Whether or not you savored some gastronomic globetrotting at this month’s Raleigh’s International Food Festival, extend your palate passport all summerlong—and beyond—via these authentic local worldly eateries.
Don’t judge a book by its cover—or restaurant by its exterior. Once inside this Korean outpost, you’ll def be sold on the made-to-order fried chicken—aka the perf balance of spicy, crispy and flavorful. The bibimbap is also, well, boppin’. 2815 Brentwood Road, facebook.com
It’s hard to ~ramen~ calm when slurping the creamy broth + flavorful ingredients featured in this Japanese joint’s ream of ramen ops, aka the international version of soup for the soul. The sushi rolls, bao buns and karaage fried chicken are also worth a try.2330 Bale St., Ste. 112, @genramen_raleigh
What to order: Get the royal treatment via the Royal chicken curry
Raleigh’s OG Indian oasis doesn’t miss with its award-winning curry curations. Belly up for some spice-forward and veggie-loaded flavor. Or, if curry ain’t your thing, the chicken tikka masala doesn’t disappoint. 3901 Capital Blvd., Ste 103, @royal.india.nc
Skip the DoorDash deep dive and just Chuan it. Experience the flair of the Middle Kingdom (minus the Great Wall) when diggin’ your chopsticks into the fan-fave sesame chicken. And you can’t go wrong with lo mein, dry-fried string beans or General Tso’s chicken either. 2004 New Bern Ave., @chuanxiacafe
Embrace fresh Far East flavor when dining at this authentic gem flaunting mouthwatering and belly-warming pho—NTM bangin’ banh mi and gobbleworthy rice vermicelli soups. 4011 Capital Blvd., phofareastrestaurant.godaddysites.com
Feeding Raleigh like (Sicilian) family one slice and bowl at a time since it bowed in the early ’80s, Sicily-native Frank Amato’s love affair with contemporary casual Italian eats will transport you straight to the “Boot.” Did we mention the dough, sauces and soups are all scratchmade?! 423 Woodburn Road, @ncpiccolaitalia
Ashley Christensen famously once said she gets her chicken from this Peruvian paradise when she’s not cooking it, and we can’t blame her—it’s the place in Raleigh for rotisserie! Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the sweet plantains. 2401 Wake Forest Road, mamislatinrotisserie.com
Comfort from the Land of 13 Sunshines comes in the form of food and atmosphere as you taste Ethiopia through beef-, chicken-, and veggie-based dishes with a ginger tea to pair. So hearty! 2109 Avent Ferry Road, Ste. 146, @nafkot2109
A strip-mall standout, this authentic south of the border eatery boasts tantalizing tacos of all types topped with its signature spicy green sauce. After stuffing yourself, wash it all down with a Mexican Coke and an order of flan, natch. 3601 Junction Blvd., facebook.com
What to order: Stay fruity with pineapple fried rice
You’ll surely be feeling like you made a pit stop in the Land of Smiles itself after pigging out on some of the best fried rice in town (trust us). And if the mood for noods strikes instead, opt for an order of the fan-fave pad thai or pad see ew. 8320 Litchford Road, Ste. 142, lemongrassnc.com
Escape to the Mediterranean when you dine at Neomonde—and while the kebabs’ll have a stake on your heart, the pita pockets, hummus and baklava are all worth coming back for. 3817 Beryl Road, @neomondemediterranean
Four Raleigh food trucks we can’t get enough of this month
The Golden Empanada
John Cena once famously ate 36 empanadas in a row—and while it may seem like an impossible feat, these deep-fried goodies (filled with the likes of shrimp, cheese, veggies or chicken) make it seem like a walk in the park. Heck, order 37! Round out your golden grub sesh with yellow rice and veggies with pebre (a nonspicy spin on the classic Chilean sauce), and top it off with a mil hojas cake (aka layers of flakey goodness with dulce de leche and cream). You’re guaranteed to be stuffed—in the best way. @thegoldenempanadanc
Eat Thai Raleigh
A taste of Thailand on wheels? Say less. Born of a passion for teaching others how to cook Thai food, the authentic catering and cooking class service has expanded its horizons with a food truck, rolling out street-style eats like larb meatballs, shrimp curry, pad thai, Vietnamese spring rolls and khanom moh gang. Prepare to break out of your comfort zone! @eat.thai.raleigh
El Toro Alebrije Tacos & Tapas
Flavor-blasted Goldfish have nothing on this bright and bold food truck fusing Latin American and Caribbean cuisine for a savory explosion that’ll have you coming back time and again. Load up on tostones, aka fried green plantains topped with Cajun ranch and cotija cheese; tacos; quesadillas; burrito bowls; and more—NTM rotating specials (check Insta before you go!). @eltoroalebrije
Santopietro’s Sandwiches
Let’s get this bread—literally. Sandwich lovers, meet your new go-to lunch spot. The mobile deli food truck specializes in freshly sliced and grilled-to-order sammies stuffed with everything from roast beef and turkey to steak and cheese to Buffalo chicken—all served with lettuce, tomato, onion, vinegar, oil and oregano. Carb counting? Lose the bread and turn your fave menu item into a bowl.@santopietros_sandwiches
Seeking some delish Thai cuisine in Raleigh? I’ve spent the last few weeks tasting a few of the many Thai restaurants our area has to offer for an array of authentic-as-possible Asian eating ops from one of my favorite places across the globe. My credibility, you ask? Eleven months living in Bangkok (!) eating all the fried rice and noodle dishes I could find. … So, grab your fork/spoon and get ready to say tom yum to these local Thai sup spots.
Don’t miss this tucked away “tiny, terrific Thai” restaurant serving up tom ka gai soup that had me slurping up the lime- flavored broth/coconut milk to the last drop and wishing for seconds. And I’d be remiss not to mention the fab fried rice. North Raleigh, lemongrassnc.com
While not technically a Thai restaurant, Five Star spins up a mean Thai peanut chicken noodle dish with lo mein noodles and a signature peanut-y pad thai taste. … And I give it five stars! Pro tip: If you’re all about the spice, ask for chile flakes on the side. Smoky Hollow, fivestarsnc.com
“Aromatic, tangy and spicy,” Thai food found here. Find curries (red, green, panang and massaman), noodle dishes and fried rice galore on the menu—plus attentive service to add to the experience. Well, panang. Midtown East, shabashabu.net
This place’s pineapple rice is seriously good. Served in an actual pineapple (a bite will transport you to the beaches of Phuket!), this massive dish packs more than just a fruity punch. It’s loaded with your pick of protein, in addition to veggies, roasted cashews and raisins—the perf combo of tangy, sweet and savory. Aroi maak! North Raleigh, thaiphoonbistro.com
This casual eatery serves up all the Thai staples. Here, I tried the pad thai with chicken—and it was filled with all the flavor I know and love about the dish. Definitely a winner! North Raleigh, bangkokthainc.com
“Drunk in love…” In love with the absolutely amazing drunken noodles at this family-owned sup spot that is! Tuck into stir-fried rice noodles with vegetables, basil and chile sauce, and wash it all down with an iced Thai tea. West Raleigh, sushithairaleigh.com
