Unearth The Voyage
Tucked inside Circa Resort, 8 East turns downtown Las Vegas into your passport for bold Pan Asian flavors. You can watch the open kitchen fire wok aromas into the air, then chase them to plates that balance heat, crunch, and comfort. The menu feels playful but dialed in, inviting you to explore without guessing games. Ready to discover dishes that spark curiosity and cravings with every bite?
1. Crispy Pork Belly Bao
The bao arrives cloud soft, hugging slabs of lacquered pork belly that crackle at the edges. You bite in and get sweet, salty, and a whisper of smoke, chased by vinegar bright pickles that cut through the richness. A brush of hoisin ties everything together, while herbs lift the finish.
You can hold it with one hand, but it eats like a serious indulgence. The texture game is strong here, with plush dough, crisp fat, and cool cucumbers. Ask for chili on the side if you want a little slow building heat, then watch the open kitchen send out another steamer basket.
2. Thai Chicken Skewers
These skewers come off the grill with deep char lines and a caramelized glaze that clings to every bite. You squeeze a lime wedge and the aroma jumps, waking up notes of lemongrass and subtle coconut. The meat stays juicy, so each piece pops with smoke and sweetness.
A scatter of crushed peanuts and herbs adds crunch and perfume, keeping the flavors lively. Dip into a bright chili sauce for a tingle that plays nice, not overpowering the char. They pair easily with beer, sake, or a refreshing highball, making them a social, shareable start that disappears fast.
3. Garlic Noodle Stir Fry
The noodles are bouncy and slick with garlicky butter that sings against a soy backbone. You catch little pops of toasted sesame and scallion, while the wok breath brings a faint smokiness. Each twirl tastes familiar and exciting, comfort food with a nightlife pulse.
Add shrimp or steak if you want extra richness, or keep it simple to let the noodle texture shine. The dish lands fast from the open kitchen, steaming and fragrant. It is the kind of bowl you return to between bites of everything else, because the savory pull keeps calling you back.
4. Korean Short Rib
Marinated overnight, the short rib hits the grill and comes out lacquered with caramelized edges. You get that classic kalbi sweetness balanced by soy, pear, and garlic, plus a hint of char. Thin slices make it easy to share, but the juicy bite encourages you to keep reaching.
Pickled vegetables refresh your palate between bites, and rice soaks up all the goodness. Sesame seeds and scallions add gentle nuttiness and brightness. Order it when you want something hearty yet quick, the kind of dish that fills the table with aromas and makes everyone nod after the first bite.
5. Spicy Dan Dan Noodles
These noodles deliver a tingling, numbing whisper that creeps up in the best way. Chili oil paints the surface with a glossy red, while minced pork and toasted peanuts add savory crunch. The sauce clings to every strand, nutty, peppery, and just a little smoky.
You can mix everything together until the heat levels feel right for you. It is addictive comfort with personality, plenty of depth without overwhelming spice. Pair with something crisp and cold from the bar to tame the chili and keep slurping happily until the bowl is clean.
6. Tempura Rock Shrimp
Light batter keeps the rock shrimp airy and crackly, so each bite shatters then melts. A creamy spicy sauce kisses the surface, bringing warmth more than fire. You will taste citrus zest and a touch of sweetness that keeps things bright and snackable.
It is dangerously easy to finish the plate before anyone else gets a turn. The texture contrast is the star, and the dip on the side adds a cooling counterpoint. Order this to start the meal with a crunch, then follow with something saucy to keep the rhythm going.
7. Crispy Brussels With Fish Sauce
The sprouts are blistered until the edges turn frilly and deep brown. A fish sauce caramel wraps them in savory sweetness, with chili heat flickering in the background. Fresh mint and basil ride in at the end, cooling and fragrant, so nothing feels heavy.
Each forkful brings crunch, umami, and an herby finish that makes you go back for more. You can share, but you might not want to. This side turns into a headliner fast, especially alongside grilled meats or noodles that let the caramel cling.
