Days after my last food event in March I would have a broken foot, be unemployed, turn 40 at home, and get locked down during a global pandemic.
The last food event I attended was back in March at Tennessee Flavors. It was a simpler time back then. What a world. Crazy to think how much has changed since then, including priorities.
As I’ve been spending more time with my daughter (The Moody Food Jr.) recently during COVID, we've bonded a lot more. She’s also become more open to trying foods and is always up for an adventure. I think overall she does very well in restaurants and I love taking her with me when I can. It is very special to me to share these memories with her and bond over food. It’s one of the main reasons I have this food hobby and this was her first real food event.
This past weekend we attend a preview of the new Hawkers Asian Street food in East Nashville as a family. Everyone loved it and we plan on getting back again opening week. The Nashville location is their 10th one and all the locations are different. We heard from a server from the Orlando location that this one was the coolest one she’s seen. I would have to agree.
One of the first things you might notice is the vibe when you walk in. There are pictures, murals, and cool neon signs all over the walls with the accompaniment of some loud music. You really get a street food vibe. We learned while we were chatting with another friendly member of the staff that they have an in-house neon maker. They make all their own signs and there are some very cool pictures for your Instagram.
There is an extensive, fun cocktail menu that is also filled with sake, wine, Japanese whisky, and craft brews.
When it comes to food, they have just about everyone covered. There is a great selection of small plates and light tapas bites. The heartier dishes cover noodles, noodle soups, meat + seafood, and rice & curry.
We had a number of dishes and the highlights for us were the Roti or Malaysian flatbread with their signature curry sauce for dipping and the bulgogi beef street skewers.
I would also say that both the Hot Chicken Steamed Baos and the Yaki Udon were both very good, but lacked some spice and heat. There is a nice spice tray they will bring out for you to help bring the heat! Those bao buns though were probably the best that I’ve had in town.
Cool tip - get a togo cup. There a special phone number on it. When you call there's a message from one of the owner. Pretty neat!
This is a much-needed addition to the Nashville culinary scene. It’s fresh, bright, and loud with a hip patio. It fits well as a family place, happy hour destination, girls night or date night. The vibe's adaptable and the food is very approachable with a nice mix of familiar and inventive. I will be returning very soon to try more of that menu.
