Gwinnett is bursting with ethnic restaurants that offer up top-notch fare without emptying out your wallet. Here are seven you should get on your list:
<< Read our Gwinnett Dining Guide
Samosa chole chaat from Chaat Ka Chaska in Lilburn. $5.95.
Samosas chole chaat are an Indian street food classic – crispy turnovers with curried chickpeas, sweet yogurt, chaat masala, cilantro chutney and tamarind chutney – that make for a substantial snack or a quick lunch.
Chaat Ka Chaska, 375 Rockbridge Road, Lilburn. 678-585-4842. facebook.com/chaatkachaska/
“Combination” pho from ATL Pho in Lilburn. $9.99.
This warm, hearty, classic Vietnamese noodle soup comes complete with filet mignon, meatball, flank, tripe and tendon. Chicken, shrimp and vegetarian options are also available, among many others.
ATL Pho, 4805 Lawrenceville Highway, Lilburn. 770-806-8181
Cevapcici from Euro Gourmet Grill in Lawrenceville. $4.49
This simple, savory dish from southeastern Europe includes five pieces of minced and grilled sausage tucked into a healthy portion of housemade pita bread and served with chopped white onions. There’s also a bigger, 10-piece option – and a grocery attached to the restaurant with many more authentic European delicacies to choose from.
Euro Gourmet Grill, 488 Gwinnett Drive, Lawrenceville. 770-513-7760, eurogourmetfoods.com/
Crispy tofu with mango sauce from Sweet Hut in Duluth. $3.95
These doesn’t look like much – think fat, rectangular French fries – but they’re hot, cheap and relatively healthy, and the tangy mango sauce really makes it pop. While you’re there, also check out Sweet Hut’s baked goods and bubble teas.
Sweet Hut, 2180 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. 470-545-0762, sweethutbakery.com/
Spicy squid roll from Harue Food in Duluth. $3.50
If you love sushi but you're looking for something with a twist, Harue offers a variety of sushi-style Korean rolls. The spicy squid roll is good for a strong kick by way of Gochujang, a spicy red sauce that will wake you up before you have to go back to work after lunch. White Windmill is across the parking lot if you need some sweet with your heat.
Harue Food, 3585 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Duluth. 770-497-9412, haruefood.com
Chicken shwarma from Cafe Raik in Duluth. $7.95
You'll likely be able to squeeze both lunch and dinner out of the hearty helping of marinated, rotisserie-cook shredded chicken that you can order on pita, Lafeh (an Arabic wrap), baguette or without bread. Cool the subtle spice of the meat with your choice of garlic spread, tahini sauce or dill sauce and add some crunch with cucumbers, lettuce, onions, red cabbage, pickles and tomato.
Cafe Raik, 1160 Old Peachtree Rd. NW, Duluth. 770-476-7595, caferaik.com
Papusas from La Bendicion in Lilburn. $2
La Bendicion is situated next to a gas station, but what it lacks in ambience it makes up for in tasty, affordable traditional Salvadoran dishes including papusas, a dish featuring a thick, corn tortilla stuffed with a combination of meats, cheese and vegetables, depending on your mood. Two or three should keep you satisfied until dinner.
La Bendicion, 722 Harbins Rd. NW, Lilburn. 678-205-0442, labendiciontaqueria.com
MORE:
6 great places to get a taste of Gwinnett's variety of restaurants
Food tour: 24 hours of Gwinnett restaurants
The 5 best places to drink in Gwinnett
Chefs: Why I opened my restaurant in Gwinnett
Ethnic dishes on the cheap in Gwinnett
Photos: 19 Gwinnett restaurants to try
