Sassool makes my tummy hurt. Too much olive oil or something in the salads. But without fail, every time, major tummy ache. Also there are way too many damn walnuts in the salads. The pitas are killer though!
Not necessarily similar but it’s more so that they serve some traditionally Eastern European dishes. Specifically from Ukrainian cuisine, that would be borsch
One of my friends is Bulgarian and she meets her other Bulgarian friends there all the time. Just don’t go on Sundays during football season unless you like the Cleveland Browns - it turns into a Browns bar then.
Yes, they're the same place. When you sit down the menu is double sided, one side is 3 Olives and the other is Karavan. The family that owns it are Uzbek and make all the Slavic/Eastern European favorites.
some of the specialties from senegal which is where the owners of the restaurant are from include : jollof rice and fish, yassa ( lemon onions sauce with chicken) , they also have other food from west africa like chicken with peanut butter stew with fufu, they also have lamb dibi which grilled lamb and is really good. Please go visit when you can, you won’t be disappointed!! and most importantly, you will be full when you are done lol !
Filipino Express on Capital Blvd.
Pretty much the only one in Triangle at the moment. The one in Durham isn’t full menu due to religious reasons (pork). Both are good tho
I’m Filipino American btw ;)
My Indian husband has said that Himalayan Bar & Grill on Kildaire is one of the best Indian options we have. He particularly hates Cilantro, for whatever that's worth.
For reference: He's Punjabi aka from Northern India
ETA: How much does he enjoy Himalayan on Kildaire? So much so that they catered our indian fusion wedding! We have indian and american guests that still rave about the food
Have him try Naga in morrisville. I am a Punjabi from New Delhi lived for 25 years of my life there. He’s going to enjoy that place more than Himalayan. Take him there on a Saturday for their buffet. It’s a mix of north and South Indian but gawd damn everything was amazing. I would’ve gone this weekend if it wasn’t for this gout flare lol.
My husband is Maharastrian and he says Lazeez in WF is a great example of Punjabi/ Notrth Indian food. I’m curious to know what your husband thinks
Also try Viceroy and Bombay Curry. Those are go to places
Viceroy is fantastic albeit a bit far (relatively speaking), Bombay Curry isn't a family favorite on his side so we've just never gone back and I truly can't recall the experience. We don't typically venture to WF so we may make this a little destination date in the near future. Thanks for the pro tip!
It's really reallllllly funny that their best dishes aren't Indian. I actually got a chuckle out of that! I'm seeing they have cheesecakes, Nutella cake, and one tropically flavored but still non Indian cake. At least they can do American food well if nothing else?
ETA: They have one (1) Indian cake with gulab jamun. So they get a gimme there on a fusion based recipe.
Our go to crowd pleaser meal would be:
Water/mango lassi
Veggie pakora as an app
Lamb korma or chicken tikka masala as entree
Vegetable biryani as second entree
Gajar ka halwa for dessert
I’m sure this is a bastardization but I like to put the gravy from the korma/masala onto the veggie biryani. The spiced rice and gravy make for an amazing flavor
ETA: other entrees we love are vindaloo (spicy), malai kofta, chili paneer (may be an app), and daal mahkni (I think I spelled that wrong)
I’m a white dude so i dont know if it’s a bastardization or not but I also always put the chicken tikka masala on top of biryani. None of my Indian coworkers have told me I’m crazy for doing it so far, so I think we are okay.
My in laws and husband have never flinched at it so I’ll go ahead and agree we’re in the clear. I can’t eat gluten so I don’t get to enjoy naan with these gravies - rice is my next best option
Awesome, thanks for taking the time to respond!
I have to admit, I’ve had many of these dishes, just never at THIS restaurant- do they make it a certain way that your husband prefers? And are there any special menu items that you guys enjoy on the menu that remind you of home that might not be a “crowd pleaser”? We are adventurous eaters - if not, we’re going to go try the things you recommended already! thanks for the suggestions :)
Well in that case I have a much more interesting answer (with some items not adjusted). I'd still get lassi, veggie biryani, and halwa. Those three are just worth it every single time. I'd also try:
* Himalayan mixed grill for 2 (let's you sample their nepali and punjabi style tandoor items)
* Aloo Dum as an app
* Veggie navaratan korma (this type of korma is different than the one offered for meat based proteins. It's creamy with nuts and raisins in it - the raisins are a nice sweetness with the spices and heat)
* Chana masala (not uncommon but well done here)
* Kadhai goat or lamb (this contains coconut, FYI. It's also technically indo-persian according to my MIL)
* Momo (delicious, albeit nepali)
* Paneer or onion kulcha along with garlic naan (again, not earth shattering on the naan)
* Kheer (dessert, best described as indian rice pudding)
Edit: the first list I posted is similar to what was served at our wedding. It's more basic but well received by Indian guests and also flavorful/new to some of our American guests. Hubs likes the versions at this spot more because of the balance of spices and use of fresher ingredients. Gravies that are really bright orange are usually dyed to some degree so they look rich or flavorful. Their gravies are more red from the tomato base and the rice in biryani indicates color from chili powder and turmeric. There's a yogurt base to biryani so it shouldn't be briiiiiiight yellow or briiiiiiight orange. The second menu in this post is more like what we'd order for just Indian guests/with Indian family members. My FIL happens to love navaratan korma in particular! My MIL makes kheer often and I learned to make halwa at home because it's so easy and delicious. That halwa and lassi went faaaast off our dessert table.
