When airline prices shoot up, vacation time is minimal, or you just can’t get away to a foreign land, don’t let that stop you from experiencing another culture. Instead, take a culinary journey.
I’m not talking Olive Garden to get your Italian fix or Taco Bell to satisfy a Mexican craving, but rather truly authentic restaurants that transport you to another world; restaurants that capture the essence of another country through their ambiance and food.
Most cities will tout expansive culinary options, and Denver lives up to the tall order (it is the Mile High city after all). I’ve discovered restaurants that take you around the world and back…all while staying within the same zip code. Convenient, eh?
And restaurants aren’t the only way to experience a foreign food; take a foray into ethnic cooking and look into recipes with an international flair. Just because you grew up with one type of cuisine, doesn’t mean you can’t explore an entirely different one. Whether you’re using a jar of Patak’s for that Indian flavor you’ve been looking for, or you whip up some German-style schnitzel from scratch, the right ingredients can be a recipe for culinary and cultural success.
So how do you find authentic cuisine that has that magical effect of whisking you away without leaving your city limits? Well, that does require a trip…to the World Wide Web, of course. Visit yelp.com for reviews—the good, the bad, and the ugly will all be represented. Urbanspoon.com will indicate what restaurants are worth a voyage. Google “ethnic supermarkets” in your town, and you might be surprised by the diverse results. Cost Plus World Market offers stacked shelves stocked with interesting foreign foods. And be sure to look around college campuses for a unique concentration of diverse cuisine.
If you happen to be in Denver, here are some recommendations for an authentic meal—eight to be exact. And bonus! No need for traveller’s checks (do those even exist anymore?). While I haven’t been to some of these, I have it on good authority that the following restaurants are the go-to places for foreign fare.
India: Jai Ho
The advantage of working for a university with a large international student population: restaurant recommendations. And the number one place the Indian students tend to recommend? Jai Ho in Aurora. It’s not just a song from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack, but apparently it’s truly authentic Indian, specifically from the south. You better order a mango lassi, as the spice levels allegedly reach extreme heights. Other Indian eats: Little India.
The advantage of working for a university with a large international student population: restaurant recommendations. And the number one place the Indian students tend to recommend? Jai Ho in Aurora. It’s not just a song from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack, but apparently it’s truly authentic Indian, specifically from the south. You better order a mango lassi, as the spice levels allegedly reach extreme heights. Other Indian eats: Little India.
Middle East: Jerusalem's
Close your eyes and listen to the cars zoom by and the buzz of foreign languages chattering around you; smell the roasting gyro meat spinning in the kitchen; sense the hustle and bustle of a popular Middle Eastern restaurant. Where in the world are you? A tiny shack-like structure near the University of Denver named Jerusalem’s. With a rustic interior lined with burlap sacks, Jerusalem’s has been producing plates of Middle Eastern goodies—from dalmas to baklava—since the 70’s. The flavor profile of each plate provides an authentic taste and the location makes you think you’re on vacation. Note: If you click the link above, put your sound waaaay down.
Close your eyes and listen to the cars zoom by and the buzz of foreign languages chattering around you; smell the roasting gyro meat spinning in the kitchen; sense the hustle and bustle of a popular Middle Eastern restaurant. Where in the world are you? A tiny shack-like structure near the University of Denver named Jerusalem’s. With a rustic interior lined with burlap sacks, Jerusalem’s has been producing plates of Middle Eastern goodies—from dalmas to baklava—since the 70’s. The flavor profile of each plate provides an authentic taste and the location makes you think you’re on vacation. Note: If you click the link above, put your sound waaaay down.
Germany: Café Berlin
I can never resist a German restaurant. There’s something about this comfort food that lures me in. And while I make a pretty slammin’ schnitzel myself—must be my German grandmother’s influence—seeking out spaetzel or potato dumplings has become a mission. Cue Café Berlin, a well-known downtown Denver restaurant serving up legit German meals that taste like Oma’s. And if you catch the owner, your German speaking skills best be brushed up because Sie wird Deutsch mit Ihnen sprechen. Other German eats: Helga’s.
I can never resist a German restaurant. There’s something about this comfort food that lures me in. And while I make a pretty slammin’ schnitzel myself—must be my German grandmother’s influence—seeking out spaetzel or potato dumplings has become a mission. Cue Café Berlin, a well-known downtown Denver restaurant serving up legit German meals that taste like Oma’s. And if you catch the owner, your German speaking skills best be brushed up because Sie wird Deutsch mit Ihnen sprechen. Other German eats: Helga’s.
