By Angelica Recierdo, inside columnist
Boston is known for its diverse and vibrant neighborhoods, each with a distinct flavor, both figuratively and literally. In a city with this much history, it’s not hard to find delicious foods to match any preference or reflect any ethnic background. It may come on top of a white tablecloth or wrapped in foil from a food truck. One learns over time that each different cuisine claims its territory. Sure, visitors can figure out that Chinatown will have great dim sum and bubble tea, and that the North End is pasta and pastries, but for residents it’s common knowledge that Allston is Korean BBQ and the Cuban food in Jamaica Plain is mouth-watering. Catch up with your friend who’s on the opposite co-op cycle at Pavement with your hands cupping a hot mug. Impress your parents with a play and dinner in the South End. For every mood and occasion, Boston’s got a dish to match, so head out and try some of these tasty options:
Thai: Brown Sugar Café is located off the B line on Boston University’s campus. They’ve actually been around for a while (since the ‘90s) and it’s evident they’re the real deal when it comes to Thai. For those that don’t want to stray too far from the familiar, instead of Pad Thai try Kua Gai, another flavorful noodle dish.
Mexican: Casa Romero is hidden off a side street of Newbury and once you descend into the restaurant, the décor is authentically Mexican. I always return for their Carne Asada because the bistec is marinated deliciously. Have the calamari or fish tacos as starters and there will be none left over.
Indian: Mela is a South End favorite and on weekends,it provides a fulfilling lunch buffet. Pile your plate high with naan and tikka masala as well as other meat curries like lamb. End the meal with something sweet like a mango lassi or rice pudding.
Brunch: Trident Booksellers & Café is the literary haven of Newbury Street. Browse the shelves before or after your meal and have a seat upstairs to enjoy the view of street shoppers below. To drink, I’d recommend any of their shakes and frappes and for a sweet and savory combination, try the frittata and blueberry French toast.
Photo courtesy Lucy, Creative Commons