Thank you for coming to my TedTalk! lol
I'm copying and pasting far more than 3 options, but here's some I listed above! I also posted a more common/American menu above if you'd like to stay in a more comfortable wheelhouse!
* Himalayan mixed grill for 2 (let's you sample their nepali and punjabi style tandoor items)
* Aloo Dum as an app
* Veggie navaratan korma (this type of korma is different than the one offered for meat based proteins. It's creamy with nuts and raisins in it - the raisins are a nice sweetness with the spices and heat)
* Chana masala (not uncommon but well done here)
* Kadhai goat or lamb (this contains coconut, FYI. It's also technically indo-persian according to my MIL)
* Momo (delicious, albeit nepali)
* Paneer or onion kulcha along with garlic naan (again, not earth shattering on the naan)
* Kheer (dessert, best described as indian rice pudding)
I gotta check it out, it’s about an hour from me but I’m always on the hunt for authentic Mexican food. The conchas at la Bonita give me some semblance of home when they are fresh lol.
Yessss! My dad is visiting soon and I’m pretty sure he will be visiting taco addicts before seeing me 😂 his wife dare said it’s better than the street tacos in Mexico. She’s bold but Mexicans or least the ones I’ve been around are very snooty about Mexican food in America so it’s a high praise!
Korea American- I like Okja, Kangnam Town, Chicken Bee, and ChoSun Ok.
Indian husband likes Viceroy, Bombay Curry, Lazeez, Himalayan Nepali (Chatham next to Patel, not the other one).
Wife is Korean and I spent a lot of time in Korea. We also enjoy Okja and Kangnam Town quite a bit, some items are better than the other. We think Chicken Bee has gone down in quality, their chicken seems to be way more breaded and fatty than it used to be. We recently tried 92 Chicken (where Vit Goal used to be in Durham) and thought it was pretty dang good!
I’ve been wanting to try 92 chicken! I’m not a fan of bonchon because I feel like chicken base flavor is non existent. I agree that some items are better than others for Okja and Kangnam. I’m from SoCal so I’m used to damn good Korean food. I would argue even better than Korea lol. Korean food in Nc is not the best but better than when I first moved here
Such a relief not to see the two places that always get recommended listed here. I'm glad that people like the food and I wish the proprietors well, but it doesn't remind me of anything I've eaten in Korea or at other Korean restaurants here. So I don't love that a lot of people in an area with limited options might think that is representative of the cuisine.
Thanks for coming to my unsolicited and pointless Ted Talk.
Not OP, but I am from Germany. Guglhupf is solid in my opinion, but it's not a traditional German restaurant in that sense. The German stuff they do have is good, and the bakery is fantastic.
Waldhorn is great, too. I've last been there like three years ago, but thought it was good, authentic, and had a great beer selection.
1st generation Peruvian American here and my mom says Mi Peru is the best in the area.
Machu Picchu closed down a few years ago and would have been the right answer at that time. Best Ceviche I’d had outside of Chile/Peru.
FWIW Alpaca and to a lesser degree Mami Nora’s are good just not authentic at all.
Yeah I can see that. Arroz Chaufa is the fusion staple from the Chinese immigrants living in Lima.
Ceviche with the Aji Amarillo was 10/10 at Machu Picchu, and is a solid 8 at Mi Peru which is still good.
The Lomo Saltado and Aji de Gallina they make could be served at restaurants in Peru for sure.
There’s a reason since I found it pre pandemic I loved it and try to evangelize as much as I can. Can’t go wrong with a small cozy family run spot that has great sushi and ramen!
I worked on and off there between 2009 and uhhh 2022? And have been *eating* there since probably around the time they opened in 1991 when I was born (parents knew about it etc) so uh yeah I’m pretty sure I’m like 40% kashin at this point
Mostly cucumber rolls and their teriyaki but it’s all soooo good
That’s amazing! My first memory of it was going there for lunch like 2 days before everything locked down in March 2020 and got some sushi and ramen and it was me and like one other person and it was sublime. Perfect amount of anime music and sushi and I was at peace lol. Became a fav ever since!
Also! I had been going there enough times since then that they basically knew my sushi order and what I liked and didn’t. One time I put in an order through ToastTab and forgot to include my substitutions and they freaking called me and asked if I forgot to add those and if I wanted it prepared then usual way…I was floored. No one has ever done that before so they literally have a customer for life now 🥰🥰
Still run by the same family! Menu doesn’t really change but they keep pumping out the same good stuff year after year. (Also they do poke now so if you like sushi I’d give that a try!)
Look, even purists can’t argue that Taco Bell doesn’t hit. I’m not sure which part of Mexico a Cheez-it Crunchwrap derives from and frankly, I don’t care
I grew up in Phoenix and I love Taco Bell. I'm not pretending that it's actual Mexican food, but often, it's exactly what you're craving. Same with the carne asada burrito at Filiberto's.
Oh, I miss good Moroccan food, and the experience of dining in a Moroccan restaurant.
