You don't have to travel overseas to get a taste of flavors from afar. Whether it's pad Thai, pho, chicken tandoori, sarma or Korean barbecue - there's something for virtually every tastebud in the Chattanooga Valley. In keeping with this issue's travel theme, we decided to highlight some of the best ethnic eateries around town, so you can feel like you're traveling overseas - even if you're really just traveling across town.
Frogurtland, 9408 Apison Pike, Ooltewah, Tennessee
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Despite what the name suggests, Frogurtland sells more than frozen yogurt - it also does authentic Korean food. Its latest offering is beef bulgogi deopbap, a rice bowl topped with thinly sliced meat. But the restaurant also offers popular kimchi fried rice and chicken, along with other delicacies such as bibimbap, a mixed rice bowl, and dumpling soup. For those in love with the trendy boba tea, it offers a variety of flavors, including coffee, matcha and taro.
Photo by Chris Zelk / Cafe & Toast's red wine pork ribs and rice.Cafe & Toast, 3536 Cummings Highway
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Cafe & Toast serves Vietnamese and Singaporean dishes, including pho, which is considered Vietnam's national dish. Its menu ranges from rice dishes to sandwiches to bun (pronounced "boon" in Vietnamese) noodles, which may be served with anything from tofu and vegetables to pulled pork. For those unfamiliar with Vietnamese flavors, pad Thai is a good option. Though not Vietnamese or Singaporean, the Asian staple comes with shrimp, chicken or vegetarian options.
Staff photo by Emily Crisman / Tata's Grill Bosnian Cuisine in East Ridge opened during the pandemic.Tata's Grill, 5716 Ringgold Road
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Tata's Grill offers authentic Bosnian fare, such as the Doner sandwich, a special mix of lamb and beef with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and onions served on Bosnian lepinja bread. Its sarma - cabbage leaves stuffed with a special seasoned mix of rice and ground beef - is another traditional option. Ever had a Cockta, the Balkan version of Coca-Cola? You can try it or Radenska, Balkan-style mineral water, at Tata's.
Photo by Mark Gililland / Kabob-ster's vegetarian sampler.Kabob-ster, 1408 Gunbarrel Road
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Kabob-ster specializes in Middle Eastern fare, from shwarma and gyros to baba ghanouj. If you're vegetarian, try the vegetarian sampler, which is a heaping selection of hummus, baba ghanouj, tabouli salad, grape leaves, falafel, cheese-spinach burek and feta cheese rolls. But save room for dessert. Kabob-ster also offers cashew baklava, among other traditional treats.
Contributed photo / Zaya Korean Steakhouse's spicy pork starter.Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse, 300 Cherokee Blvd.
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Zaya is like a fine American steakhouse - done the Korean way. Its menu of specialty starters includes such dishes as beef dumplings and dry-aged poppers, made with deep-fried jalapenos filled with dry-aged ribeye and more. But its entrees are what really elevate the restaurant. Feeling fancy? Try the "Wagyu feast," served with Miyazaki A5-grade Japanese Wagyu beef, Australian Wagyu strip loin, Australian Wagyu top sirloin and bone-in filet mignon, for $280.
Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / Bollywood Tacos' grilled mahi mahi tacos.Bollywood Tacos and Bar, 203 E. Main St.
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This eatery fuses Indian and Mexican fare for a unique twist. It features three categories of tacos: house; premium; and Bollykicks - the latter of which most vividly features the Indian-Mexican fusion. The "Bombay taco," for example, is grilled chicken in Indian tandoori spices, topped with sauteed onions, peppers and cilantro and using naan bread as the "taco" shell. Or - like all its taco options - it can be served in a bowl.