La zi ji
Best Chinese Food in Nashville 2026: Xiao Bao
The first time I tried Xiao Bao’s hand-pulled noodles was a revelation. Those noodles, unlike any I’ve had before or since and available in both meat and veggie versions, are still worth the trip alone. The la zi ji (Sichuan fried chicken), typically available at lunch, is one of my go-to dishes, with just the right amount of heat and a papaya salad that provides the perfect balance. The savory mochi dumplings are my ultimate comfort food, balls of glutinous rice filled with meat and served with a delectably sour dipping sauce. It’s not all Chinese fare — the excellent okonomiyaki, a Japanese vegetable pancake, is one of their signature dishes, and there are occasional Thai and Vietnamese influences too. And it’s all served in one of the more delightful and unique dining spaces in town.
Past Best of Nashville wins: In our Writers’ Choice, Xiao Bao has also been named Best Comfort Food (2023).