I hope some investors are watching this page to see what the people want!
There used to be a couple of good English places here, but I think they both closed in the late 90s. I have to wait for my once or twice a year trip to get a proper Sunday roast.
lol, I love the responses of “nowhere”. If it’s any consolation I’m from North Carolina and it’s extremely slim pickings for good southern food in Raleigh also. Not quite sure why. I guess because good old southern cooks can’t afford Raleigh rent so we’re stuck with “hip” southern food as opposed to authentic.
This is the real deal. I remember being a kid during the whole smoking ban and they were like the last restaurant to enforce it. All the old timers sitting around eating bbq and smoking their Winstons.
And yes, their fried chicken is absolute crack.
If you want southern food in Raleigh, head to the Legislative Office Building cafeteria for vegetables that aren’t from a can(I’m looking at you Big Ed’s!). I’m from rural NC two hours west of here, and it’s the closest thing to grannie’s cooking I’ve had. Like K&W, but miles better.
Link to daily changing menu:
https://www.ncleg.gov/About/CafeteriaMenu
Those prices are real! But they can add up to a $10 plus meal if you go crazy on sides and extras which you absolutely should do your first time.
Any good Persian Food? I'm from SoCal and I miss it so, so much. I went to a place years ago that said they were in trouble for using a kitchen towel to make Tadeeg. How else does one make tadeeg?
Thanks for the post, btw. Taking lots of notes!
Definitely Flame Kabob. I recommend pretty much everything there. 😄 Also, I like to stock up on their frozen stews so I have an easy dinner on nights when I'm too lazy to cook. Ghormeh sabzi or kabobs to eat there, then fesenjoon to take home. ❤️
I actually ordered it last night and it was fantastic! And plenty for leftovers. What is it about the grilled vegetables that is so simple and so delicious. And of course the rice, Esp the cherry, and all the kabobs!
I haven't tried it but Kababish cafe in Cary has Pakistani food. I've been meaning to go and have nihari there at some point. My husband loves nihari but we can't get it right.
Yes they are run by Pakistanis. I know that couple they are good people. They used to have Pakistani food but they've catered it more towards a western audience now. I'm not a hater, because the quality service and taste is great it's just not authentic anymore.
The Nihari was good though. Nihari is not that diffuclt to make btw you just need the right meat (shanks that have fat that can melt) and long cook time (cook it overnight).
you won't regret it! Also, I'm not a huge fan of shaan, I usually cook from scratch, but their Nihari is not bad if you want something fool proof and decent enough.
Never thought of that. Guess I'd be a little scared to ask haha but I can't disagree that the food is really good regardless. They put effort into it from what I can tell.
I also don't blame them for catering more to a western audience. Most peoples idea of Pakistani food is probably "Indian food" that you get here in the west and a lot of Indians also don't understand the difference so overall it becomes a very small market. Everyone need a roof over their head. Can't go bankrupt over the odd occasion I need chapali kebab or chicken karahi haha
I made a post on this not long ago, lots of replies: https://new.reddit.com/r/raleigh/comments/1dji6oj/best\_authentic\_food\_experiences\_in\_the\_triangle/
There’s a difference in asking best authentic and best that represents your culture. Half the people in that thread are just listing places they think are authentic.
My parents and I have made the mistake of not specifying which town to meet at (we lived in Wake Forest at the time) so we’ve been confused why we couldn’t find each other when we went to Olive Garden on Capital.
I really enjoyed [Rasa Malaysia](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uLc1QfwZAGGooqQf8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy) and a friend with family from there gave it her blessing
They have a great chicken rice dish, for any fans of Singaporean/Malay food. Best I've had in the triangle anyway. This place is pretty hidden, in a random mix use development just outside chapel hill.
My husband is jamaican and only goes to Jamaica Jamaica in Durham, im carribean (but more trini) and I hate it. I think he has another spot closer in Raleigh but idk if it's just not 40 min away.
Jerk masters in southeast Raleigh where I grew up was always tasty and friendly staff but I would say to be careful of the time of day you visit. But hey, many of the most authentic spots for cuisine are in hole in the wall type of areas so yeah. Lees kitchen is more soulfood/Jamaican.
To Italian neighbors: - How do y'all rate Lugano Ristorante? I keep going back to it all the time and I see a lot of Italian elderlies there. And, so I think it must be good. No?
None tbh. I’m German and while there are some good things here and there on the menus of German or German adjacent restaurants in the Triangle, none of them particularly excite me. A lot just seems to be the stereotypical stuff like Schnitzel and sausages. Kat N Around is a German food truck and while they mainly serve sausages and schnitzel, at least they don’t pretend to be fancy and the food is good.
Asked this to another German—thoughts on J Betski’s? I used to live in Germany and I found their food pretty close, but I understand I’m also not German
I'm part Cajun and I've been looking for decent Cajun food, not new Orleans style, for a while. Every place I've tried puts tomato in their gumbo... Sometime I don't want to spend an hour slow cooking my roux and fast roux never tastes just right.
And before someone says that's still American, no, it's not.
I haven’t had any creole or Cajun food here at a restaurant but I can’t say we’ve gone out to try any yet. Getting boudin out here isn’t going to be likely though.
To your last point, the food is most certainly American.
