Charlotte’s Newest Hidden Gem | Authentic Asian Flavors

🍜 Charlotte’s Newest Hidden Gem | Authentic Asian Flavors 📍 First Impressions A brand-new hole-in-the-wall in a quiet plaza, where: • Open kitchen reveals chefs hand-pulling noodles • Aroma bomb: Sichuan peppercorns + simmering bone broth • Vibe: Casual with Chinese zodiac wall art Pro Tip: Grab the corner booth – best spot for food photos 📸 🍲 Dish-by-Dish Breakdown 1. Tomato Hot Pot $12.99 • Broth: Rich tomato base with fermented bean paste depth • Protein Picks: • Beef rolls: Paper-thin, melt-in-mouth • Fish cakes: Bouncy with fish roe filling • Noodle Choice: Rice vermicelli (soaks up flavor best) Why It Shines: Unlike chain stores’ powdered soup, this uses fresh tomato purée 2. Crispy Fried Chicken ($9.99) • Coating: Double-fried with potato starch crunch • Seasoning: Five-spice + white pepper • Dips: • Sichuan chili oil (for heat lovers) • Sweet plum powder (Taiwanese-style) Leftover Hack: Reheat in air fryer next day – stays crispy! 3. Vietnamese Pho ($11.99) • Broth: 12-hour beef marrow simmer (no MSG) • Rare Beef: Shaved thin – cooks in broth • Herbs: Thai basil + sawtooth herb (rare in CLT) Customize: Ask for extra tendon (+$2) 📊 Price Check Dish Price Worth It? Tomato Hot Pot $13 ✅ (Feeds 2) Fried Chicken $10 ✅ (Huge portion) Pho $12 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Value Verdict: 30% cheaper than South End’s "trendy" spots 🌶️ Heat Scale Guide 1. Mild: Tomato broth level 2. Medium: Pho with sriracha 3. Nuclear: Hot pot extra chili oil Challenge: Try their "Sichuan Numbness" dry pot (off-menu) 💡 Pro Tips 1. Timing: • 11am-1pm: Lunch specials (+free tea) • Avoid 7pm – sells out fast! 2. Parking: Plenty of spots (unlike downtown) 3. Secret Menu: Dan dan noodles (ask for "ma la" style) Next Visit Goals: • Pork Belly Buns (seen on IG) • Mala Xiang Guo (spicy stir-fry) CharlotteEats #AsianFood #HiddenGems #NCFoodie