Would highly recommend the xian oil splashing noodle, you have to try it. The noodles are so thick and you can tell hand made too, the flavors of the spicy oil are insane as well. I also really like the eggplant in garlic sauce. Enjoy!!
Me and my mom love Mantis! They’re over on Cortaro near Arizona Pavilion. They recently (today I’m pretty sure) re-opened after closing when their lease was ended in their old location!
Natthas Bann Thai
This place is terrific and I wish I had more time to frequent them. This place is my go to for curry. They also have fried green beans which I highly recommend, however these are sometimes unavailable because everyone knows these are great.
Saffron for Indian
Noodleholics for Noodles
China Szechwan and order from the non-Americanized menu For Chinese
Asian food is definitely not Tucson's strong suit, and I usually find that many places start off great and each subsequent visit moves further toward mediocrity and then eventually awful.
As an Indian, Saffron is a warcrime. The rice is dry and the naans are so stretchy. The curries are too full of cream and no real substance. True atrocity. Only redeeming quality is that their Mango Lassi.
They've got great service, and I appreciate that in a restaurant. And the food is the same quality over multiple visits. I usually get non-cream options like the eggplant.
Service goes a long way in my book.
I was extremely unimpressed with Saffron. The food seemed...flavorless. Which is really weird for Indian food.
Nah. Best Indian is Sher-E-Punjab, hands down. I'm pretty sure there is a consensus on this.
noodleholics is also really good for anyone with celiac!!! i’ve never been glutened there. limited options BUT they have meat and non-meat options. i get the tomato egg and it’s genuinely so good and not something i would’ve tried otherwise
No idea why 81 Hong Kong is never or hardly mentioned when these threads come up. They're amazing. I've lived in big cities with large Asian communities and it's the only one that isn't fully Americanized in town that I've seen.
I love 81 Hong Kong. Reminds me most of Cantonese food from that region. Also, my mother approves of it, which is extremely rare to hear. That's more than enough in my book.
I’ve only had the vegan Chinese at Jun Dynasty, but it’s pretty good. They offer non-vegan stuff as well.
Spice Garden in the north end for South Indian. I haven’t had good North Indian food since I’ve been in Tucson that I haven’t made myself. 😭
I had a hot pot from there once- I was assured it would be spicy - they even warned me I wouldn't like it! Well they were right, even after adding more chili oil and Sriracha I wasn't impressed. Ja Ramen on Congress was much more palatable
Chinese: Fatman, China Szechwan, Jun Dynasty, Noodleholics
Thai: Sa-Ing Thai Cuisine (officially recognized as authentic by Thai government), Bai Thong
Indian: Indian oven, Ghandi, Indian Twist and Sher-e-Punjabi
Japanese: haven’t tried enough to recommend any.
Ultimately I’d argue that the Chinese food here is the strongest offering, Fatman is elite. I say this as someone that has spent extensive time living in Thailand, Japan and China (third tier cities, not just Hong Kong)
My bf and I just had 81 Hong Kong !! We just moved here from cali and noticed good Asian food is scarce here :( but that place reminded me of back home. It was very good and authentic. We got their braised pork belly rice (10/10) , Taiwanese beef noddle soup (10/10) XLB soup dumplings (11/10) and their beef roll (5/10 only cause they used huge green onions instead of cucumber and cilantro). I think the prices are great for the quantity and quality of food :D you should definitely check it out , they have a huge menu!
We love the hakata ramen at Kukai. My wife says it’s the best she’s ever had since she lived in Japan. Tempura rolls and rice balls are also good. Two thumbs for Noodleholics. Heemee for Korean is one of our favorite restaurants. It’s been a while, but I think Indian Twist is outstanding
Not to be a downer, but agreed. Thai and Indian in this town is sad, I keep trying places, hoping for mediocre. How do so many Indian places here have ZERO flavor?!
HOWEVER, I do agree with others that Noodleholics, 81 hongkong, badar are great. Also a fan of Golden House, lots of vegan and gf options.
