Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina might be famous for barbecue and biscuits, but the state’s food scene has quietly exploded with flavors from around the world. Tucked into neighborhoods across cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville, you’ll find family-run restaurants serving authentic dishes from Ethiopia, India, Lebanon, and Latin America. These hidden gems bring the tastes of distant countries right to your table, proving that incredible global cuisine thrives in unexpected places.
1. Enat Ethiopian Restaurant – Charlotte
Since opening its doors in 2017, Enat has become Charlotte’s go-to spot for authentic Ethiopian cuisine that warms both stomach and soul. The star of the menu is injera, a tangy sourdough-like flatbread that doubles as your plate and utensil for scooping up rich, aromatic stews like doro wat.
What makes Enat truly special is how it introduced many locals to East African flavors they’d rarely encountered before. The welcoming atmosphere helps newcomers feel comfortable trying something adventurous, while the authentic preparation keeps Ethiopian families coming back for a taste of home.
2. Chai Pani – Asheville
Asheville’s Chai Pani brings the bustling energy of Indian street markets straight to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The menu bursts with bold, shareworthy small plates like chaats, inventive buns, and regional Indian specialties that pack serious flavor without any stuffiness.
Here’s the kicker: this unassuming spot earned a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, one of the food world’s highest honors. That’s extremely rare recognition for Indian street food in the South, proving that authentic, unpretentious cooking can compete with the fanciest establishments anywhere in the country.
3. Ajja – Raleigh
Bright, modern, and brimming with flavor, Ajja brings Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine to Raleigh with a sophisticated twist. French and Lebanese influences merge beautifully in dishes like mezze platters, grilled lamb, and pillowy house-made pita that’s worth the trip alone.
In a city where Southern comfort food and smoky barbecue reign supreme, Ajja offers something refreshingly different. The elevated touches on familiar Mediterranean favorites have struck a chord with locals hungry for international flair, making it a standout in Raleigh’s evolving culinary landscape.
4. Abugida Ethiopian Cafe – Charlotte
Abugida specializes in the kind of deep, soul-warming Ethiopian stews meant for sharing with friends and family. Their doro alecha, a mild chicken stew served with spongy injera, showcases how different spice profiles can create entirely unique flavor experiences on one communal plate.
The real stamp of approval? Ethiopian families themselves flock here regularly, which speaks volumes about authenticity and consistency. While Ethiopian food has become common in major metropolitan areas, finding a neighborhood spot like Abugida where the community gathers is something truly special in Charlotte’s dining scene.
5. Three Amigos & Sabor Chain – Charlotte
Three Amigos and its Sabor offshoots offer a delicious passport to Latin America without leaving Charlotte. Venezuelan arepas, Argentine empanadas, and Mexican street tacos all share menu space, giving diners a chance to explore regional specialties side by side.
Latin cuisine isn’t exactly rare, but the variety here sets it apart from typical Mexican restaurants. By executing multiple regional styles well – from Venezuela’s corn cakes to Argentina’s savory pastries – these spots add unexpected richness to North Carolina’s food scene that surprises visitors and delights locals craving authentic Latin flavors.
