Labeling itself as the first Vietnamese restaurants in town, Miss Saigon has converted plenty of Music City residents to its spicy menu, especially the pho. And while the ambiance may be a little lackluster, the flavors certainly aren't. First-timers should try one of the tasty phos with an order of spring rolls. The bun tom nuong, a noodle dish with shrimp and fish sauce, is another winner. Miss Saigon shares a parking lot with Kien Giang, another tasty Vietnamese spot. KG only takes cash, so if patrons only have their card Miss Saigon is more than happy to take your business.
Recommended for Asian because: From curries to pho, Miss Saigon is a good introduction to Vietnam.
Hollie's expert tip: Ask for it hot, and you'll get it. Be prepared.
Before chef Arnold Mynt showed off his culinary skills on Bravo's "Top Chef" he was showing Nashville a fresh, new way to look at Asian food. Taught well by his parents, Win and Patti Mynt of International Market fame right across the street. Sure, the classics are all here at PM - miso soup, gyoza pot stickers, edamame - but the bright flavors offer a new spin. Take the curried sweet potato bisque with Indian spices, Laotian pork sausage and sour cream, which delivers perfect fall flavors with a kick. The East Meet Wedge salad come with the standard bacon, red onion and tomato toppings, with the addition of ramped-up wasabi blue cheese and crispy noodles. Main dishes like sake-seared salmon with edamame salad are rightly paired with soba noodles in a miso glaze. You'll be surprised how much tastes good dipped in wasabi mayo.
Recommended for Asian because: Another Arnold Mynt creation, PM is packed with Belmont students craving the progressive menu.
Hollie's expert tip: Be sure to try the three course meal for $20.13 until the end of the year.
Suzy Wong's House of Yum is the latest creation from Chef Arnold Myint, who also owns PM on Belmont. In partnership with Zeus Entertainment, Suzy Wong's is a restaurant night club mash-up that actually works. The name references the 1950's novel, "The World of Suzie Wong," the story of a beautiful Asian "lady of the evening." Arnold presents his diners "a brothel of epicurean delight." Mission accomplished with dishes like lump crab wontons, moo shu chicken tacos, Shanghai meatball sliders and seared tuna steak with cilantro sesame dressing, cabbage slaw, and cucumber salad. Unique, yet romantic enough for a first date.
Recommended for Asian because: Done tapas style, you can sample more from the menu. Who doesn't love that?
Hollie's expert tip: The tempura brownies are as good as they sound.
Authentic and healthy, The Smiling Elephant is always packed with diners who love the fresh ingredients and special care that goes into each dish. Food allergies and dietary restrictions are addressed with no attitude, and they will even cook off the menu if they have the right stuff on hand. The tamarind pork-moo sahm rhot comes with sauteed sweet and sour pork drizzled with three flavor tamarind sauce and sprinkled with fresh lemongrass and served with Jasmine Rice. The larb lettuce wraps are filled with minced pork tossed with fresh cilantro, scallions, onions, fresh-squeezed lime juice and roasted rice. Make it a set and add on Tom Kha or Thom Yum soup and dessert. Space is small and the room can get packed. When that happens, lingering loses its luster.
Recommended for Asian because: Ever since it opened in 2009, lines have been forming for their fresh, light and totally authentic food.
Hollie's expert tip: You can only catch one meal here on the weekends - Saturday dinner.
Being tucked into a side street off of Nolensville road hasn't stopped most everyone in Nashville from finding it for its traditional Thai cuisine. Fresh ingredients and prompt service combine with excellent dishes, including beef panag, chicken pad Thai and dancing shrimp. one standout is the pla lard prig, a deep-fried whole red snapper. But most come for the curries, from the hung ray curry with red curry paste, coconut milk, ginger and cashew nuts, to the green curry with bamboo shoots, bell peppers and fresh basil leaves. Parking can be a nightmare, so it isn't a bad idea to come during off-peak hours.
Recommended for Asian because: For more than 25 years, Siam Cafe has been serving some of the best Thai food in the city.
Hollie's expert tip: Skip the ho-hum buffet and order off the menu.
For a home-cooked Korean meal, try the Korea House. Delicious entrees come in large portions, so be prepared to eat well for the next few meals. The friendly servers will also be glad to explain the dishes if you don't know anything about Korean food, and with a menu this extensive you might need it. One item that fans of Korea House can't get enough of is the seafood pancake, or haemul pajun, a pan-fried savory appetizer with scallions and a chili-infused dipping sauce. Vegetarians have plenty of choices as well, like the jajangmyun with noodles and sliced cucumber in a black bean sauce.
Recommended for Asian because: A family-run restaurant, Korea House is authentic, friendly and delicious.
Hollie's expert tip: A bowl of bulgogi with all the accompanying sides can't fail.
At this friendly, hard-to-find spot, locals enjoy some of the best deals in Nashville. The delicious and authentic Vietnamese fare includes favorites like the barbecue pork and pho tai nam gan. Spicy rice dishes are also available, and you can control the level of heat you can take. Another iconic Vietnamese menu item that is a can't miss is the banh mi sandwich, with roast pork, cilantro, shredded carrot and daikon radish on a French baguette - simple and flavorful, although lacking in jalapenos and pate, a staple in other versions. They don't take credit cards, though, so be prepared with cash or a check.
Recommended for Asian because: Many Nashvillians have been introduced to Vietnam's broth pho with one of Kiang Giang's complexly layered versions.
Hollie's expert tip: Hit the ATM - this spot is cash only.