It’s not everyday you stumble upon an Asian and Hispanic fusion restaurant franchise from California in Louisiana.
The recently opened Zero Degrees location just outside LSU’s North Gates is run by owners Molly Tran, Nick Tran and their partners Chris Tran and Stephanie Nguyen.
“There’s a big community of Asians and Hispanics [in California]. The [original] owner wanted to bring Asians and Hispanics together,” Nick Tran says. “They pretty much blended it together, just to get a fuse, that kick from the Hispanic taste and Asian taste together.”
The name Zero Degrees is based on the franchise’s origin as an Italian ice shop, according to Molly Tran. Zero Degrees is located right on the outskirts of LSU on College Row.
Dubbing itself as the “Home of the Mangonada,“ Zero Degrees has successfully combined the sweet tang of mango with plenty of spices, for a mango slush with fresh chunks of fruit.
Besides the Mangonada, Zero Degrees also serves up teas, milkshakes and another customer favorite, the Spicy Watermelon Slush blending watermelon with chamoy, Tajin and fresh watermelon chunks. Then there’s the food menu, which features everything from garlic butter popcorn chicken to garlic noodles with shrimp.
“Some days people buy nothing but noodles, and some days people buy nothing but wings,” Nick Tran says. “But our most top seller is the popcorn chicken.”
On the Hispanic side of the restaurant’s fusion menu you’ll find elotes, or Mexican street corn. Zero Degrees takes it in a wild direction with its “XXTRA Flamin’ Hot” or Cheddar Jalapeno Elotes. You can also order Carne Asada Fries or Chicaronnes, among other items.
Zero Degrees is at 3260 Highland Road. Read the full story from the latest edition of 225 Dine. Subscribe to the free online e-newsletter to keep up with Baton Rouge area food and drinks.
