What I liked: The variety of fresh toppings, dressings, and customizable options would definitely have me returning. What I didn't like: The Citrus Chicken was a bit of a miss for me, which is why I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5. It just didn't taste as fresh as I was expecting. Maybe I'm used to the crispy texture of orange chicken and had something different in mind. Either way, it won't stop me from coming back to try some of the other protein options, dressings, and toppings. If you haven't checked this place out yet, give it a try! There's plenty to choose from, and I'm looking forward to finding my perfect combination on my next visit. read more

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I was actually pretty excited about trying out Zao. I downloaded the app ahead of time, studied all the options and eagerly waited for an opportunity to go. We arrived around 5pm on a Thursday night to find the place empty. I was happy it was empty since it was my first time ordering; I wanted time to ask questions and linger at the all my choices through the buffet window. The person who served up our bowls was extremely knowledgeable and eager to offer his opinion on the food options. I decided on getting a side of pot stickers and a bowl with 1/2 brown rice, 1/2 noodles with chicken, cilantro, carrots, corn, broccoli, crunchy toppings with teriyaki sauce. Everyone was very friendly and our bowls looked visibly stunning. I used the app for points and apply pay but never received points through the app or a receipt to get points (huge bummer). Potstickers: 1/5 stars - The filling was tender but was actually cold inside. The wrappers were soggy, flavorless and the edges tasted stale. The dipping sauce was thin and barely coated the potstickers. Bowl: 2.5/5 stars - Brown rice and noodles were cooked well and nicely flavored. Really enjoyed the overall combo of flavors with a nice amount of teriyaki sauce. Chicken was nicely diced and tender. Very off-putting that the food was barely lukewarm. I was hoping for some warm food that didn't make me think it was mixed with bacteria in an incorrectly heated warmer. Service: 5/5 stars just for the guy who made my bowl like it was art. Cashiers were friendly but not happy about the points missing and no receipt offered. I don't know if we'll go again, but may give it another try if I know the food will be properly heated. read more

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I like how Zao lets you customize your orders giving you lots of possibilities! I ordered a bowl and couldn't decide between sauces so they let me try both. My bowl was good. It left me satisfied without feeling heavy. That particular day was a bit warm and the restaurant felt cool and refreshing. read more

Zao Asian Grill - Noodle bowl - Asian Fusion Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

We did not find our Zen at Zao and to make matters worse we did find our bowls not hot or with any flavors. We ordered three bowls. Two with chicken, not pictured, and one with tofu All three of us decided on the Yakisoba noodles even though it's an additional $1.95 each. The bowls are not packed and it appears that there is a tight control on portions I had to beg for more chili lemongrass sauce and sambas chili. After hunting for plastic ware and bathroom style napkins - from one dispenser for the whole establishment, we started to eat and none of our bowls were hot or warm. The sauces extinguish whatever mildly warm temperature was provided in the noodles, rice and protein. Recommendation - Get your sauces on the side and ask for lid even if you're dining in. For three of us, it was $43.00 I wish them all the luck for the future. Our Zen is found with some Madness. Our bowls there have always been hot, freshly prepared, packed with flavors and served to us at our table. read more

Zao Asian Grill - Yakisoba Noodles - extra $1.95 and Tofu - Asian Fusion Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

Zao modern Asian cafe- 1st- download the app to earn points and rewards. It's like a chipotle/subway build your meal line so it goes by pretty fast. The workers are so helpful so you shouldn't have an issue when ordering. If you're uncertain of a meat...you can sample it. The flavors were great. Husband had the Kung Pao Chicken with noodles. I had the chicken bowl with noodles and teriyaki sauce. Our little had the kids bowl: white rice and steak. All were delicious. Not that much seating space so be prepared to sit outside if necessary. read more

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2 stars because the food was alright. My experience with customer service was wild. I'm mostly deaf and I've never set foot into a restaurant so small yet SO LOUD. Naturally I struggled to hear the three women working the counter. I had to keep asking them to repeat themselves and the one Caucasian girl with her hair up in a bun became visibly agitated so I got embarrassed and had to tell her I'm mostly deaf. She then proceeded to get closer and scream in my face and embarrass me even further. I haven't had that bad of an experience in a very long time, especially with such a short interaction. None of these ladies were respectful whatsoever and I will never be back because of it. read more

Rip off $21 and not worth it. Hardly any Chicken. When I asked for more chicken because I barely got any, she adds one. read more

Zao Asian Grill - $21 for this. Hardly any chicken and when I asked her more I get one more. WTH rip off and not worth $21 - Asian Fusion Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

