By Administrator The aroma of simmering spices, the vibrant chatter of diverse languages, and the dazzling array of storefronts – Buford Highway is a feast for the senses. More than just a road, it’s a portal to Asia, a bustling corridor where culinary traditions from across the continent converge. I remember my first venture onto Buford Highway; I felt immediately transported. The sheer variety was overwhelming, but the intoxicating smells and promise of authentic flavors were irresistible. What started as a tentative exploration quickly blossomed into a passionate love affair with the diverse and delicious offerings of this iconic street. Forget the tourist traps; Buford Highway offers a genuinely immersive cultural and culinary experience. This is a place where grandmothers meticulously hand-roll dumplings, where chefs recreate family recipes passed down through generations, and where you can taste the true essence of Asia, one delicious bite at a time.
This article is your ultimate guide to navigating the culinary labyrinth of Buford Highway and discovering the very best Asian food it has to offer. We’ll delve into the heart of Korean barbecue, explore the fragrant world of Vietnamese pho, uncover hidden gems of Chinese dim sum, and much more. Our criteria for “best” extends beyond simple taste; we consider authenticity, value, atmosphere, and overall experience. Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through Buford Highway’s culinary landscape!
Korean Cuisine: A Fiery and Flavorful Experience
Korean food, known for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and communal dining experience, has taken the world by storm. Buford Highway is undoubtedly a Korean food mecca. From sizzling Korean barbecue to comforting stews and savory pancakes, the Korean restaurants here are a must-visit.
Han Il Kwan: A Korean BBQ Institution
Consider Han Il Kwan, a Buford Highway institution. The atmosphere here is bustling and energetic, filled with the intoxicating scent of grilling meats. Their menu is extensive, showcasing the breadth of Korean cuisine, but the real star of the show is the Korean barbecue. The servers are attentive, guiding you through the process of cooking the meat to perfection on the tabletop grill. The Galbi (marinated short ribs) is a must-order – tender, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized. Don’t miss the Bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef) either, a sweet and savory delight. And of course, no Korean barbecue experience is complete without an array of Banchan, the small side dishes that accompany the meal. From kimchi to pickled vegetables to seasoned sprouts, the Banchan at Han Il Kwan are fresh, flavorful, and endlessly refillable. The experience is truly immersive, a fantastic way to enjoy a meal with family and friends. The restaurant gets busy, so be prepared to wait for a table, especially on weekends. It’s worth it, though; the flavors are truly unforgettable.
So Kong Dong Tofu House: Comfort in a Stew
For a taste of something different, venture over to So Kong Dong Tofu House, a local favorite specializing in Soondubu Jjigae (soft tofu stew). This comforting stew is a staple of Korean cuisine, and So Kong Dong Tofu House does it exceptionally well. The stew arrives bubbling hot, filled with silky soft tofu, vegetables, and your choice of protein (seafood, beef, or pork). The broth is rich, spicy, and intensely flavorful, perfect for a cold day or when you need a comforting meal. Pair your Soondubu Jjigae with a bowl of rice and a side of kimchi for the ultimate Korean comfort food experience. The restaurant is unassuming, but the food speaks for itself.
Navigating the Korean BBQ Experience
When venturing into the world of Korean barbecue, a few tips can enhance your experience. First, don’t be afraid to ask your server for help. They can guide you through the menu, explain the different cuts of meat, and show you how to cook them properly. Second, don’t overcrowd the grill. Cook the meat in small batches to ensure it cooks evenly. Third, use the lettuce wraps provided to create delicious and healthy bites. Wrap the grilled meat in a lettuce leaf with rice, kimchi, and ssamjang (a Korean dipping sauce) for a burst of flavor and texture. Finally, remember that Korean barbecue is a communal experience. Share the food, talk to your companions, and enjoy the process of cooking and eating together.
Vietnamese Delights: Fragrant Broths and Fresh Flavors
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, vibrant herbs, and delicate balance of flavors. Buford Highway boasts a fantastic selection of Vietnamese restaurants, each offering its unique take on classic dishes.
Pho Bac: A Noodle Soup Paradise
The undisputed king of Vietnamese cuisine is, of course, Pho. At Pho Bac, the broth is the star. Slow-cooked for hours with beef bones, herbs, and spices, the broth is rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. They offer a variety of Pho options, from Pho Bo (beef pho) to Pho Ga (chicken pho). The noodles are perfectly cooked, the meat is tender, and the toppings are fresh and plentiful. Squeeze a lime, add a few sprigs of cilantro and basil, and a dollop of sriracha for the ultimate Pho experience. Pho Bac is a simple, no-frills restaurant, but the focus is on the quality of the food. Be prepared for a wait during peak hours; it’s that popular.
Lee’s Bakery: The Perfect Banh Mi
For a quick and satisfying bite, head to one of the many Banh Mi shops on Buford Highway. Lee’s Bakery is a local favorite, known for its perfectly crusty bread and flavorful fillings. The classic Banh Mi Thit is a must-try – a baguette filled with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, cilantro, jalapeños, and a smear of pate. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to try other Banh Mi variations, such as the Banh Mi Ga (chicken), Banh Mi Xiu Mai (meatball), or Banh Mi Chay (vegetarian).