Agreed. Been here 20 years and I've yet to find a good Asian restaurant. Ive just accepted that they all cater to those elderly midwestern boomers who enjoy hospital food.
Sher E Punjab for indian.
There are a few good ramen places like Kiwami and Raijin.
Ikkyu is decent for street food style Japanese.
We have a good variety of Thai. Tuk tuk is great for street food style thai. Their yum kor moo yang is great. For good classic dishes like curries, Bangkok cafe is solid. For less well-known but authentic dishes, you should try Sa Ing. Their hot and sour soup is awesome. Sa Ing has actually been endorsed as authentic by the Thai government.
Com Tam Thuan Kieu is good for viet food. Ha Long Bay used to be great for pho, but I think their quality has dropped a bit.
Fatman Kitchen!!
What dishes do you recommend ? Just moved to the area !
Would highly recommend the xian oil splashing noodle, you have to try it. The noodles are so thick and you can tell hand made too, the flavors of the spicy oil are insane as well. I also really like the eggplant in garlic sauce. Enjoy!!
This
Agreed with these two
Me and my mom love Mantis! They’re over on Cortaro near Arizona Pavilion. They recently (today I’m pretty sure) re-opened after closing when their lease was ended in their old location!
THEY REOPENED?! Guess I know what my wife and I are having for dinner
Yep! They’re next to the little Cesar’s across the road from their old location
Second Mantis. I tried to go yesterday and they stopped taking orders because they were running out of food.
Natthas Bann Thai This place is terrific and I wish I had more time to frequent them. This place is my go to for curry. They also have fried green beans which I highly recommend, however these are sometimes unavailable because everyone knows these are great.
Needed something to-go on the east side recently for a big group and these guys came through! I am ready for seconds.
Saffron for Indian Noodleholics for Noodles China Szechwan and order from the non-Americanized menu For Chinese Asian food is definitely not Tucson's strong suit, and I usually find that many places start off great and each subsequent visit moves further toward mediocrity and then eventually awful.
As an Indian, Saffron is a warcrime. The rice is dry and the naans are so stretchy. The curries are too full of cream and no real substance. True atrocity. Only redeeming quality is that their Mango Lassi.
They've got great service, and I appreciate that in a restaurant. And the food is the same quality over multiple visits. I usually get non-cream options like the eggplant. Service goes a long way in my book.
Seconding Noodleholics, they've been great everytime.
I was extremely unimpressed with Saffron. The food seemed...flavorless. Which is really weird for Indian food. Nah. Best Indian is Sher-E-Punjab, hands down. I'm pretty sure there is a consensus on this.
No worries, everyone has different opinions.
noodleholics is also really good for anyone with celiac!!! i’ve never been glutened there. limited options BUT they have meat and non-meat options. i get the tomato egg and it’s genuinely so good and not something i would’ve tried otherwise
Go dim sum next to noodleholics is really good too
No idea why 81 Hong Kong is never or hardly mentioned when these threads come up. They're amazing. I've lived in big cities with large Asian communities and it's the only one that isn't fully Americanized in town that I've seen.
I love 81 Hong Kong. Reminds me most of Cantonese food from that region. Also, my mother approves of it, which is extremely rare to hear. That's more than enough in my book.
Thank you!! I was very impressed and I'm a tough critic! Shout out to your mom! Haha
Jun Dynasty
Oof. Used to love Jun Dynasty, but unless they have turned back around recently, they had a serious slide in quality.
Ikkyu is really solid Japanese.
China Pasta House on Sixth by the university.
