Asian food in knoxville – Welcome to the vibrant culinary landscape of Knoxville, where Asian food reigns supreme. From the tantalizing aromas of Chinese street food to the delicate flavors of Japanese sushi, Knoxville offers an unforgettable journey through the diverse culinary traditions of Asia.
In this guide, we’ll explore the bustling Asian food scene in Knoxville, uncovering the hidden gems and highlighting the best restaurants that cater to every palate. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure that will leave you craving more.
Asian Food Restaurants in Knoxville
Knoxville offers a diverse range of Asian cuisine, from traditional Chinese and Japanese dishes to authentic Vietnamese and Thai flavors. Here’s a list of some popular Asian food restaurants in the city:
These restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
Chinese Restaurants
- China Palace(10180 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922; (865) 691-8888; Website ) offers a wide variety of traditional Chinese dishes, including dim sum, Peking duck, and seafood.
- Sichuan House(9530 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922; (865) 691-2888; Website ) specializes in Szechuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and spicy dishes.
- Golden Dragon(6710 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37912; (865) 687-1111; Website ) is a popular spot for Cantonese cuisine, including dim sum, seafood, and noodle dishes.
Japanese Restaurants
- Osaka Japanese Steakhouse(9630 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922; (865) 693-0398; Website ) offers a traditional Japanese dining experience, including sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki.
- Hiro Japanese Steakhouse(10912 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922; (865) 966-1111; Website ) is known for its hibachi-style cooking, where chefs prepare dishes in front of guests.
- Fujiyama Japanese Restaurant(7433 Maynardville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37918; (865) 922-1666; Website ) serves a wide variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, and udon.
Vietnamese Restaurants
- Pho K&N(3113 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918; (865) 687-7395; Website ) is a popular spot for Vietnamese pho, a noodle soup with various meats and vegetables.
- Saigon Palace(2528 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919; (865) 584-9990; Website ) offers a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes, including pho, bun cha, and banh mi.
- Viet Palace(9400 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922; (865) 693-5088; Website ) is known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine, including pho, spring rolls, and vermicelli bowls.
Thai Restaurants
- Thai Basil(9745 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922; (865) 693-9999; Website ) offers a wide variety of Thai dishes, including pad thai, green curry, and tom yum soup.
- Thai Avenue(10543 Hardin Valley Rd, Knoxville, TN 37932; (865) 690-8808; Website ) is known for its authentic Thai cuisine, including larb, khao soi, and mango sticky rice.
- Thai Spice(7120 Maynardville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37918; (865) 922-0222; Website ) offers a variety of Thai dishes, including pad see ew, drunken noodles, and panang curry.
Types of Asian Food Available in Knoxville: Asian Food In Knoxville
Knoxville offers a diverse array of Asian cuisines, each with its unique flavors and characteristics. From the aromatic spices of Chinese dishes to the delicate sushi of Japanese cuisine, there’s something for every palate.
Chinese Cuisine
Chinese food is one of the most popular Asian cuisines in Knoxville. It is characterized by its bold flavors, variety of cooking techniques, and use of fresh ingredients. Some popular Chinese dishes include:
- Sichuan Beef: A spicy dish made with beef, vegetables, and a spicy sauce.
- Hunan Chicken: A flavorful dish made with chicken, vegetables, and a spicy sauce.
- Cantonese Dim Sum: A variety of small dishes served in steamer baskets.
Japanese Cuisine
Japanese food is known for its delicate flavors, fresh ingredients, and emphasis on presentation. Some popular Japanese dishes include:
- Sushi: A dish made with vinegared rice and various toppings, such as fish, seafood, or vegetables.
- Sashimi: A dish made with raw fish or seafood.
- Tempura: A dish made with deep-fried seafood or vegetables.
Thai Cuisine
Thai food is characterized by its use of fresh herbs, spices, and coconut milk. Some popular Thai dishes include:
- Pad Thai: A dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, vegetables, and a peanut sauce.
- Green Curry: A dish made with green curry paste, coconut milk, and vegetables.
- Tom Yum Soup: A spicy and sour soup made with shrimp, mushrooms, and lemongrass.
Vietnamese Cuisine
Vietnamese food is known for its use of fresh ingredients, herbs, and rice noodles. Some popular Vietnamese dishes include:
- Pho: A noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various toppings.
- Banh Mi: A Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, meat, and vegetables.
- Summer Rolls: A dish made with rice paper wrappers filled with vegetables, herbs, and shrimp or tofu.
Korean Cuisine
Korean food is characterized by its use of bold flavors, spices, and fermented ingredients. Some popular Korean dishes include:
- Bibimbap: A dish made with rice, vegetables, meat, and a spicy sauce.
- Bulgogi: A dish made with marinated beef or pork grilled on a barbecue.
- Kimchi: A fermented cabbage dish.
Popular Asian Dishes in Knoxville
Knoxville’s Asian food scene offers a delectable array of dishes that have captured the hearts and taste buds of locals. From the delicate flavors of sushi to the savory warmth of pho, these culinary delights are a testament to the rich diversity of Asian cuisine.
