Asian food is so broad – from Chinese, Sichuanese, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, Laotian, Korean and so many more subsects. Knoxville does have a good amount of Asian food options, but not a ton of one subsect. Therefore, I complied a list of the best all encompassing Asian restaurants when you have that kind of craving.
So if you’re in the mood for those complex Asian flavors and delicious comforting foods – look no further. As a Knoxville local, I give the top 10 recommendations for the best Asian restaurants in Knoxville.
Read about the 15 of the best things to do in Knoxville
1. Anaba (Japanese)
This place is my go-to, ride or die. Anaba is a casual Japanese restaurant serving sushi, ramen, udon, yakisoba, soba, hibachi, sake, and so much more. It is authentic at a reasonable price. On Mondays they have half price tuna items and Tuesdays is half price salmon items, so come early on those days.
Anaba has the best sushi in Knoxville, I wouldn’t try to get it elsewhere. Their rice is perfection, you can taste every granular of rice, while it is still bouncy, fluffy, and flavorful. The tofu hibachi is a must as well, they do something magical with their tofu.
2. Asia Kitchen (Chinese)
Asia Kitchen is authentic as you get when it comes to Chinese food in Knoxville. It was even featured on David Chang’s Netflix show Ugly Delicious. Watch the “Fried Rice” episode where they explore Chinese cuisine from San Francisco, NYC, China…and then you guessed it Knoxville, TN. I was screaming when I watched this, it is hilarious, but true.
Located in West Knoxville, it is in a strip mall by the best Asian grocery store, Sunrise Market, a Party City and other rotating businesses. They have big round tables with lazy susan’s and most of the dishes come family style, so bring a few friends with you to share. Some of the musts are the green beans, mapo tofu, cauliflower, and fried rice.
3. Sticky Rice Cafe (Laotian)
Sticky Rice Cafe is a Knoxville favorite and it’s not common to see a restaurant specializing in Lao food. This place has traditional Lao recipes with the owners being from Loas. It is a small restaurant, and as I mentioned is a Knoxville favorite, so it gets crowded. Try going when they open or at less peak times.
Get the grandmas stir fried noodles, papaya salad, meekatee, and of course the sticky rice.
4. Chaiyos Thai & Sushi Bar (Thai)
Chaiyos is located on The University of Tennessee’s campus, but it’s not necessarily a college spot. My husband showed me this place post grad and I fell in love with their food and spice level. Yes, spice level does not equate to tastiness, but this place has both. It goes up to level 100…but I’m not that crazy, I usually get a level 10 and it is the perfect amount for me (depending on the chef that day).
Get your typical Thai favorites like pad see ew, pad thai, drunken noodles, and curries. They also have sushi..but to be honest I’ve never had it and I’d stick with the Thai dishes.
5. Gogi Korean Kitchen (Korean)
Gogi is serving traditional Korean cuisine. It has everything you love in Korean food: spicy, sour, sweet, tangy, and salty.
Some classics to get are japchae, bulgogi, kimchi fried rice, Korean fried chicken, and all the ban chan.
6. Sitar Indian Cuisine (Indian)
Sitar is one of the OG Indian restaurants in Knoxville. It’s in an old barn looking building right on Kingston Pike, so it’s definitely got character. It specializes in authentic North Indian cuisine and they pride themselves in not using any additives. They have a lunch buffet on the weekend and serve dinner until 10pm most nights.
Get all your favorite Indian dishes like samosas, curry, sag, tandoori, and much more.
7. Angry Dumplings (Asian fusion)
Angry Dumplings is a relatively new restaurant in the up and coming area of South Knoxville. When I got back from China, I missed the food SO badly and this place was a saving grace. It stood up to a lot of the dumplings and soups in China – which is saying A LOT.
Get the angry dumplings and grandpa noodles – chefs kisses. This place also has a variety of boba teas and drinks. I haven’t had them yet, but they look delicious.
8. Bida Saigon (Vietnamese)
Bida Saigon is a classic Knoxville establishment. Bida and Pho 99 are the two big Vietnamese restaurants in Knoxville, and it’s up to debate which is better. I find them equally delicious.
Get the pho, crepes, vermicelli noodles, banh mi, it’s hard to go wrong here.
9. Fai Thai (Thai)
Fai Thai is also a newer Knoxville establishment that has taken on a trendier vibe to Thai food. The food is made with Thai moms recipes and tastes like the traditional Thai dishes you know and love.
Get the Khao soi, Thai beef noodle soup, papaya salad, and mango sticky rice.
10. Pho 99 (Vietnamese)
Pho 99 is another great Vietnamese joint. They have such an extensive menu, it’s almost like a book. So choosing what you get can feel overwhelming at times. The basics like pho, bahn mi, and fried rices are always a great classic. You can always ask your server, what is their favorite or what customers like best.
Of course, there are some other great Asian restaurants in Knoxville, but I believe these to be the best. Let me know if I missed any!