Quoc Huong: Seafood Sensations
For a taste of Vietnamese seafood, consider Quoc Huong. This restaurant specializes in dishes like Cha Ca La Vong (turmeric fish with dill) and Bun Rieu (crab noodle soup). The seafood is fresh and flavorful, and the dishes are prepared with authentic Vietnamese techniques. Cha Ca La Vong, especially, is a unique dish. Served sizzling in a pan, the turmeric fish is tender and fragrant, paired beautifully with dill, peanuts, and rice noodles.
Mastering the Art of Vietnamese Dining
Enhance your Vietnamese dining experience by learning a few basic tips. First, don’t be shy about adding sauces and herbs to your dishes. Fish sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, cilantro, basil, and mint are all commonly used to enhance the flavors. Second, use chopsticks properly. Hold the chopsticks towards the end, and use them to pick up noodles, vegetables, and meat. Avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in your bowl of rice, as this is considered bad luck in Vietnamese culture. Third, try to learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases, such as “xin chao” (hello) and “cam on” (thank you). This will show your respect for the culture and enhance your dining experience.
Chinese Culinary Treasures: From Dim Sum to Sichuan Spice
Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each region boasting its unique flavors and dishes. Buford Highway reflects this diversity, offering a wide range of Chinese restaurants representing different culinary traditions.
Canton House: A Dim Sum Delight
No visit to Buford Highway is complete without experiencing Dim Sum. Canton House is a popular Dim Sum restaurant where you can enjoy a wide variety of steamed, fried, and baked delicacies. Dim Sum is traditionally served in small bamboo steamers, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes. Must-try items include Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), Har Gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu Mai (pork dumplings), and Char Siu Bao (barbecue pork buns). The atmosphere is bustling and lively, with servers pushing carts filled with Dim Sum around the restaurant. Point to the items you want to try, and they’ll add them to your bill.
Taste of Chengdu: Spicy Sichuan Sensations
If you crave spice, head to a Sichuan restaurant like Taste of Chengdu. Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold flavors, particularly its use of Sichuan peppercorns, which create a unique numbing sensation on the tongue. Recommended dishes include Mapo Tofu (tofu in a spicy bean sauce), Dan Dan Noodles (noodles in a spicy peanut sauce), and Kung Pao Chicken (chicken stir-fried with peanuts and chili peppers). Be warned: Sichuan cuisine can be quite spicy, so be sure to order accordingly.
Hopstix: Cantonese Comfort
For a taste of Cantonese cuisine, try Hopstix. While known for its craft beer, it also has an excellent menu featuring Cantonese favorites like roasted meats, congee, and wonton noodle soup. The roasted duck and crispy pork belly are particularly noteworthy. Cantonese cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients and delicate flavors, making it a lighter and more refreshing option compared to other regional Chinese cuisines.
Navigating the Chinese Menu
When ordering Dim Sum, be sure to try a variety of dishes to get a full experience. Start with some steamed dumplings, then move on to fried items, and finish with something sweet. Don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations if you’re unsure what to order. When navigating a large Chinese menu, it can be helpful to ask about the chef’s specialties or look for dishes that are recommended by other diners. Many Chinese restaurants also offer family-style meals, which are a great way to sample a variety of dishes and share them with your group.
Beyond the Big Three: Other Asian Culinary Gems
While Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisines dominate Buford Highway, don’t overlook the other Asian culinary gems that can be found here.
Ramen Station: A Noodle Dream
Ramen Station offers authentic Japanese ramen. The restaurant’s broth is rich and flavorful, slow-cooked for hours to extract every last bit of umami. They offer a variety of ramen styles, from tonkotsu (pork bone broth) to shoyu (soy sauce broth) to miso (fermented soybean paste broth). Top your ramen with chashu (braised pork belly), a soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, and seaweed for the ultimate ramen experience.
Little Bangkok: Thai Tastes
Little Bangkok is an excellent choice for Thai cuisine on Buford Highway. Indulge in dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum Soup. You can also choose the spice level that you want, so it’s great for people who are averse to spice.
Malay Restaurant: Malaysian Flavors
Malay Restaurant offers Malaysian cuisine. Sample the Nasi Lemak, Rendang, or Satay for a delicious meal. Malaysian cuisine is often a combination of Chinese, Indonesian, and Indian cuisine, so it offers a lot of flavors in one place.
Exploring Beyond the Restaurants
Buford Highway offers more than just restaurants. Explore the Asian markets, like Assi Plaza, where you can find unique ingredients, snacks, and household goods. Visit the bakeries and dessert shops, such as Sweet Hut Bakery & Cafe, for Asian pastries, sweets, and bubble tea. Keep an eye out for cultural events and festivals that celebrate Asian culture on Buford Highway.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Buford Highway is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. With its diverse range of Asian restaurants, markets, and bakeries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the sizzling Korean barbecue to the fragrant Vietnamese pho to the flavorful Chinese dim sum, Buford Highway offers a taste of Asia in every bite. So, venture onto Buford Highway, be open to new experiences, and let your taste buds guide you on a journey you won’t soon forget. Come and experience the best Asian food Buford Highway has to offer – you won’t be disappointed! It’s a truly delicious and authentic adventure.
