A new restaurant by Roger Li, Nanban Asian Soul Food, has opened recently in Lawrenceville, taking over the spot that used to hold another of Li's restaurants, Ki Pollo.
The concept of "Nanban" goes back to the 16th and 17th century in Japan when the very first "Westerners" began trading with the locals. It was a period of exploring new culture, and exchanging and above all it translates to "something foreign" which we liked and flipped to represent the Asian soul food that Japanese and Koreans and Chinese have all taken back home and made their own. So our Nanban is an Asian Soul Food Restaurant with the intention of familiarizing the decadent and comforting flavors of our favorite Asian dishes across the board. We use what we know to make delicious, approachable but dynamic food that will warm the soul, tickle your palate, and depending on what you get... numb the mouth!It's open 12:00 to 8:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and a menu is available online. It's located at 4407 Butler St. (map).