By Lulu Kohler / Columnist
Isn’t it marvelous how one of life’s necessities feeds individuals not only literally, but also figuratively into their identity? On a day to day basis, making the time for food can feel like just another time consuming burden, and yet, sitting down for even 10 minutes at breakfast or dinner can oftentimes provide the perfect break in our crazy lives. Regardless of geography or ingredients, creating space to appreciate these meals is a pretty universal experience. This practice unites us all and provides the perfect opportunity to learn about other cultures through their cuisine. So, where are some hot spots in Nashville to go out and eat some delicious foreign food?
Starting in East Nashville, you have to try Mas Tacos (and not only because it is Guy Fieri approved). Started by Teressa Mason in 2008, Mas Tacos serves some of the best “from scratch” Mexican food that Nashville has to offer. After traveling around Mexico from the Baja region down to Oaxaca, Mason has curated an authentic and delicious menu. Per its name, Mas Tacos serves primarily tacos with a wide variety of fillings, but it also has some other greats like the Agua Fresca and Wednesday special tamales. The lines will occasionally back up, but it’s worth the wait or even a quick drop by on a more quiet weeknight.
Leaving the Americas to head towards the Middle East, Anatolia has some killer Turkish food. Tucked into a strip mall by the Target on White Bridge, it is easy to simply walk by without a second thought, but don’t be fooled by its humble exterior. The Ustunkaya brothers got it right about twenty years ago when they decided to open Anatolia after being inspired by the food in their hometown, Antalya. While there are some awesome veggie dishes like the eggplant and falafel, Anatolia is best known for its incredibly tender lamb and stunning kebabs. Here’s to at least twenty more years with this gem.
The Smiling Elephant. Photo Credit: Steve Cross.
Now, off we go to Thailand! Well, maybe not literally, but The Smiling Elephant does the best job of bringing classic Thai dishes to you. On 8th Avenue South, Sam Kopsombut and his family have been serving fresh and delicious delights since 2010. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is perfect, completed by the plants, portraits, statues, and little spirit houses that pay homage to Sam’s heritage. When you get a chance, you have to try their critically acclaimed Pad Thai. Whether with shrimp, chicken or even tofu, it always hits the spot. That being said, don’t overlook their daily curry special, as it’s always fresh and flavor packed. Maybe I’m biased, but this will forever be one of my all time favorites in town.
Finally, we are going on a multi-stop trip around East Asia as we approach Xiao Bao, a fusion restaurant in East Nashville founded by couple Duolan Li and Joshua Walker. Fusion food should never be overlooked. After all, it perfectly encapsulates the idea of coming together to appreciate every culture. The menu at Xiao Bao does just this. It features delicious Sichuan classics, an iconic take on okonomiyaki and some Thai and Indonesian feature dishes. Even the mochi is the perfect culmination of multiple flavors unified perfectly into one. They don’t take reservations, but even the short wait with some drinks and snacks will make you want to stay for a whole meal.
People can find comfort within themselves, their friends and their families through a good meal. It is the perfect form of communication, because it has the availability to say so much through an easily digestible medium (no pun intended). Of course, there are many other fabulous international restaurants in Nashville, and we are getting more and more by the month. If you ever have a chance or just need some ideas and want to branch out, give one of these delights a chance, and I know you won’t regret it.