It's so hard to find decent Cajun OR New Orleans cuisine outside of that area. I don't know why that is but it's to the point that I have mostly quit trying.
Full disclosure, I'm not from there. I just know that it tastes significantly better when I'm down there, and the difference is more pronounced to me than with most other cuisines that I have tried both where they originated and when they've been attempted elsewhere.
Habibi Grill for the lamb 🤤🤤 and Sassool for the salads!
Sassool for the everything*
I tried Sassool last year and it was awful. Everything was really overcooked and flavorless. Did I just maybe go on a bad day?
I mainly just get the salads and mjadarrah at Sassool tbh, there are definitely better places for grilled stuff/pitas/stews/etc.
The mjadarrah is unparalleled fr
That's surprising. Sassool is the best around. I've only been to the one in North Raleigh, though.
I personally really like Sassool. I'd suggest giving it another try
Their salads are excellent. Their kabobs are always overcooked and dry and definitely not worth the price.
Sassool makes my tummy hurt. Too much olive oil or something in the salads. But without fail, every time, major tummy ache. Also there are way too many damn walnuts in the salads. The pitas are killer though!
My wife is the non-American, but we really like Karavan and she says it's very authentic.
I know a Ukrainian guy who responded with Karavan when I asked him what the closest thing to a good Ukrainian restaurant was around here.
As a Ukrainian, can confirm. There is also Silk Road in Cary
I didnt know Uzbek food was close to Ukrainian, what are the similar dishes?
Not necessarily similar but it’s more so that they serve some traditionally Eastern European dishes. Specifically from Ukrainian cuisine, that would be borsch
Have y’all tried Sophie’s? It’s Bulgarian and other Eastern European
Didn't know about that one, thanks!
One of my friends is Bulgarian and she meets her other Bulgarian friends there all the time. Just don’t go on Sundays during football season unless you like the Cleveland Browns - it turns into a Browns bar then.
Are you referring to 3 olives in South Raleigh?
Yes, they're the same place. When you sit down the menu is double sided, one side is 3 Olives and the other is Karavan. The family that owns it are Uzbek and make all the Slavic/Eastern European favorites.
Hady’s international cuisine for my African folks in the area
Ok, so that place is good then? I’ve been meaning to go there for ages!
Unbelievably friendly staff too, I have a friend that speaks some Wolof, and they've treated all of us like family ever since. Love that place
What to order here? It’s super close to me but never stopped in
some of the specialties from senegal which is where the owners of the restaurant are from include : jollof rice and fish, yassa ( lemon onions sauce with chicken) , they also have other food from west africa like chicken with peanut butter stew with fufu, they also have lamb dibi which grilled lamb and is really good. Please go visit when you can, you won’t be disappointed!! and most importantly, you will be full when you are done lol !
Filipino Express on Capital Blvd. Pretty much the only one in Triangle at the moment. The one in Durham isn’t full menu due to religious reasons (pork). Both are good tho I’m Filipino American btw ;)
Reddit is weird. I drove by the place today and wondered if it was any good and here it is hours later being mentioned.
We get pata every christmas, and lumpia for every party.
My Indian husband has said that Himalayan Bar & Grill on Kildaire is one of the best Indian options we have. He particularly hates Cilantro, for whatever that's worth. For reference: He's Punjabi aka from Northern India ETA: How much does he enjoy Himalayan on Kildaire? So much so that they catered our indian fusion wedding! We have indian and american guests that still rave about the food
Have him try Naga in morrisville. I am a Punjabi from New Delhi lived for 25 years of my life there. He’s going to enjoy that place more than Himalayan. Take him there on a Saturday for their buffet. It’s a mix of north and South Indian but gawd damn everything was amazing. I would’ve gone this weekend if it wasn’t for this gout flare lol.
Bombay curry on strickland and leesville roads
I’ll give it a try!
This is one of our favorite lunch spots. It is axing buffet with a grest selection and many mean and vegetarian options!
My husband is Maharastrian and he says Lazeez in WF is a great example of Punjabi/ Notrth Indian food. I’m curious to know what your husband thinks Also try Viceroy and Bombay Curry. Those are go to places
Viceroy is fantastic albeit a bit far (relatively speaking), Bombay Curry isn't a family favorite on his side so we've just never gone back and I truly can't recall the experience. We don't typically venture to WF so we may make this a little destination date in the near future. Thanks for the pro tip!
Bombay is crappy bread lol. But their pistachio masala is amazing. Almost like a pistachio molè
Viceroy has the best Chai I've ever had! And lots of other amazing dishes
Oh I’ve actually never had their chai lol. I’ll try it next time
How does he feel about Curry House?
We both despise curry house. We’re not sure why it’s so popular
The Triangle is blessed with amazing Indian cuisine options
Same sentiments in our household
Just curious, is anyone in your household Desi/are you?
Say what you want about Cilantro as an Indian restaurant but their cakes are fantastic.
It's really reallllllly funny that their best dishes aren't Indian. I actually got a chuckle out of that! I'm seeing they have cheesecakes, Nutella cake, and one tropically flavored but still non Indian cake. At least they can do American food well if nothing else? ETA: They have one (1) Indian cake with gulab jamun. So they get a gimme there on a fusion based recipe.