Sushi
Sushi, an iconic Japanese dish, is crafted from vinegared rice topped with raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, or egg. The most popular varieties in Knoxville include nigiri (rice topped with a single piece of fish or seafood), sashimi (sliced raw fish), and rolls (rice and fillings wrapped in seaweed).
The freshness of the ingredients and the balance of flavors make sushi a highly sought-after dish.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai, a beloved Thai noodle dish, tantalizes taste buds with its harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Rice noodles are stir-fried with a sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar, along with vegetables such as bean sprouts, peanuts, and cilantro.
The result is a flavorful and colorful dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Thailand.
Pho, Asian food in knoxville
Pho, a comforting Vietnamese noodle soup, is a staple of Knoxville’s Asian food scene. It consists of rice noodles in a flavorful broth made from beef or chicken bones, spices, and herbs. The broth is often topped with thinly sliced beef, meatballs, or tofu, along with fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, and basil.
The combination of the savory broth, tender meat, and aromatic herbs creates a soul-warming and satisfying dish.
Kimchi
Kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish, is a fermented vegetable preparation that adds a spicy and tangy flavor to any meal. Typically made with cabbage, radishes, or cucumbers, kimchi is fermented with a variety of seasonings, including gochugaru (Korean chili powder), garlic, ginger, and jeotgal (salted seafood).
Knoxville is home to a diverse array of Asian cuisine, from traditional Chinese dishes to modern Japanese fusion. However, it’s important to consider the ethical implications of certain hunting practices, such as food plots. Are food plots considered baiting? Click here to learn more about this topic.
Returning to Knoxville’s culinary scene, be sure to explore the tantalizing flavors of Thai street food and the authentic aromas of Vietnamese pho.
The fermentation process gives kimchi its characteristic sour and spicy flavor, making it a versatile accompaniment to various Asian dishes.
Asian Food Festivals and Events in Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee, embraces the diverse culinary landscape of Asia through its vibrant food festivals and events. These gatherings celebrate the rich flavors and traditions of various Asian cultures, offering a unique opportunity to explore the region’s culinary heritage.
Knoxville Asian Food Festival
One of the most prominent Asian food festivals in Knoxville is the annual Knoxville Asian Food Festival, typically held in the spring. This lively event takes place at the World’s Fair Park and features a diverse array of food vendors representing different Asian cuisines.
Attendees can savor authentic dishes from China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and more, along with live entertainment, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities.
Taste of Asia
Another popular Asian food event in Knoxville is Taste of Asia, which is usually held in the fall. This event showcases a wide range of Asian cuisines at various restaurants throughout the city. Participating restaurants offer special menus featuring traditional and innovative Asian dishes, providing a culinary journey that highlights the region’s vibrant food scene.
Asian Grocery Stores in Knoxville
Knoxville offers a diverse selection of Asian grocery stores, catering to the needs of the city’s growing Asian community and food enthusiasts alike. These stores stock a wide range of authentic Asian ingredients, products, and delicacies, making it easy for customers to recreate their favorite dishes at home or explore new culinary adventures.
List of Asian Grocery Stores in Knoxville
- New Asia Market: Located at 3824 Maynardville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918, New Asia Market is a popular destination for Asian groceries. It offers a vast selection of fresh produce, seafood, meats, noodles, sauces, and spices, as well as a wide variety of Asian snacks and beverages.
- Hong Kong Market: Situated at 6418 Maynardville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918, Hong Kong Market is another well-stocked Asian grocery store in Knoxville. It specializes in Chinese and Vietnamese products, including fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, and a wide range of frozen and packaged foods.
- Sunrise Asian Market: Located at 8605 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923, Sunrise Asian Market is a newer addition to Knoxville’s Asian grocery scene. It focuses on Japanese and Korean products, offering a variety of fresh and packaged foods, snacks, and kitchenware.
- International Market: Located at 1118 North Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37917, International Market is a multi-cultural grocery store that carries a wide selection of Asian products, including ingredients, spices, and snacks from various Asian countries.
- Marukai Market: Located at 10431 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922, Marukai Market is a Japanese grocery store chain that offers a comprehensive selection of Japanese products, including fresh produce, seafood, meats, snacks, and beverages.
These Asian grocery stores play a vital role in the Knoxville community, providing access to authentic ingredients and products that allow residents to enjoy the flavors and traditions of their home countries or explore new culinary horizons.
Asian Cuisine and Culture in Knoxville
Asian food has become an integral part of the culinary landscape of Knoxville, adding a vibrant and diverse array of flavors to the city’s dining scene. The influx of Asian immigrants and students has brought with them a wealth of culinary traditions and techniques, which have influenced local restaurants and home cooking alike.
Cultural Significance of Asian Food
Asian food holds deep cultural significance in Knoxville, representing the rich heritage and traditions of various Asian communities. It is a means of expressing identity, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering a sense of belonging. Asian cuisine often plays a central role in festivals, gatherings, and celebrations, serving as a way to connect with one’s roots and share cultural experiences with others.
Conclusive Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious explorer, Knoxville’s Asian food scene is a must-visit destination. With its diverse offerings, friendly atmosphere, and authentic flavors, it’s no wonder that Asian cuisine has become an integral part of the city’s culinary fabric.
So gather your chopsticks, prepare your taste buds, and let’s dive into the delectable world of Asian food in Knoxville!
