SS Gai

The whole dining experience is just DIFFERENT! The chicken is UGHMAZING. It's like a whole buffet they give you with dipping sauces and the mango sticky rice is a nice treat at the end. It's like a outdoor spot shared with like 6 other businesses all connected. Parking is HORRENDOUS! Good luck with that

These guys at SS Gai are doing something special. You can tell they put their heart and soul into this food.Got the 4-piece fried chicken, papaya salad, and the mango sticky rice which is more than enough for 2 people.Papaya salad pairs well and balances with the fried chicken, which was perfectly seasoned, crunchy and juicy.

This place is so good that it's crazy. Everything is good but the chicken is the main event. Although they are most famous for their fried chicken, I actually really prefer the charcoal grilled chicken (gai yang). It's truly delicious. The trick is to eat it with the sticky rice, leafy veggies and herbs, and the dipping sauces. The tamarind and vinegar sauces that comes with it are so good. Big time finger food. Very occasionally they will have a chicken sandwich special and it honestly is maybe the best sandwich I've ever had. I know I'm using lots of hyperbole here but I stand behind all of it. The folks who run it, Chris and Emma, are super nice. Heads up that there is no indoor dining here. It's part of The Wash, which is a cool food hall concept. It's an adaptive renovation of a former car wash, with 5 of the 6 wash bays now serving as a walk up restaurants and the 6th one is a small indoor bar. There is plenty of outdoor seating though with lots of shade and cover. We love all of the places at The Wash but SS Gai is the crown jewel. Check it out.

I read the reviews about SS Gai having the best fried chicken, so I knew I had to try it. We had to drive there from our downtown hotel, and it was hard to find parking once we got there. But it was worth it.There were other food stalls that shared a common outdoor seating area. It was a bit hot and humid, and flies made it a bit challenging to eat. But once I got the food, I knew it was going to be good. It looked so crispy and delicious. I forgot to take a photo, so I ate most of it except for the last remaining piece which I was able to take a photo of.I don't know what kind of spices they added, but it was so unique and so delicious in an epic way. We all agreed that we had to come back before we left Nashville.

I'm perpetually searching for the next great thing in Nashville's culinary scene. And a place like S.S. Gai that looks incredibly unique on paper while fetching near-perfect ratings on every user-driven platform will certainly catch my attention! But I also found something I didn't expect. Arriving at 1101 McKennie Avenue in East Nashville, just on the periphery of the Eastwood neighborhood known for a plethora of fabulous restaurants, I parked on the street and headed for the address. Instead of a single dining option, I found many! In a little strip of six bays called The Wash, each place has a different cuisine (Peruvian, Cuban, Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese, and cocktails). Only the Cocktail Bar is dine-in, while the others take orders at a window and offer shaded outdoor seating. It's a great option for restaurateurs who don't want to pay the exorbitant rent for an entire dining room in the pricey Nashville market.Five of the six eateries are rated 4.7 or higher by the public - only the Vietnamese spot has a respectable 4.3 rating - an insane concentration of top-rated culinary experiences in one place. It's yet another unique dining adventure that makes our city so awesome! Even on a hot day amidst a cicada apocalypse, the shaded seating was very pleasant!The slogan at S.S. Gai is "Chicken that hits different." Yes! Isn't that the truth! By the way, S.S. stands for "same same" which is a phrase we've heard in Thailand. For instance, a Bangkok taxi driver dropped us off at the wrong temple with a similar name, only to reply "same same, but different" as a way of laughing at the situation. Likewise, this chicken has a "sameness" when compared to the most glorious Southern fried chicken you ever had, but it's uniquely its own thing! The difference with this Thai street chicken is a slightly modified batter, perhaps some turmeric in there, and fried onions coating the chicken! It's spectacular and a flavor you've probably never had.The tamarind sauce with cilantro is wonderful, but it's the chili vinegar sauce that's legit! And the meal comes with the chewiest sticky rice you've ever eaten, an absolutely wonderful addition! The chicken wings are probably even better than the breast quarter, and I'd give the chicken a stellar 4.4 rating. But after careful consideration, the exceptional uniqueness of the whole presentation and that chili vinegar sauce and chewy rice just kicks it up to a perfect five! Oh no! I inhaled it so fast that I didn't even take a picture!

I saw this place on an Eater post and decided to try it. They did NOT disappoint! The Gai Tod (Thai fried chicken) is so crispy, juicy, and seasoned to perfection all the way down to the bone. The mango sticky rice has a crisp outer shell with a soft center that's very addicting. The service is speedy and everything is super fresh. They also have outdoor seating to enjoy these eats with some pals. I would highly recommend!

There's a reason why SS Gai was featured on Eater Nashville as the best fried chicken in Nashville. This place does not disappoint. Far different from Southern Fried Chicken, SS Gai offers a complexity of flavors that when layered offers an enjoyable experience. The fresh greens serves as a perfect base and when you add the sticky rice and the chicken on top it creates a fresh spin on a normally heavy fried item. The accompanying sauce also adds a flavor bomb or umami! The service is quick and easy. SS Gai is located at the third stall of the Wash. Overall, I love the casual ambiance of the restaurant. There are so many different options to try! Highly recommend

Had a delightful Sunday lunch at SS Gai, located in The Wash, a charming spot where a variety of local eateries set up shop. Whether you're craving Peruvian, Vietnamese, Cuban, Thai, Mexican, or just a cocktail, there's something for everyone here.The process is simple: order and pay at the window, then sit back while the friendly staff serves your meal at your table. I was there for SS Gai's specialty Thai chicken. I opted for the Gai Yang, a beautifully charred, charcoal-grilled Thai chicken, accompanied by sticky rice, fried shallots, garlic, tamarind chili fish sauce, aromatic chili vinegar, and a refreshing mix of local veggies and herbs. The chicken was perfectly juicy and flavorful, each bite a testament to the well-crafted marinade, enhanced by the tangy sauces and fresh accompaniments. I even added an extra helping of veggies to complete the feast.The outdoor seating is quaint but limited, so it might be tricky to snag a spot during peak times or on weekends. Parking can be somewhat challenging, as there are only a few spots available, along with limited paid parking options.But let me tell you, SS Gai is a gem for Thai chicken in Nashville. The culinary experience here is spot on, leaving no room for disappointment. I'm already planning my next visit!

The 2 piece fried chicken plate is enough for two people and maybe even 3! It's a big portion. The salad and dressing was amazing. The chicken is heavily seasoned so if you're not into spices it's not for you. The Thai tea wasn't yummy! I've had plenty of Thai teas that are delicious and this one fell short. There is only outside seating with a couple of fans and a water station! Many flies too. This is located in the Wash and there is other food options next door. Great spot for a group with different cravings!

Wow... honestly one of the best places to eat in Nashville in my opinion!We live walking distance from The Wash and love the variety of food offered. There's something for everyone! There is plenty of outdoor seating and just a great place for families and couples. It took a while for us to finally try SS Gai and omg. It's honestly the most authentic and delicious Thai food I've ever had. It's fresh, light and filling!! Service is great, the owners are truly kind and know my husband but babe at this point! Fave dishes: Gai Yang- omg way better than fried!Mango Fried Sticky RiceSticky Rice- has fish sauce and is so flavorfulRed Curry- a bit spicy so keep that in mindCoconut water- comes in an actual coconut! The exterior is charred which makes the coconut water flavorful! Once you're finished, you can ask for the kitchen to open up the coconut and eat the meat.Overall, this place does not have your typical Americanized Thai food. It's fresh, authentic, and ridiculously delicious!