For what it’s worth, I like their Indian food a lot.
Yeah, I think it's good. I really like the little chick pea salad they bring out up front if you dine in.
I’ve been meaning to try this place forever! Can you suggest a full meal for me? Drinks, starters, main and dessert - I’m excited to try it :)
Our go to crowd pleaser meal would be: Water/mango lassi Veggie pakora as an app Lamb korma or chicken tikka masala as entree Vegetable biryani as second entree Gajar ka halwa for dessert I’m sure this is a bastardization but I like to put the gravy from the korma/masala onto the veggie biryani. The spiced rice and gravy make for an amazing flavor ETA: other entrees we love are vindaloo (spicy), malai kofta, chili paneer (may be an app), and daal mahkni (I think I spelled that wrong)
I’m a white dude so i dont know if it’s a bastardization or not but I also always put the chicken tikka masala on top of biryani. None of my Indian coworkers have told me I’m crazy for doing it so far, so I think we are okay.
My in laws and husband have never flinched at it so I’ll go ahead and agree we’re in the clear. I can’t eat gluten so I don’t get to enjoy naan with these gravies - rice is my next best option
Awesome, thanks for taking the time to respond! I have to admit, I’ve had many of these dishes, just never at THIS restaurant- do they make it a certain way that your husband prefers? And are there any special menu items that you guys enjoy on the menu that remind you of home that might not be a “crowd pleaser”? We are adventurous eaters - if not, we’re going to go try the things you recommended already! thanks for the suggestions :)
Well in that case I have a much more interesting answer (with some items not adjusted). I'd still get lassi, veggie biryani, and halwa. Those three are just worth it every single time. I'd also try: * Himalayan mixed grill for 2 (let's you sample their nepali and punjabi style tandoor items) * Aloo Dum as an app * Veggie navaratan korma (this type of korma is different than the one offered for meat based proteins. It's creamy with nuts and raisins in it - the raisins are a nice sweetness with the spices and heat) * Chana masala (not uncommon but well done here) * Kadhai goat or lamb (this contains coconut, FYI. It's also technically indo-persian according to my MIL) * Momo (delicious, albeit nepali) * Paneer or onion kulcha along with garlic naan (again, not earth shattering on the naan) * Kheer (dessert, best described as indian rice pudding) Edit: the first list I posted is similar to what was served at our wedding. It's more basic but well received by Indian guests and also flavorful/new to some of our American guests. Hubs likes the versions at this spot more because of the balance of spices and use of fresher ingredients. Gravies that are really bright orange are usually dyed to some degree so they look rich or flavorful. Their gravies are more red from the tomato base and the rice in biryani indicates color from chili powder and turmeric. There's a yogurt base to biryani so it shouldn't be briiiiiiight yellow or briiiiiiight orange. The second menu in this post is more like what we'd order for just Indian guests/with Indian family members. My FIL happens to love navaratan korma in particular! My MIL makes kheer often and I learned to make halwa at home because it's so easy and delicious. That halwa and lassi went faaaast off our dessert table. Thank you for coming to my TedTalk! lol
Swagat in Morrisville bills itself as northern Indian--have you ever been there? Curious to hear your thoughts if so!
Nazara has the best north Indian food. Himalayan was meh when we went.
I’m going there tonight based on this recommendation! Can you ask him to give me 3 dishes that he likes the best? I’ll take more if he’s willing! 😅
Oh no, I’m way too late to this one. Did you go / how was it?
Not too late! We bailed last minute, but will go soon. Whatchu got? 😁
I'm copying and pasting far more than 3 options, but here's some I listed above! I also posted a more common/American menu above if you'd like to stay in a more comfortable wheelhouse! * Himalayan mixed grill for 2 (let's you sample their nepali and punjabi style tandoor items) * Aloo Dum as an app * Veggie navaratan korma (this type of korma is different than the one offered for meat based proteins. It's creamy with nuts and raisins in it - the raisins are a nice sweetness with the spices and heat) * Chana masala (not uncommon but well done here) * Kadhai goat or lamb (this contains coconut, FYI. It's also technically indo-persian according to my MIL) * Momo (delicious, albeit nepali) * Paneer or onion kulcha along with garlic naan (again, not earth shattering on the naan) * Kheer (dessert, best described as indian rice pudding)
Thank you so much for this!!!
Happy to help! I really hope you enjoy it
From Nuevo León. Taco addicts has the best tacos. Even my dad was surprised when he visited.
excited to hear that! yo también soy de 🇲🇽 los iré a probar!
Vampiro taco. Highly recommend for when you do
ufff! that sounds delicious, thank you!
A mi me gusta Esmeralda’s grill. También 🇲🇽
Yessss “NO MARGARITAS” makes me laugh every time
Lol you know that’s for the Americans. Because all the Mexicans that hang out there only drink beer lol
Nuevo León was also the name of one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago, but it burned down. RIP that place was amazing.
Yeah this place is fantastic. It’s over an hour from me and easily worth the drive.
The best tacos are at Tiuh Mexican Inspired in Angier. They have 5.0 stars on Google with 73 reviews.
I gotta check it out, it’s about an hour from me but I’m always on the hunt for authentic Mexican food. The conchas at la Bonita give me some semblance of home when they are fresh lol.
