This article also appeared in the January/February 2017 edition of Charlotte Epicurean magazine.
Dosa Nation (Woodlands Indian Cuisine)
There is a restaurant boom in Charlotte--it seems like every other week there is a new restaurant opening (next to another new apartment complex in South End, naturally). While this is great for the Queen City’s economy and food connoisseurs, there is more to the Charlotte food scene than flashy openings in high profile areas. Our diverse population means that there are many different authentic global cuisines being prepared around our fair city, and often these culinary gems are hidden in strip malls, supermarkets, and off the beaten path from your usual go-to restaurant.
Restaurant: La Shish Kebob
Reuben chowing down on some halal goodness
Location: Eastland neighborhood, off of North Sharon Amity Road
Type of Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Why you need to add it to your culinary rotation: La Shish Kebob is very unassuming from the street--but you can rest assured that the food is fresh and authentic. You can order at the counter, or you can try their buffet, which is overwhelming in a most wonderful way: tabbouleh and other salads, halal meats, soups, rice, all the pita your heart could desire, and don’t forget the tzatziki to cover it all in. For dessert, we tried a pastry different from the ever popular baklava--kanafeh, a cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup. Delicious! In addition to the food, the owner was super friendly, and La Shish Kebob has had a 100% sanitation rating for three years in a row--OCD diners rejoice!
Tip: If you are still hungry for dessert (100% of the time for my crew and me), head a few doors down to Golden Bakery for even more authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean sweets and breads--come early if you want to get their naan, they tend to sell out quickly!
Restaurant: Thai House
Pad See-Ewe
Location: Pineville/Gastonia/University/Lake Norman
Type of Cuisine: Thai
Why you need to add it to your culinary rotation: Thai House is impeccable: the atmosphere is stunning, with carved wood seating areas and sculptures, the service is great, and the food comes out fast and flavorful. It’s easy to see why this place is a successful local chain. The starters we tried here were new to us--the fried potstickers were fried in a wonton wrapper rather than a dumpling wrapper, and were filled with spinach and chicken--a delicious take on the usual. They also had spring rolls wrapped in light Thai crepes in addition to the usual rice paper wraps. The Pad Thai and Pad See-Ewe were big hits with the table, as were the curries.
Tip: Get the mango sticky rice for dessert--it’s the perfect Thai ending to your meal--cooling, light, and refreshing.
Restaurant: Honey Buns
Decisions, decisions
Location: Independence Boulevard
Type of Cuisine: Taiwanese/Korean/Vietnamese
Why you need to add it to your culinary rotation: Have you been to the magical international food paradise that is the Super G Mart? If so, then you might know about the hidden deliciousness in the back of the store--Honey Buns. Honey Buns is mostly Taiwanese cuisine, with elements of Korean and Vietnamese thrown in for good measure. They have dim sum, bao buns, banh mi, pho, fried rice--basically, anything and everything you might be craving. Our favorite things to order are buns (red bean, taro, and egg custard), and bubble tea. The bubble tea at Honey Buns is the very best in Charlotte--endless options and heavy on the add-ins.
Tip: Definitely shop around Super G Mart while you are here--you can get great deals on groceries. Our favorites? Miso, sriracha, mochi ice cream, and all flavors of Pocky.
Restaurant: Woodlands Vegetarian Indian Cuisine
North Indian Thali
Location: Eastland neighborhood, off of Albemarle Road
Type of Cuisine: Indian (all vegetarian)
Why you need to add it to your culinary rotation: One of the common themes at the restaurants we checked out for this article was that the menus tended to be, well, huge. The crazy thing, though, is that all of the restaurants on our list manage their large repertoire of items so very well. There is magic in these kitchens, and Woodlands is no exception. Everything is made fresh and tastes healthy, filling, and comforting. Fresh tomato soup, homemade roti and naan, and rich curries are among the standouts. We tried a couple of things new to us here, too--we had dosa for the first time, and we didn’t realize what we had been missing. In case you are similarly uninformed, dosas are thin and crispy crepes made with white lentils and rice, and then filled with potatoes and other delicious things. We also tried carrot halwa, and it was love at first bite: grated carrots, milk, dried fruits, and nuts. The sweet halwa went perfectly with all of the savory components of our meal. Woodlands is awesome because it doesn't feel quite as heavy as Indian cuisine sometimes can; we left feeling perfectly satisfied.
Tip: If you want to try a sampling of many items on the menu, get the South or North Indian Thali. This platter will satisfy whatever you are craving!
Restaurant: Kabab-Je
All the sides!
Location: Matthews
Type of Cuisine: Mediterranean & Lebanese
Why you need to add it to your culinary rotation: Kabab-Je has a lot going for it--a large menu filled with fresh mediterranean salads and kababs, favorites like spanakopita and grape leaves, but the number one thing about Kabab-Je is their homemade pita bread which they churn out hot and fresh continuously--as in, all day, every day. If they are open, you are getting fresh pita, and that, friends, is a thing of beauty. Also homemade? Their labneh, which is strained yogurt with mint and olive oil, and that together with the pita? Yeah, you should pretty much cancel any existing plans and drive there for dinner tonight. Other favorites include the batata harra (spicy potatoes) and the kabis (mixed pickles).
Tip: This is a great place to order in stages--start out with a few plates and order more depending on your level of hunger. You will leave feeling healthy and sated.
Restaurant: Doan’s Vietnamese Cuisine
Vietnamese Yellow Pancake
Location: South Boulevard
Type of Cuisine: Vietnamese
Why you need to add it to your culinary rotation: You have probably driven by Doan’s dozens of times and missed it, but you need to change that ASAP. Located within one of the many strip malls along South Boulevard is one of the most authentic Vietnamese restaurants in the city. Many consider Doan’s pho to be the hands down best, and it’s perfect for the season--there is nothing like pho on a chilly night. Not in the mood for soup? Get one of the vermicelli noodle dishes; the spicy lemongrass with beef was rich and flavorful. Other standouts include the Vietnamese yellow pancake with shrimp, pork, chicken, and bean sprouts. Like many of the dishes here, the pancake is served with the traditional fresh herbs and lettuce that add to the fresh flavor profile Vietnamese cuisine is known for.
Tip: Get the avocado smoothie! It’s surprisingly not overly sweet, and it’s also a great accompaniment to the loads of hot sauce you just put in your pho.