Sonoma County is best-known for its wine country dining and farm fresh ingredients, but there are some fantastic and unique ethnic options as well. Next time you want a culinary adventure that won’t break the bank check out one of these places.
- Pupuseria Salvadorena- next to the 7-11 on Maple Ave and Brookwood (across from the Sonoma County Fairgrounds), look for the bright blue walls and lit sign that simply states, PUPUSA. They serve a variety of hearty pupusas for $2 each as well as carne asada platters, fried and mashed plantains and yucca, and homemade horchata.
- Vang Vien: A mother-daughter ran Laotian restaurant on South Santa Rosa Avenue, inappropriately nestled next to a tattoo parlor, serves up some of the best larb I have had since, well, I was in Laos. They claim to make better pho than the Vietnamese places around, with noodles made from scratch. Their other claim to fame: Thai karaoke on weekend nights. This I must see.
- Jhanthong Banbua may be its name, but you will recognize it as the nondescript Thai restaurant outside the shady purple motel on Mendocino Avenue. Once inside, the restaurant makes up for the sketchy location with over-the-top decor, traditionally dressed waitresses, and most importantly, the fantastically fresh and authentic food. Thai is one of the ethnic cuisines more commonly available, but I have yet to find a local restaurant to top this one!
- Saigon Cuisine is another local secret, hiding in a small strip mall on 3rd st just west of Railroad Square. The exterior is unassuming and less appealing than other Vietnamese spots around town, but inside it more than redeems itselfthrough atmosphere, service, and quality. The Vietnamese Pancake here is delicious, served on a plate overflowing with 2 types of fresh basil, lettuce, and cilantro.
Other worthwhile stops include Annapurna for Himalayan cuisine, Masala Jack’s in Cotati for Indian, Hang Ah Restaurant for Dim Sum, and Abyssinia Restaurant for Ethiopian.
Your favorite ethnic dive not listed? Fill me in!
