Specializing in the gravy-soaked Lao noodle dish lad nah, Ladna 88 makes a wonderful addition to Murfreesboro’s fine roster of Southeast Asian eateries.
The restaurant opened in 2023 in a new building on Bradyville Pike, just steps from the old International Grocery—once operated by the same family now running Ladna 88. The menu features pho, pad Thai, curries, chicken wings, papaya salad, pepper steak, pad ka pao, fried rice, and other Thai and Lao favorites, alongside its namesake noodle plates.
That lad nah [pictured, top]—with its wide, chewy noodles, Chinese broccoli, onion, and your choice of protein—comes drenched in a savory gravy and the whole dish exhibits a lovely smoky soy flavor, the unmistakable char from the wok.
“High heat,” says Ladna 88 owner Boun as he proudly displays the splash burns on his arms, nodding toward the kitchen. “That’s how we do it here. In the wok.”
That attention to detail and care and technique put into every order turns a good dish into a great one.
“Awesome pad Thai! Amazing depth of flavor,” said customer Brian Wah after a recent Ladna 88 experience.
The pho—a beloved Southeast Asian comfort staple—is also a local favorite at Ladna 88.
“This is the best place in Murfreesboro to get pho,” says Troy Simmons.
The General chicken comes served atop fresh broccoli—a welcome green addition for some diners who are used to seeing the dish served with only chicken and rice—the chunks of chicken fried especially crisp and glazed in the typical sticky-sweet sauce that defines this old-school American-Chinese favorite.
“Everything I’ve tried there so far is always good! Pad See Ew is my personal favorite,” says customer Isabelle Galindo, while Darrica Moore said the fried rice and lo mein were delicious.
Don’t skip the spring rolls, stuffed with shrimp, crisp vegetables, and herbs and served in a charming boat dish alongside two dipping sauces: a tangy peanut sauce and a clear, sugary sweet reduction. The latter is an especially delicious topping that has a lot going on—fruity, garlic-y, sweet, peppery.
The Chinese broccoli with pork belly stands out as an intriguing menu option worth exploring.
“I am obsessed with lad na (aka rad na), and I’m ready to declare that the one at Ladna 88 is the best I’ve ever had,” posted Charmian Leong. “I loved it so much I ordered another one to take home. Their deep-fried short ribs appetizer was excellent as well, so crispy and yet tender.”
The roomy dining area still feels fresh in the newly constructed building, but the recipes taste like they’ve been passed down for generations.
For those unfamiliar with Southeast Asian cooking—or concerned about overly spicy fare—Ladna 88 makes a great entry point into the region’s bold flavors. The server says that dishes generally do not come spicy, unless requested, so those a little timid about a high spice level shouldn’t hesitate to try it out.
Each table comes stocked with the full array of Southeast Asian flavor boosters—sriracha, chili oil, crushed peanuts, hoisin, jalapeños in vinegar—plus chopsticks, forks, spoons, and napkins. But the lad nah is so packed with flavor, it hardly needs any further dressing—maybe just a dab of chili oil for those who want some kick.
“Absolutely wonderful spring and egg rolls. Nice clean environment,” said Jerry Plaisance. “Great dinner.”
The menu covers the range of Thai-Lao staples: pad see ew, pad kee mao, drunken noodles, papaya salad, pho. Ladna 88 also serves bubble tea, beer and a few bottled Asian juices and sodas.
And service was quick on a recent Friday evening, with the staff wheeling out the beautifully prepared plates within 10 minutes of ordering.
It’s clearly a family operation, with folks of all ages coming and going from the kitchen and dining area, helping out and hanging around.
With so many Thai and Lao spots in Murfreesboro, some diners may already have their go-to favorites, or prefer a higher baseline level of spice. One diner mentioned she found the drunken noodles “alright, but kind of oily.” But overall, Ladna 88 seems to leave a favorable impression.
“Before changing careers, I worked as a classically trained chef for the better part of 10 years and specialized in Asian cuisine,” says satisfied customer Shane Rich-New. “I’m telling you, without a doubt, this is some of the best and most authentic Asian cuisine I’ve experienced in several years since moving to this area of the country. The flavors in every dish we tried were masterfully concocted.”
Ladna 88 isn’t just about delicious, gravy-drenched noodles—though those alone are worth a visit. It’s a place where a local family continues to practice and refine its culinary tradition, serving up bold Southeast Asian cuisine in a comfortable neighborhood environment. For those chasing the wok’s breath, craving a bowl of pho, a satisfying plate of pad Thai, or a sweet bubble tea, Bradyville Pike’s Ladna 88 is the spot.
Ladna 88
1610 Bradyville Pk.
Tues.–Sat.: 10:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
615-225-8817
Shrimp lad nah: $15.95; Red, yellow or green curry, chicken or beef: $14.95; Spring rolls: $5.95; Pho combo (beef, meatball and shrimp): $15; Sesame chicken, general chicken or teriyaki chicken: $14.95; Chicken or beef pad Thai or pad see ew: $13.95
instagram.com/ladna88tn