Franchise location of a Utah HQ'd chain with over 100 stores this, the first one in Idaho, opened early October 2025. They are still finding their footing but my husband's and my first experience was so much better than we expected it to be for chain food that we will definitely return to try more items on the menu. We ate in this time and the space is sparkling clean with friendly service but seating here is a little awkward, in particular for me, so we'll order to go on our next visit. FRIENDLY PEOPLE WORK HERE: The friendly staff 'seasoned' our experience too given we were welcomed coming in and thanked for coming as we left and during the time we were eating, a manager came by the table to ask for feedback. Very good techniques to build customer connection. (PS - They have a loyalty program and we may join it. ;-) ) Also, as I stood with difficulty at the check out counter (I have had multiple sclerosis since college years), it was evident to someone paying attention that I would have trouble carrying the tray to our table and the man behind the counter offered, without me asking, "Let me have someone carry that tray for you." Very nice. THE DRILL: Zao has Asian Cafe as part of the name but there is also a distinctly Mexican fusion set of ingredients. They offer bowls (choice of rice or rice noodle or wheat noodle base), salads, a soup that starts with excellent broth (I was surprised at how good), banh mi type wraps and tacos using wheat tortillas. Much like a MOD pizza model, you start by telling the friendly (and still training) people behind the counter what you want (bowl, salad, soup...etc) and what you want as base (rice or noodles) and they start you off then then it is handed off by them to the next 'station' to add protein of choice (pork, tofu, chicken) and then again add for veg, sauces and so on. Food is served in heavy paper / cardboard recyclable bowls and placed on a tray. The ring up and pay for the meal is at the end of that line. The station for serve yourself water, napkins and utensils is right there too. I think the routine is bus your own as there was what looked like a trash can and busing ledge near the front door but as I put our empties on the tray and my husband stood up to bus it, someone, another manager I think, came and offered to do it. EATS and $: One of the good things I noticed is that the containers from which the staff were selecting ingredients, like rice, noodles and veg were all small ones. That is a good thing because it means they are changed out for fresh containers more often. I also learned from talking to managers that all the food is prepped in house daily. Our meal of Kung Pao chicken brown rice bowl w/spicy chili sauce ($11.25) - the pearled brown rice was so good - and soup - the house made chicken and pork broth was a surprise for how tasty it was - with rice noodles, jalapeno, cilantro and chicken ($10.25) was a good value for the quality. Optional tip can be added at pay station and we added 20%. In addition to the bowls, salads, soup and others mentioned above there are soft beverages are available and pre-wrapped desserts in the form of Rice Krispy type bar or brownie. VIBE: This space, formerly home to Duck Donuts, is small'ish for an eat in place but light and right with windows on two sides. High ceilings, sparkling clean all around. PARKING: This is an awkward lot that always seems full given the abundance of food chains on this strip side of The Village but that there is a parking lot is a good thing. ACCESSIBILITY: Two accessible parking spots near the door, one van accessible. Ample floor space to get to and along the selection line. Although most of the seating is fixed stools / benches at mid height tables that aren't accessible, there are maybe three or four standard height tables with chairs and I noted maybe four seats would work for wheelchair users. I may need to try that myself on my next visit as I need a wheelchair at times. Two uni-loo at the back are ADA compliant. read more

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We don't usually dine at chain restaurants, but every now and then, we need a quick meal, like we did last night. I had caught the Grand Opening online, and it was close to where we lived, so decided to give it a try. Honestly, I was expecting more of a restaurant vibe, but it's very small, and functions similarly to a Subway. It's a line-up of ingredients that you choose for your Asian bowl, salad, soup, wrap, or taco (a little Asian fusion here). When I say this place is small, I'm not exaggerating, but that didn't stop them from putting about 14 people behind the counter to make sure all customers were being taken care of during their Grand Opening. Smart. As for the food...the bowls were plentiful and fresh (I especially loved the teriyaki sauce - on the sweet side). The rice noodles and brown rice both had great texture. I left the jalapeños out, but next time, I think I might throw them in for a little kick!! The space is small, but modern and bright. Very clean! And, every staff member we came in contact with was genuinely kind and accommodating. I also love that they pick cleaner foods and products where they can. All in all, it was a great experience, and I'll likely be back to try their soup! read more

The food here is good and fresh. I do wish that they had some recommended recipes because I find myself deciding between what sauce goes on what. I did a mixture of teryaki and their chili sauce (totally forgot the name) and it was good. The flavor isn't like amazing because I do find it kind of lacking in that regard. My family enjoyed their drink options though, they were all tasty and even had canned options that are healthy. read more

Zao Asian Grill - Asian Fusion Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

Food was awesome and service was great. Everything was fresh. Will definitely be back! read more

Zao Asian Grill - Noodle bowl - Asian Fusion Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

This is one of the newer restaurants additions to the Village and it is a great addition! I love that there is another fresh food, healthy option. You can choose from a bowls, salads, soups, wraps, etc. I love getting the chicken bowl with the curry sauce. The sauce is so smooth with a little kick at the end. They also have a great teriyaki sauce. I love all the toppings that they offer. My only complaint is that they don't give you much of each topping, I would love if they gave bigger portions of the toppings. They have indoor seating as well as a nice outdoor patio for the warmer months! read more

Everyone should support this new restaurant and judge for yourself. They have a few tables outside, and a few tables inside. Not great for groups more than 6. You order like a subway line, pay and take your food to your table. It tasted fine. Love that they have coke product fountain drinks. read more

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This place is Amazing! Fresh, clean food that also tastes great! The staff is super friendly and you feel welcomed. We needed a fun great place like this. I will be a regular. read more

Zao Asian Grill - Noodle bowl with chicken! The bomb. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

Walked into eat, it was so loud we left and went next-door to chipotle. When you can't hear yourself, think it's not gonna be any fun to sit there for 20 minutes to get a quick meal read more

It's usually very good, but tonight the gal behind the counter was stingy with the sauce so it's not as good.

Great new restaurant addition to the village. Service was great, food was fresh and the flavor was incredible. Low key spot, not super fancy but was clean and comfortable. We'll be back many times. read more

Really unique blend of Asian/Mexican foods options. All the employees were so nice and the outdoor seating was really lovely. Great service and great little space! read more

Finally got to try Zao and it did not disappoint. Loved how fresh everything was and all of their options. Their yakisoba and sauce options were my favorite. Went with my husband and 4 kiddos and everyone loved it read more

I like Zao and the ingredients and the bowls and stuff. I am just disappointed in the protein serving. A few chunks of chicken is way too frugal for my needs. read more

We loved our dinner today from Zao's! I got the wrap, my wife got the soup, and our sons got the protein bowls with noodles. The food tasted great - fresh and delicious! The staff were all very friendly and it was just an overall positive experience. We plan on coming back! read more

amazing service! and delicious fresh food, the drinks are also good! the passion fruit limeade is my favorite so far. 10/10 would recommend :) read more