Lunch at Sweet Chili Asian Bistro in the midst of downtown Bozeman is, simply put, a great dining experience. Located near the corner of Main and Black and right next to Meridian clothing boutique, parking is easy to find either behind the restaurant in a public lot or even on the street if you’re lucky. Greeted promptly by one of the servers I was hailed by my already-there friend and seated at one of the yellow-topped tables scattered throughout the dining room. A long high table top toward the kitchen and a circular dining “bar” around a high fountain complete the seating arrangements. Having been seated at both of those at one time or another, I was happy to be at a table. There’s something about eating elbow-to-elbow with strangers I’ve got to be geared up for before doing; if you enjoy that sort of thing, it can admittedly add to the fun.

We quickly decided among the Lunch Combos, available Monday through Friday from 11am to 3pm. Brenda chose the Garlic Shrimp with “steam rice, steamed vegetables and spring roll,” for $10, while I chose the Mongolian Beef with “steam rice and spring roll” for $9. Brenda sipped her Thai style iced tea while we waited, and I noted that Sweet Chili offers beer, wine and sake by the glass or bottle. Brenda commented that her iced tea was “a new experience” by which she meant she’d never had iced tea with sweetened condensed milk in it before. For the record, she enjoyed it.

Lunch arrived on long rectangular white plates main course on one end, dipping sauce in a tiny white dish on the other, and vegetables and rice in the middle. Brenda’s shrimp (she had me taste it) was delightfully peppery with a hint of garlic, swimming in a delicious slightly sweet sauce that was soaked up a little by the steam rice. The rice itself was fragrant and done perfectly with the grains separating easily. Brenda’s steamed vegetables included bok choy, mushrooms, broccoli and carrots and was done to a turn. My Mongolian Beef (three chilies on the menu means medium heat) was loaded with mushrooms, three kinds of onions, garlic and chili paste all combined with a sweetish sauce that brought it all together; very spicy without sacrificing flavor for heat. The spring rolls were slender and crispy all through each layer until the barely done vegetable filling. Accompanied by the dipping sauce each bite was a pleasure.

It was surprising to find that the restaurant was not screamingly busy at 12:30 on a Friday afternoon; perhaps people don’t know how quickly and beautifully the food is presented. Sadly I had to wait quite a few minutes for my requested chop sticks and our water glasses could have been better attended; it seemed the wait staff was extremely busy. Considering that most lunches around town are in this price range, Sweet Chili offers a great value due to the extremely high quality of the food, the atmosphere and the presentation.
Sweet Chili’s on line menus states: “Any of our dishes can be made gluten free, vegetarian, or prepared to fit any allergy needs. Spice levels can be changed on any of the entrees as we cook to meet the needs of our customers. Our spice scale is 1 to 5. You have the option of substituting beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, duck, seafood, tofu, or veggies with any of our entrees.”

Where Sweet Chili really shines is in the combination of ingredients in their dishes. Having been there for dinner as well I can vouch the food is deftly and creatively prepared. With an imaginative twist the chefs make each dish unique and memorable while retaining the authenticity of the recipe. The only thing I’ve found is that dinner can take a while to get to you if they’re busy, but it’s worth the wait.

Location: 101 East Main Street Suite 1, Bozeman MT 59715
Phone: (406) 582-1188
Reservations Taken: Yes
Hours: M-F 11:00am to 9:00pm; Saturday 11:30am to 9:00pm; Sunday 4:30pm to 9:00pm
Website: www.sweetchilibozeman.com   Downloadable menu, menu items with photos and prices including wine, sake and beer menu.
Food Prices: Lunch Combos: $9-$11, appetizers $7-$12, soups and salads $12-$15, entrees $12-$28 with plenty in the $12-$16 range.

Ratings: Food: 5 stars; Service: 4.5 stars (not enough wait staff); Atmosphere: 4 stars (communal seating); Prices: 5 stars (great range of prices plus excellent value).

Average Rating: 4.625 stars

A. Washko has been in Bozeman since 1991. She eats frequently and is enjoying having a legitimate excuse to eat at area restaurants and write about them.