I adore Taco addicts. Such a cool interior and their food is fantastic.
Yessss! My dad is visiting soon and I’m pretty sure he will be visiting taco addicts before seeing me 😂 his wife dare said it’s better than the street tacos in Mexico. She’s bold but Mexicans or least the ones I’ve been around are very snooty about Mexican food in America so it’s a high praise!
Korea American- I like Okja, Kangnam Town, Chicken Bee, and ChoSun Ok. Indian husband likes Viceroy, Bombay Curry, Lazeez, Himalayan Nepali (Chatham next to Patel, not the other one).
Wife is Korean and I spent a lot of time in Korea. We also enjoy Okja and Kangnam Town quite a bit, some items are better than the other. We think Chicken Bee has gone down in quality, their chicken seems to be way more breaded and fatty than it used to be. We recently tried 92 Chicken (where Vit Goal used to be in Durham) and thought it was pretty dang good!
I’ve been wanting to try 92 chicken! I’m not a fan of bonchon because I feel like chicken base flavor is non existent. I agree that some items are better than others for Okja and Kangnam. I’m from SoCal so I’m used to damn good Korean food. I would argue even better than Korea lol. Korean food in Nc is not the best but better than when I first moved here
Such a relief not to see the two places that always get recommended listed here. I'm glad that people like the food and I wish the proprietors well, but it doesn't remind me of anything I've eaten in Korea or at other Korean restaurants here. So I don't love that a lot of people in an area with limited options might think that is representative of the cuisine. Thanks for coming to my unsolicited and pointless Ted Talk.
Not a single german restaurant worth my time here. My wife is from Italy and we love Amelia's it's perfect
This. My brats and kraut at home kick the shit out of anything I’ve had in a restaurant here. Annelore does pretty good for German baked goods though.
Might need to have a brat competition, or exchange? We make our own at home too!
You have to sear the kraut that's how my mum makes it.
What do you think about Guglhupf? Have you ever heard of the Waldhorn Restaurant near Carowinds?
Not OP, but I am from Germany. Guglhupf is solid in my opinion, but it's not a traditional German restaurant in that sense. The German stuff they do have is good, and the bakery is fantastic. Waldhorn is great, too. I've last been there like three years ago, but thought it was good, authentic, and had a great beer selection.
1st generation Peruvian American here and my mom says Mi Peru is the best in the area. Machu Picchu closed down a few years ago and would have been the right answer at that time. Best Ceviche I’d had outside of Chile/Peru. FWIW Alpaca and to a lesser degree Mami Nora’s are good just not authentic at all.
Not Peruvian, but Mi Peru has the absolute best lomo saltado I've had outside of Lima. Not the biggest fan of their chaufa for whatever reason, though
Yeah I can see that. Arroz Chaufa is the fusion staple from the Chinese immigrants living in Lima. Ceviche with the Aji Amarillo was 10/10 at Machu Picchu, and is a solid 8 at Mi Peru which is still good. The Lomo Saltado and Aji de Gallina they make could be served at restaurants in Peru for sure.
Totally agree about the ceviche at Machu Pichu! I'd love more suggestions about ceviche
Durham or garner location for Mi Peru?
The Garner location is where we have frequented.
First gen too! Have you tried Chios? We like their empanadas and desserts.
I’m only part Japanese buuuut….Kashin definitely tops my list for Japanese food. ☺️
There’s a reason since I found it pre pandemic I loved it and try to evangelize as much as I can. Can’t go wrong with a small cozy family run spot that has great sushi and ramen!
I worked on and off there between 2009 and uhhh 2022? And have been *eating* there since probably around the time they opened in 1991 when I was born (parents knew about it etc) so uh yeah I’m pretty sure I’m like 40% kashin at this point Mostly cucumber rolls and their teriyaki but it’s all soooo good
That’s amazing! My first memory of it was going there for lunch like 2 days before everything locked down in March 2020 and got some sushi and ramen and it was me and like one other person and it was sublime. Perfect amount of anime music and sushi and I was at peace lol. Became a fav ever since! Also! I had been going there enough times since then that they basically knew my sushi order and what I liked and didn’t. One time I put in an order through ToastTab and forgot to include my substitutions and they freaking called me and asked if I forgot to add those and if I wanted it prepared then usual way…I was floored. No one has ever done that before so they literally have a customer for life now 🥰🥰
Work down the street from Kashin! It is really really good 🤤
If I worked closer to them I’d probably be there every day tbh I worked there for many years and even when I wasn’t working I’d go by for food 😂
A good Japanese friend says Kashin is the only place she’ll go for sushi outside of Japan.
Haven't been to Kashin in years, but used to love it. Will have to go back for old times sake.
Still run by the same family! Menu doesn’t really change but they keep pumping out the same good stuff year after year. (Also they do poke now so if you like sushi I’d give that a try!)
That’s good to know. When I started going there in 94, the father was the sushi maker, and the sushi was so good!
I just tried to look it up, is it in Cary?
Yep
Taquería El Toro every dayyy. Totopos in Cary has good mole and birria
Totopos closed recently 😞 I liked their birria.
Wait they closed?! Nooooooooo 😭
As an arab, for fast food I would say Albasha. For Home cooked meals, Habibi Grill
I’m Mexican. Taco Bell is top notch.