Mexico: Rio Grande
Ok, I have to admit…this place is more authentic Tex-Mex than Mex-Mex. Maybe it’s the 3-limit margaritas that put me in a blurry haze of approval, but the simple Mexican meals you get at Rio Grande are delicious, consistent, and high-quality. Coming from New Mexico, it’s hard to nail down a Mexican restaurant that meets my staunch requirements, so I stick with Rio Grande to avoid disappointment. One day I’ll heed my own advice and venture out beyond the border. Until then, bring on the margaritas! Other Mexican eats: Santiago’s. 4 G’s Mexican Restaurant. Jack and Grill.
Ok, I have to admit…this place is more authentic Tex-Mex than Mex-Mex. Maybe it’s the 3-limit margaritas that put me in a blurry haze of approval, but the simple Mexican meals you get at Rio Grande are delicious, consistent, and high-quality. Coming from New Mexico, it’s hard to nail down a Mexican restaurant that meets my staunch requirements, so I stick with Rio Grande to avoid disappointment. One day I’ll heed my own advice and venture out beyond the border. Until then, bring on the margaritas! Other Mexican eats: Santiago’s. 4 G’s Mexican Restaurant. Jack and Grill.
Italy: Undici
Another recommendation that has yet to be tried and tested, Undici in Englewood is an upscale neighborhood restaurant that allegedly delivers rich, hearty Italian cuisine. This isn’t the aforementioned Olive Garden, but rather thoughtful meals with style and elegance. Sorry, no unlimited salad and beadsticks here. But when you consider the price point at the O.G. (around $15 a plate for dinner!), you may as well go local and spend the same for better quality.
Another recommendation that has yet to be tried and tested, Undici in Englewood is an upscale neighborhood restaurant that allegedly delivers rich, hearty Italian cuisine. This isn’t the aforementioned Olive Garden, but rather thoughtful meals with style and elegance. Sorry, no unlimited salad and beadsticks here. But when you consider the price point at the O.G. (around $15 a plate for dinner!), you may as well go local and spend the same for better quality.
Great Britain: Bull & Bush
The smell of freshly brewed beer wafts gently through this crowded dark pub and you can’t help but believe you’ve been transported to Britain—without the $800 pricetag! However, the best part is distinctly American: all-you-can-eat Fish and Chip Fridays. Order the signature Man Beer IPA, sit back in the dark mahogany chairs, and enjoy the atmosphere. If you have enough beer, you might leave with a British accent. Other British eats: Pints Pub, GB’s Fish and Chips.
The smell of freshly brewed beer wafts gently through this crowded dark pub and you can’t help but believe you’ve been transported to Britain—without the $800 pricetag! However, the best part is distinctly American: all-you-can-eat Fish and Chip Fridays. Order the signature Man Beer IPA, sit back in the dark mahogany chairs, and enjoy the atmosphere. If you have enough beer, you might leave with a British accent. Other British eats: Pints Pub, GB’s Fish and Chips.
Asia: Pei Wei
Don’t skewer me yet! Let me make a case for why Pei Wei—the smaller sister restaurant of PF Chang’s—makes the list. You see, it’s the Pad Thai. It’s delicious. Hands-down best Pad Thai I’ve ever had. Try to beat it, I dare you (no really, I do…recommend another place and I’ll try it). And in terms of atmosphere, this chain restaurant does an excellent job of putting on a show. Sit up at the bar and be dazzled by the giant woks full of fire. The chefs know what they’re doing and the way they play with fire so food can play with your tastebuds is inspiring.
Don’t skewer me yet! Let me make a case for why Pei Wei—the smaller sister restaurant of PF Chang’s—makes the list. You see, it’s the Pad Thai. It’s delicious. Hands-down best Pad Thai I’ve ever had. Try to beat it, I dare you (no really, I do…recommend another place and I’ll try it). And in terms of atmosphere, this chain restaurant does an excellent job of putting on a show. Sit up at the bar and be dazzled by the giant woks full of fire. The chefs know what they’re doing and the way they play with fire so food can play with your tastebuds is inspiring.
France: Le Central
Sitting in the back covered patio, you’ll swear you’re somewhere between Provence and Paris. The décor, the food, the people—it all adds up to a simply French experience. A different menu every night with reasonable prices considering the quality, Le Central delivers delectable French cuisine with a side of French-speaking natives at the helm. Tap into a crème brûlée or sample a steaming vegetable pot pie with a crust to write home about. This little slice of French heaven? Parfait. Other French eats: Trompeau Bakery.
Sitting in the back covered patio, you’ll swear you’re somewhere between Provence and Paris. The décor, the food, the people—it all adds up to a simply French experience. A different menu every night with reasonable prices considering the quality, Le Central delivers delectable French cuisine with a side of French-speaking natives at the helm. Tap into a crème brûlée or sample a steaming vegetable pot pie with a crust to write home about. This little slice of French heaven? Parfait. Other French eats: Trompeau Bakery.
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