8. Green Papaya Salad
This salad snaps with freshness, all crunch and citrus. Shredded green papaya tangles with tomatoes and peanuts, while lime juice and fish sauce bring that classic sweet sour salty balance. Chilies add a friendly kick, adjustable if you want a gentle glow or a bigger spark.
It wakes up your palate and sets the pace for richer dishes to follow. The textures stay clean and lively, never weighed down. Grab it to balance fried plates, or just because your body knows it wants something bright and honest.
9. Wok Fired Beef
High heat gives the beef a quick sear, so it stays tender inside with smoky edges. The sauce leans peppery and savory, clinging to peppers and onions that still have snap. You notice a hint of garlic and soy that keeps the flavors grounded and familiar.
It is the kind of stir fry that lands hot, smells amazing, and disappears in minutes. Spoon it over rice or noodles to catch the extra sauce. If you like bolder spice, ask for extra chilies and let the wok kiss turn into a little fire dance.
10. Chicken Katsu Sando
Thick fried chicken cutlet meets pillowy milk bread in a sandwich that crunches loud. Shredded cabbage keeps it crisp and fresh, while tangy tonkatsu sauce and mayo create a savory glide. Each bite feels balanced, not heavy, thanks to careful seasoning and that airy crumb.
It travels well, but eating it hot at the table is peak experience. You can split it, yet most people claim their own half and refuse to trade. Pair with fries or a bright salad if you want contrast, or just commit and go all in.
11. Mapo Tofu
Silky tofu floats in a glossy red sauce that hums with fermented bean depth and chili warmth. Minced pork adds savory chew, while peppercorn oil lays down that telltale tingle. Spoon it over rice and the sauce soaks in, turning every bite plush and comforting.
The heat lands smooth, not harsh, so you can keep going without slowing down. Scallions brighten the top and bring a little crunch. It is a soul warming bowl that feels right at lunch, late night, or any time you want a cozy, spicy hug.
12. Sesame Cucumber Smash
Chilled cucumbers get smashed just enough to hold sauce in their craggy edges. Sesame oil and garlic soak in, while chili crisp adds a playful flicker of heat. The dish lands cool and crunchy, a refreshing reset between richer plates.
It is simple in the best way, letting clean flavors do the talking. You can share widely because it never fills you up too fast. Grab this when you want a palate cleanser that still feels like a treat, especially with a cold lager on the side.
13. Singapore Style Noodles
Thin noodles take on a sunny curry color and a gentle spice that keeps you chasing bites. Shrimp, char siu, and egg weave in for smoky, sweet, and savory hits. Peppers and scallions add crunch, so the whole dish feels light despite big flavors.
It is a classic that rewards a good toss, and here the wok breath is obvious. You can taste the balance, nothing muddy or too heavy. Order it when you want color and energy on the table, a little street food spirit wrapped in downtown polish.
14. Five Spice Wings
These wings crunch first, then give way to juicy meat scented with star anise and cinnamon. A honey glaze sneaks in a shiny sweetness that caramelizes at the tips. You squeeze lime and everything brightens, cutting through the glaze and warming spice.
They work as an appetizer or a late night snack with a cold drink. The seasoning is confident without being loud, so you can keep reaching for another. If you like heat, a drizzle of chili oil plays well with the aromatic profile and adds a slow glow.
15. Miso Glazed Salmon
The salmon flakes with a gentle press, glazed in sweet savory miso that caramelizes just enough. Charred lemon adds a smoky citrus edge, and pickled ginger refreshes between bites. It feels balanced, never sticky or heavy, just clean and satisfying.
Jasmine rice on the side lets you soak up the extra glaze. You can pair this with a light cocktail and feel set for the night. Order it when you want something polished and comforting that still shows off the kitchen’s control of heat and timing.
16. Matcha Soft Serve
Finish on a green note with matcha soft serve that tastes clean and subtly sweet. The tea brings gentle bitterness that keeps each bite interesting. Sesame crumble and mochi add texture, while a condensed milk drizzle rounds the edges.
It is light enough to enjoy after a big spread, yet memorable on its own. You can share or keep the bowl close and slow down. The cool creaminess resets your palate and leaves you ready to wander Fremont Street feeling refreshed.