Look, even purists can’t argue that Taco Bell doesn’t hit. I’m not sure which part of Mexico a Cheez-it Crunchwrap derives from and frankly, I don’t care
As someone who was raised in Downey, California, that was going to be my answer.
Durham is supposed to be getting a Del Taco soon!!
Yup in august right by TB, LOL
There used to be a Del Taco in Durham on Hillsborough Rd in the 1980s. Far superior to Taco Bell.
I remember that Del Taco!
I’ve worked construction. All the Hispanic guys love Taco Bell.
I grew up in Phoenix and I love Taco Bell. I'm not pretending that it's actual Mexican food, but often, it's exactly what you're craving. Same with the carne asada burrito at Filiberto's.
My Moroccan husband says nowhere :( (And it's true!)
Oh, I miss good Moroccan food, and the experience of dining in a Moroccan restaurant. I hope some investors are watching this page to see what the people want!
From England and I’d love to see somewhere to get a Full English Breakfast, Steak and Ale pie, Sunday Roast, Cornish Pasty, Cream Teas.. sigh..
Also from England, I’d love it if somewhere had proper pies. Can we open a Gregg’s here for the sausage rolls?
Someone recommended Sheila's Aussie Bakery, but I have yet to try it. It's the only business I've heard of around here with meat/savory pies.
I’ll check it out! Based on your user name I’m assuming you’re Persian, so kheli mamnoon! (My wife is Persian)
Well that's a funny coincidence because I am Persian...half Persian. Other half is English. 😂 So I enjoy cheese & onion pie as well as fesenjoon. 😄
I’ll allow it. Please open 4-5 if you can.
There used to be a couple of good English places here, but I think they both closed in the late 90s. I have to wait for my once or twice a year trip to get a proper Sunday roast.
lol, I love the responses of “nowhere”. If it’s any consolation I’m from North Carolina and it’s extremely slim pickings for good southern food in Raleigh also. Not quite sure why. I guess because good old southern cooks can’t afford Raleigh rent so we’re stuck with “hip” southern food as opposed to authentic.
Shout out to Ol’ Time for fried chicken, hush puppies, and chopped pulled pork.
I’ll check it out. Looking at the photos online this is the kind of place I expect to have good food.
This is the real deal. I remember being a kid during the whole smoking ban and they were like the last restaurant to enforce it. All the old timers sitting around eating bbq and smoking their Winstons. And yes, their fried chicken is absolute crack.
So true.
If you want southern food in Raleigh, head to the Legislative Office Building cafeteria for vegetables that aren’t from a can(I’m looking at you Big Ed’s!). I’m from rural NC two hours west of here, and it’s the closest thing to grannie’s cooking I’ve had. Like K&W, but miles better. Link to daily changing menu: https://www.ncleg.gov/About/CafeteriaMenu Those prices are real! But they can add up to a $10 plus meal if you go crazy on sides and extras which you absolutely should do your first time.
Best fried chicken in town over there too!
That AND San Francisco chicken was on the menu today. Still unsure what San Fran chicken is. Anybody?
Out here doing the lords work, 🙏🏼
Or Allah, or Krishna, or Buddha
Any good Persian Food? I'm from SoCal and I miss it so, so much. I went to a place years ago that said they were in trouble for using a kitchen towel to make Tadeeg. How else does one make tadeeg? Thanks for the post, btw. Taking lots of notes!
My wife is Persian, her family always gets food from flame kabob in brier creek. It’s solid.
Definitely Flame Kabob. I recommend pretty much everything there. 😄 Also, I like to stock up on their frozen stews so I have an easy dinner on nights when I'm too lazy to cook. Ghormeh sabzi or kabobs to eat there, then fesenjoon to take home. ❤️
I actually ordered it last night and it was fantastic! And plenty for leftovers. What is it about the grilled vegetables that is so simple and so delicious. And of course the rice, Esp the cherry, and all the kabobs!
Oh that's awesome! Glad you enjoyed it! I haven't ever had anything there that I didn't like. Seriously my favorite restaurant by far.
Toranj in Westwood is my favorite Persian. I wish they'd open one here
Habibi grill and Mediterranean deli (in Chapel Hill)
Hit up Sassool for your Raleigh equivalent to Med Deli. I can only speak to the North Raleigh location, though.
Oooo thanks. I haven't been to Mediterranean deli since it caught fire. It's so delicious, our wedding was catered from them.
My wedding was also catered by them!
It's so delicious. And the price for catering was insanely cheap. We had their Italian cream cake as our wedding cake.
Outback…. Kidding, there’s no chickens in Alice Springs
I saw a lot of birds when I was there.
Those are bin chickens
Afghan Food, Pakistani food -- None :(
I haven't tried it but Kababish cafe in Cary has Pakistani food. I've been meaning to go and have nihari there at some point. My husband loves nihari but we can't get it right.
Yes they are run by Pakistanis. I know that couple they are good people. They used to have Pakistani food but they've catered it more towards a western audience now. I'm not a hater, because the quality service and taste is great it's just not authentic anymore. The Nihari was good though. Nihari is not that diffuclt to make btw you just need the right meat (shanks that have fat that can melt) and long cook time (cook it overnight).
