Marble City Market Welcomes New Hot Chicken and Ramen Vendors
Knoxville, TN – The Marble City Market continues to shake up the local dining scene with exciting new additions to its diverse lineup of eateries. Recently, the market has welcomed two new vendors: Hot Birds, specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken, and The S.E.A. Ramen & Asian Kitchen, offering a variety of ramen dishes and other Asian favorites.
When visiting the market, it’s clear that the revolving door of vendors has been lively. In just a few months, many popular spots such as Chick-N-Sack, Stacked Burgers, and Madres Cantina have exited. However, patrons are now greeted by six new eateries ready to serve delicious meals.
Exploring Hot Birds
During a recent visit, we decided to indulge in the offerings at both Hot Birds and The S.E.A. Ramen & Asian Kitchen. Hot Birds focuses on serving Nashville-style hot chicken meals, providing customers with a variety of meal combos. Diners can choose between different combinations like a sandwich with fries, two chicken tenders with fries, or loaded fries topped with tender chicken.
The menu also features unique items, including grilled chicken and cauliflower sandwiches, along with options for kids. Pricing is reasonable, with many meals around $15. The staff is noted for their friendly service, adding to the overall positive experience.
Sampling The S.E.A. Ramen & Asian Kitchen
On the other side, The S.E.A. Ramen & Asian Kitchen specializes in a wide array of ramen dishes. The array of options includes traditional ramen like tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso, as well as broth-free and fried versions. They also provide inviting rice bowls called donburi and refreshing rice salads.
Curious about their offerings, I opted for a pad Thai dish, selecting chicken as my protein for $14.99. The dish was colorful and filled with ingredients like tofu, bean sprouts, chives, and crushed peanuts—all served on a bed of rice noodles. Additionally, I picked an appetizer of samosas for $6.99, which were mini deep-fried dumplings filled with vegetables. The diverse menu left plenty of choices for everyone’s taste.
Service and Atmosphere
While The Spouse’s order at Hot Birds came out quickly, my meal took a bit longer. The friendly staff at The S.E.A. were apologetic about the delay and provided a few condiments to enhance the experience. The pads of varying spice levels complemented my delicious bowl of ramen, which was satisfying even without adding any sauces.
In my enthusiasm to try everything, I appreciated the generous portions that allowed me to take home leftovers. The flavors of my dish were spot on, combining well without overwhelming. The samosas had a delightful crunch, pairing nicely with the main dish.
A Comparison of the Two Vendors
Comparing both dining experiences, it’s safe to say that The S.E.A. Ramen & Asian Kitchen stood out slightly more for me in terms of flavor and presentation. They demonstrated a flair for Asian cuisine, earning high marks for both food and service.
However, Hot Birds has its merits, delivering a spicy take on Southern classics. For those craving fried chicken, this vendor is sure to please.
Final Thoughts
With the addition of these two vendors, Marble City Market has certainly enhanced its culinary landscape. For anyone craving delicious food, this is a must-visit destination. The market operates daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and is open later, until 11 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays. For a delightful meal experience, head over to Marble City Market at 333 W. Depot Ave., Suite 110.
