One of the main attractions for international travel is tasting diverse cuisines, but you can do the same without leaving Asheville.
It’s time to embark on a culinary journey — these 15+ local restaurants offer global foods and experiences. Here’s how to travel the world with your taste buds.
Brazil | Gauchinho Brazilian Steakhouse, 5 Westgate Pkwy., #100 | Come hungry because this steakhouse offers a dozen different grilled meats, along with a salad bar and the caipirinha, a classic Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, and lime.
Cuba | Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food, 122 Riverside Dr. | Hit up the bright red food truck for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with options ranging from steak and eggs to Nana’s black bean soup. Bonus: If you’re in Black Mountain, make a trip to Cousins Cuban Cafe to snack on sweet + savory pastries and sip on a Cafe Cubano or indulge in a warm Cubano.
El Salvador | Taste of El Salvador, 1565 Patton Ave. | Since 2015, Chef Canduchita Molina has been serving up pupusas, Salvadoran-style tamales, and more delicious traditional dishes.
Ethiopia | Addissae, 48 Commerce St. | The downtown spot boasts a flavorful menu of various meat and vegan options, cooked in unique spice blends with plenty of ginger and garlic. Pro tip: If you want a taste of everything, go for the vegetarian or meat platters, served with injera, a soft and spongy flatbread.
France | Bouchon, 62 N. Lexington Ave. | The menu is filled with French comfort food classics, like Escargot bathed in garlic butter, creamy raclette fondue, and warm, tender Boeuf Bourguignon. Bonus: Its East Asheville sister restaurant, RendezVous, has an equally delicious menu, plus eight pétanque courts.
Italy | Cucina 24, 24 Wall St. | Since 2008, this eatery has been blending the traditions of Italian cooking with Southern ingredients. The result? Delicious dishes like tortelloni with oyster mushrooms + truffle and roasted trout with tomato and herb butter.
India | Laila Asheville, 77 Biltmore Ave. | If indecision gets the best of you, the daily lunch buffet is filled with everything from appetizers to desserts. But when it comes to Indian cuisine, we’re spoiled with choice — Chai Pani, Dilbar, Mehfil, Mela, and Big Tikka are all located downtown.
Ireland | Jack of the Wood, 95 Patton Ave. | Grab a seat at the Irish pub for a pint of Guinness and some shepherd’s pie.
Korea | Stone Bowl, 1987 Hendersonville Rd., Ste. A | You can’t go wrong ordering the restaurant’s namesake dish, with rice, veggies, egg, and your choice of protein served (plus, a side of spicy sauce). You can also dine on plenty of other authentic favorites like kim bap and hot pot.
Lebanon | Gypsy Queen Cuisine, 807 Patton Ave. | From bright and lemony tabbouleh to shwarma wraps stuffed with Lebanese fries, the dishes are all equally flavorful and fresh. Be sure to explore the small market inside, filled with cheeses, nuts, jams, and pastries.
Mexico | Taqueria Muñoz, Various locations | Often lauded as the best tacos in Asheville, fresh, handmade tortillas are packed with your choice of meat — then you can doctor them up to your liking with onion, cilantro, lime, and salsa.
Middle East | Baba Nahm, 60 Biltmore Ave. | Sample all kinds of Middle Eastern street food at this colorful joint, from Tabrizi meatballs to a Lebanese platter filled with fresh fare. Right now, the restaurant is closed, but for an exciting reason. Soon, it will move from its Grove Arcade location to a more spacious spot at 60 Biltmore Ave.
Philippines | Master BBQ, 870 Riverside Dr., Woodfin | The bright red food truck is parked at Zillicoah Beer Co. and serves up authentic, mouthwatering dishes, like crispy lumpia, pancit bihon topped with pork cracklings, garlicky chicken adobo, and its special grilled skewers. If you’re hungry for more Filipino fare, you can snag a reservation at the acclaimed Neng Jr.'s.
Spain | Cúrate, 13 Biltmore Ave. | Gather friends and family to share a tapas spread, with classic dishes like patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo. You can also stop by La Bodega for a Spanish meal or to pick up items to take home from the market downstairs.
Thailand | Pon’s Thai Cuisine, 3101 Sweeten Creek Rd. | Inside the Exxon gas station, you’ll find a selection of scrumptious curries, noodle dishes, and soups.
Vietnam | Wild Ginger Noodle Bar, 1950 Hendersonville Rd., Ste. 12 | This restaurant dishes out classic Vietnamese food made with locally sourced ingredients. The pho is a must order, served with fresh basil, cilantro, green onion, bean sprouts, and jalapeno to dress up your soup to your liking.