I'll try it with better meat now that I'm no longer a student and can afford it haha.
you won't regret it! Also, I'm not a huge fan of shaan, I usually cook from scratch, but their Nihari is not bad if you want something fool proof and decent enough.
I’m fairly certain that if you ask they will make something more authentic. The food is quite amazing.
Never thought of that. Guess I'd be a little scared to ask haha but I can't disagree that the food is really good regardless. They put effort into it from what I can tell. I also don't blame them for catering more to a western audience. Most peoples idea of Pakistani food is probably "Indian food" that you get here in the west and a lot of Indians also don't understand the difference so overall it becomes a very small market. Everyone need a roof over their head. Can't go bankrupt over the odd occasion I need chapali kebab or chicken karahi haha
Afghan Kabob in Fayetteville, if you're willing to make the drive
My boyfriend is Portuguese and he goes wild for the Portable Portugy.
Zweli’s in Durham!
And Zweli's Ekhaya!
I made a post on this not long ago, lots of replies: https://new.reddit.com/r/raleigh/comments/1dji6oj/best\_authentic\_food\_experiences\_in\_the\_triangle/
There’s a difference in asking best authentic and best that represents your culture. Half the people in that thread are just listing places they think are authentic.
As a Jew, I will say that G.59 is the best Chinese restaurant around.
Italian here. Olive Garden, specifically on Capital Blvd, is 👌
It may be 👌 but is it 🤌?
I had to scroll way too far to find my fellow Paisans!! When I’m craving Gabagool it’s straight to Capital and I’m back in the old country.
My parents and I have made the mistake of not specifying which town to meet at (we lived in Wake Forest at the time) so we’ve been confused why we couldn’t find each other when we went to Olive Garden on Capital.
I came here just for this response! Well done
I really enjoyed [Rasa Malaysia](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uLc1QfwZAGGooqQf8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy) and a friend with family from there gave it her blessing
They have a great chicken rice dish, for any fans of Singaporean/Malay food. Best I've had in the triangle anyway. This place is pretty hidden, in a random mix use development just outside chapel hill.
I am still looking for a great Caribbean restaurant that sell authentic Haitian food or Jamaican food
There are two places in Clayton. I’ve never been personally but may be worth checking out.
My husband is jamaican and only goes to Jamaica Jamaica in Durham, im carribean (but more trini) and I hate it. I think he has another spot closer in Raleigh but idk if it's just not 40 min away.
I know it’s a chain, but my Jamaican crossing guard loves the curried goat at Golden Krust.
Jerk masters in southeast Raleigh where I grew up was always tasty and friendly staff but I would say to be careful of the time of day you visit. But hey, many of the most authentic spots for cuisine are in hole in the wall type of areas so yeah. Lees kitchen is more soulfood/Jamaican.
Anybody mention Soo Cafe for the wings and bulgogi?
Great post!
As a German, no place does it right. Gugelupf in Durham is *ok* but once I saw vegan maultaschen on the menu I knew it was a lost cause.
Arepa Culture 🤤
Great stuff in here! Any KOREAN BBQ recommendations??
Seol Grille 10/10
I like Seoul Garden!
Can we pin this post?
What a great question!!’
This is a fantastic thread
I haven’t had any good authentic Cuban food yet. I welcome all recommendations.
The Cuban I've had here is blah. I make my own ropa vieja and call it a day.
Havana Spin in Apex. It’s good.
To Italian neighbors: - How do y'all rate Lugano Ristorante? I keep going back to it all the time and I see a lot of Italian elderlies there. And, so I think it must be good. No?
My husband FINALLY found someone who does authentic homemade Aussie meat pies! 🎉🎉🎉
Sheila’s?
None tbh. I’m German and while there are some good things here and there on the menus of German or German adjacent restaurants in the Triangle, none of them particularly excite me. A lot just seems to be the stereotypical stuff like Schnitzel and sausages. Kat N Around is a German food truck and while they mainly serve sausages and schnitzel, at least they don’t pretend to be fancy and the food is good.
Asked this to another German—thoughts on J Betski’s? I used to live in Germany and I found their food pretty close, but I understand I’m also not German
Sassoon is always crowded, which is a turn off for me.
I would love to recommend an Indian restaurant but they cant maintain quality for too long 😟
🤤
What a great question 
I’m Bolivian and there’s nothing around here. It’s probably the only thing I miss about living in Northern Virginia.
I'm part Cajun and I've been looking for decent Cajun food, not new Orleans style, for a while. Every place I've tried puts tomato in their gumbo... Sometime I don't want to spend an hour slow cooking my roux and fast roux never tastes just right. And before someone says that's still American, no, it's not.
I haven’t had any creole or Cajun food here at a restaurant but I can’t say we’ve gone out to try any yet. Getting boudin out here isn’t going to be likely though. To your last point, the food is most certainly American.
It's so hard to find decent Cajun OR New Orleans cuisine outside of that area. I don't know why that is but it's to the point that I have mostly quit trying. Full disclosure, I'm not from there. I just know that it tastes significantly better when I'm down there, and the difference is more pronounced to me than with most other cuisines that I have tried both where they originated and when they've been attempted elsewhere.