It’s no secret that Memphis is a foodie-lover’s dream, and that’s partially because we have such a diverse mix of cultures happening in the city. And there’s no shortage of unique Asian restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops in town, so how about trying something new this weekend? Here are some of the top Asian food spots in the City of Soul.
Cedars Restaurant
One potential hidden gem in Memphis? Cedars is a Lebanese restaurant with unbeatable shawarma, kebabs, falafel, and even some vegetarian options. Take your taste buds to Asia when you make a trip to this Cordova location, and be sure to take home something sweet like their basbousa, hareesa, cheesecake pistachio, and other desserts.
Panda House
Tucked away in a plaza in Lakeland, Panda House has plenty of Asian staples, including hibachi. They’re a great spot for a quick lunch or tasty dinner, and you can even choose the dinner for three or party-size platters for your next get-together. We recommend trying the orange tofu, salt and pepper chicken, and you also can’t go wrong with their egg rolls.
Tous les Jours
One of our newest additions, this bakery blends French flavors with both sweet and savory Asian classics. Their pastries are light and fluffy with a hint of sweetness, and some customer favorites include strawberry soft milk bread, the ube donut, and honey cheese pancakes. They even have giftable roll cakes in four flavors to bring a bit of flavor to your next event.
Bao Toan Kitchen & Bar
From the first Asian grocery store in Memphis to a Vietnamese restaurant in Crosstown, the legacy behind Bao Toan is as fascinating as its menu. Bringing traditional flavors with a hint of Bluff City flair, this spot brings authentic dishes for a unique culinary experience in the South. And a fun fact, their temple tofu is made by a Buddhist monk at their neighborhood Chánh Tâm Temple.
MoQana Coffee
For a taste of Western Asia, try this Yemeni coffee shop located on North Houston Levee. Did you know that Yemen is actually the birthplace of coffee? It’s no wonder this cafe has rich, decadent drinks on its menu, such as mufawar, jubani, and Turkish coffee, but they also have classic lattes, cold brews, and smoothies if you need a pick-me-up.
Flame Ramen
This spot on Union serves up some classic bites like bao buns, donburi, and of course, ramen. A few of their recipes even have a Memphis fusion twist, and there’s a ghost pepper ramen challenge for only the bravest souls. But don’t worry, you can cool your palate with some boba tea or taiyaki with ice cream.
Sweet Musings Bakery
This Taiwanese bakery is known for its colorful, delicious treats, like taro buns and Japanese cheesecake. It’s self-service (unless you’re ordering a drink), making it a fun experience for all ages, and their menu includes a mix of sweet and savory offerings for breakfast, a light lunch, or dessert. Some of their most popular menu items are the mango mousse, Thai milk tea, and caramel cake.
Petals of a Peony
With two locations, one in Midtown and one in Cordova, Petals of a Peony has made its mark on the 901. They even have a newer, smaller location called Little Petals, still with some of their best-selling items. Inspired by Chengdu, Sichuan Province, you’ll find authentic recipes and flavors here, like crispy duck, mapo tofu, peony chicken, and much more.
The Bép Teahouse
This cafe has authentic Vietnamese frozen coffee, cheese foam tea, fruit tea, and so much more. You can even get a side of fried fish tofu, signature wings, or other snacks to go with your sweet drink. Located just down the street from other favorites on this list (like Sweet Musings and the Cordova International Farmer’s Market), you could easily make it a day of taking a culinary adventure around Asia here in Memphis.
Cordova International Farmer’s Market
More than just an Asian food market in Memphis, TN, this international grocery store has plenty of fresh produce, frozen foods, and other hard-to-find-elsewhere items from all over the world. From mochi to turtle chips, this stop has it all if you’re craving your favorite Asian staples. You might even find something new when you take a trip here, and it’s worth trying Cafe Cordova inside for some milk teas, lattes, ice cream, and more.
Bonus: Asian Night Market
Every summer, Memphis is host to an Asian Night Market where vendors around the city bring delectable cuisine, goods, and a cultural experience to the 901. Typically hosted at the AgriCenter in July, be sure to stay connected for updates on next year’s event for your own street food night from Memphis chefs and restaurants.
