Atlanta has long been the traditional home of Southern hospitality and cuisine. In fact, the charms of fried chicken, hominy grits and other Southern culinary staples have always been appreciated by gourmands of every stripe. Still, since the turn of the 21st century, Atlanta – considered one of the alpha cities of the world – has developed a decidedly diverse reputation for the cuisines available in the city.
Here are a few of our favorite cuisines and the best places to find them in the ATL.
Mouthwatering Middle Eastern
More specifically, the cuisine of the renowned restaurant, the Falafel Cafe is distinctively Persian. The food is absolutely delicious, from the kashk-o-bademjan appetizer, a rich and tangy eggplant dish, to the aash-e jow, a cream-of-barley soup, to the incomparable fesenjan stew with its chunks of chicken, sweet pomegranates and bitter walnuts. At the very least, you'll taste some cuisine that is not very often found in the United States.
"Nom-Worthy" New Mexican
With its strong Latino community, there is no shortage of Mexican and Spanish inspired cafes in Atlanta but the decade old restaurant, Agave, has specialized in that southwestern favorite known as New Mexican cuisine. The more notable dishes include Guajillo mussels, Smoked Chicken and Green Chile Tacos as well as their signature dish, the Beef & Pepper Poblano Chile Relleno. Also take note of their tequila tasting flights.
Culinary Korean
Nothing screams Korean cuisine more than dishes with kimchee and tofu. The former is strikingly pungent while the latter depends on the other ingredients to give it flavor. At the restaurant, Sokongdong Tofu House, they combine both in a pork-based soup that sublimely incorporates both of the other ingredients. Our other favorites include the seafood pancakes and almost all of the banchan – that's appetizers to those of you who don't speak Korean.
Voracious Vietnamese
A cuisine from the same part of the world but with a definitive French twist, the Vietnamese food served at Chateau de Saigon is a singular treat. A relative newcomer to the Atlanta scene, the restaurant draws on the rich French-Asian fusion that characterizes the cuisine. Don't miss the “Shaken” Beef, any of the Hot Pots or the house specialty, Mango Shrimp.
Kickin' Cajun
Though not that physically distant from Louisiana, the traditional cuisine of Atlanta bears little resemblance to that of the Bayou State. For this simple reason, it is somewhat unusual that the Louisiana Kitchen can flawlessly recreate such dishes as Cajun chicken, fried okra and popcorn shrimp. Do not be put off by its fast food décor, this food is really, really good.
If you're traveling to Atlanta, GA soon, make a point to visit these restaurants. You might even discover a new favorite!
Image Credits
Ice Cream by Confetticatcher
Falafel Cafe by Creative Loafing
Chateau de Saigon by Jenniekins812