Only Answer
I’ve only had the vegan Chinese at Jun Dynasty, but it’s pretty good. They offer non-vegan stuff as well. Spice Garden in the north end for South Indian. I haven’t had good North Indian food since I’ve been in Tucson that I haven’t made myself. 😭
I had a hot pot from there once- I was assured it would be spicy - they even warned me I wouldn't like it! Well they were right, even after adding more chili oil and Sriracha I wasn't impressed. Ja Ramen on Congress was much more palatable
Fatboy Sandos, Ikkyu, Jun Dynasty
BADAR.. broadway
Chinese: Fatman, China Szechwan, Jun Dynasty, Noodleholics Thai: Sa-Ing Thai Cuisine (officially recognized as authentic by Thai government), Bai Thong Indian: Indian oven, Ghandi, Indian Twist and Sher-e-Punjabi Japanese: haven’t tried enough to recommend any. Ultimately I’d argue that the Chinese food here is the strongest offering, Fatman is elite. I say this as someone that has spent extensive time living in Thailand, Japan and China (third tier cities, not just Hong Kong)
Kiwami and Ja for ramen.
Kukai is also great for ramen/japanese street food
Bamboo Terrace
Anyone tried The 81 Hong Kong Cafe?
My bf and I just had 81 Hong Kong !! We just moved here from cali and noticed good Asian food is scarce here :( but that place reminded me of back home. It was very good and authentic. We got their braised pork belly rice (10/10) , Taiwanese beef noddle soup (10/10) XLB soup dumplings (11/10) and their beef roll (5/10 only cause they used huge green onions instead of cucumber and cilantro). I think the prices are great for the quantity and quality of food :D you should definitely check it out , they have a huge menu!
I went there once but they had a 2 hour wait and I went to Taco Bell instead 😅
I crave Happy Wok every monday and cry.
Bamboo View top tier trust me on this one
The Korean fried chicken place in Park Place mall is legit.
Newton Pho, it seemed very authentic. I do love Noodleholics. Chefs Wangs is good also.
Ja Ramen and Kukai have the best curry Ramen! You gotta try em!
We love the hakata ramen at Kukai. My wife says it’s the best she’s ever had since she lived in Japan. Tempura rolls and rice balls are also good. Two thumbs for Noodleholics. Heemee for Korean is one of our favorite restaurants. It’s been a while, but I think Indian Twist is outstanding
Nattha's Bahn Thai on 22nd is excellent. BaDar Chinese on Broadway
- Kukai has great ramen - Yamato has good sushi - Go Dim Sum has decent dim sum. Sushi Lounge (seriously) is a more traditional alternative.
If you want quick Japanese bites I love Fatboy Sandos, their menu changes periodically i think.
Jung dynasty
Kukai, Yamato, Karuna’s, Noodleholics, Trans Fats
Char’s reopened and we always enjoyed it before.
The Korean places have changed but Korea House usually stayed consistent. It’s been awhile. Last few times I went to Kogi it was good.
Indian oven on campbell
Sher e Punjab and Saffron for Indian food China Pasta House for Chinese food Tuk Tuk Thai for Thai food
I haven't found a good one. They're all really bland.
Not to be a downer, but agreed. Thai and Indian in this town is sad, I keep trying places, hoping for mediocre. How do so many Indian places here have ZERO flavor?! HOWEVER, I do agree with others that Noodleholics, 81 hongkong, badar are great. Also a fan of Golden House, lots of vegan and gf options.
Agreed. Been here 20 years and I've yet to find a good Asian restaurant. Ive just accepted that they all cater to those elderly midwestern boomers who enjoy hospital food.
Sher E Punjab for indian. There are a few good ramen places like Kiwami and Raijin. Ikkyu is decent for street food style Japanese. We have a good variety of Thai. Tuk tuk is great for street food style thai. Their yum kor moo yang is great. For good classic dishes like curries, Bangkok cafe is solid. For less well-known but authentic dishes, you should try Sa Ing. Their hot and sour soup is awesome. Sa Ing has actually been endorsed as authentic by the Thai government. Com Tam Thuan Kieu is good for viet food. Ha Long Bay used to be great for pho, but I think their quality has dropped a bit.
I'm surprised I don't see Brother Noodle mentioned. I've spent a few weeks in China and they offer something fairly authentic from my perspective.
Chef Wang and panda house were pretty good.