only $3.50 or under a stick, you’ll find it’s difficult to order just one. The tacos, a creative concoction of tortilla layered with crunchy slaw, sumptuous slices of pork, shreds of daikon and carrot, a drizzle of spicy mayo and a confetti of greens onions were another solid choice.

Steak and Chicken Yakitori

When the main course arrived, I was glad I wasn’t alone. My eyes poured over as the server slid a giant bowl of steaming broth in front of us. If you’ve never experienced ramen, you’re in for a treat – and no, those cheap dorm cup of noodles don’t count. Ramen is usually a feast unto itself, but if you like you can bulk up your bowl by adding a selection of ingredients at a surcharge. We ordered the Spicy Tom Yum Seafood. This Thai variation contained scallops, calamari, bamboo shoots, sliced fish cake, nori and scallions and was crowned with a giant king prawn and a split soft-boiled soy egg. I grabbed my chopsticks and spoon and dug in. I lifted the toothsome wavy noodles up and slurped. The velvety custard-like yolk added a richness to the lip-numbing broth and the sweet seafood balanced the bowl perfectly. Winner, winner – seafood dinner.

Spicy Tom Yum Seafood Ramen

While dining at Fyr & Ice, you’ll notice something sweet permeating through the air. The intoxicating scent comes from an item that could send an Instagram-obsessed foodies into a frenzy; the egg waffle. I learned that the Chinese name for this treat is daan jai, which means “little eggs.” We ordered the à la mode version topped with vanilla ice cream, poky sticks, chocolate and marshmallows. Individually peeling off these fluffy little ice cream soaked “eggs” provides a satisfaction akin to popping the little bubbles on bubble wrap and even though we were full, we couldn’t stop.

Egg Waffle

If your monotonous diet days are over and you’re ready to try something new, head over to Fyr & Ice Asian Restaurant for a soul-soothing bowl of ramen, delicious yakitori, bubble tea or a crave-worthy dessert. Be sure to let them know that Stevette from Coral Springs Talk sent you and please let us know what you think.

Fyr & Ice Asian Restaurant

10371 W Sample Road
Coral Springs, FL 33065
954-688-9078
Sun – Thurs: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fri – Sat: 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.