Roots, Princeton, New Jersey

Roots is an Asian fusion restaurant and is hands down one of my favorite spots to get takeout from. Their menu has everything you could possibly be craving from sushi to steamed buns to noodle soups to cooked fish. You can even order crepes for dessert which is an unique ending to an East Asian themed meal. My all time favorite thing to order from Roots is their Sweetheart Roll. This roll contains salmon, yellowtail, tuna, and two different types of tobiko all wrapped in rice and pink seaweed and then topped with a sweet sauce. To top it all off, the rolls are shaped in literal hearts. This roll is not only the perfect combination of flavours but has the utmost fresh fish. This roll is a dish you must order if you ever find yourself at Roots.

Sweetheart Roll (two orders)

Another must order dish is their spicy edamame. This appetizer is not listed on the menu but if you ask for it the server will know what you are talking about. The dish is comprised of steaming hot edamame tossed in a spicy sauce and garlic. I am not usually a fan of very spicy foods because I always feel like it is hard to enjoy food that is uncomfortable to eat yet I always find myself ordering this appetizer. This edamame is the perfect twist on a classic Japanese dish.

I also highly recommend ordering the steamed buns. I always ask for them with tofu since I keep Kosher but the menu lists them as pork buns. The tofu is drenched in this delicious peanut sauce and then placed inside a fluffy, steaming hot bun, creating the best combination.

Spicy Edamame

Another great part about dining at Roots is that they have a very COVID friendly takeout procedure. Since they do not do delivery, you have to call ahead and place your order and then go and pick up. You do not have to enter the restaurant though, you enter a vestibule area where there is a plexiglass window and the server will open the window and slide your food through. Out of all the restaurants I've been to during COVID, Roots has by far one of the best procedures for handling COVID in a safe manner.

All in all, I highly recommend getting takeout from Roots if you ever find yourself in the Princeton area if you are in the mood for some East Asian cuisine.