A World on a Plate: Aurora’s Diverse Culinary Scene
Forget the usual suspects in Denver; Aurora, Colorado, is quietly building a reputation as a culinary haven, a place where you can embark on a global food adventure without ever leaving the city limits. While the Rocky Mountains loom large on the horizon, a different kind of landscape thrives within Aurora’s borders: a vibrant tapestry of cultures, each contributing its unique flavors and culinary traditions. From the fragrant broths of Vietnamese pho to the rich, complex stews of Ethiopia, Aurora offers an unparalleled selection of authentic ethnic restaurants that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. This article will guide you through some of the best ethnic restaurants this dynamic city has to offer, showcasing the diverse culinary landscape that makes Aurora a true foodie destination. Get ready to explore Aurora’s best ethnic food, a journey filled with delicious discoveries at every turn.
Aurora’s culinary diversity is a direct reflection of its vibrant population. Home to a significant immigrant community, the city has become a melting pot of cultures, each contributing its unique culinary heritage. This has resulted in a thriving restaurant scene where you can find authentic flavors from around the globe, often at incredibly affordable prices. Finding the best ethnic food Aurora CO has to offer is an adventure in itself. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing new tastes and textures, and supporting the passionate chefs and families who are sharing their culinary traditions with the community. So, put on your adventurous spirit and get ready to experience a culinary journey like no other.
Exploring Vietnamese Flavors
Vietnamese cuisine is a celebration of fresh ingredients, vibrant herbs, and delicately balanced flavors. Known for its iconic pho, a fragrant noodle soup, and its flavorful banh mi sandwiches, Vietnamese food is a delight for the senses. In Aurora, you’ll find several excellent Vietnamese restaurants serving up authentic and delicious dishes.
Pho Ninety-Five
Pho Ninety-Five, located on East Mississippi Avenue, is a local favorite known for its consistently delicious pho and its warm, welcoming atmosphere. The broth is the star of the show, simmered for hours to achieve a deep, rich flavor that’s both comforting and invigorating. Don’t miss the classic pho tai (rare steak pho) or the pho ga (chicken pho), both bursting with flavor. They also serve a great bun bo hue. Beyond pho, they offer a wide range of other Vietnamese dishes, including vermicelli bowls and rice plates. The price range is very reasonable, making it a great option for a casual and affordable meal. Phone them at (303) area code and then 366 followed by 8095 or visit them online. Pho Ninety-Five is where you’ll find what many consider the best ethnic food Aurora Co has to offer, even though the competition is great!
Savory Vietnam
Savory Vietnam, nestled on East Alameda Avenue, offers a more modern take on Vietnamese cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s stylish décor creates a relaxed and inviting ambiance. While their pho is excellent, the real standout is their banh xeo, a crispy Vietnamese crepe filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors. Expect to spend a bit more here than at Pho Ninety-Five, but the quality and presentation are well worth the price. Don’t hesitate to ask the servers for recommendations; they are always happy to guide you through the menu. For a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist, Savory Vietnam is a must-visit.
The Richness of Ethiopian Cuisine
Ethiopian food is a communal dining experience, meant to be shared with friends and family. Characterized by its flavorful stews, known as wats, and its spongy flatbread, injera, Ethiopian cuisine is a feast for the senses. In Aurora, you’ll find a growing number of Ethiopian restaurants serving up authentic and delicious dishes.
Arada Ethiopian Restaurant
Arada Ethiopian Restaurant, located on East Colfax Avenue, is a long-standing Aurora institution known for its authentic flavors and generous portions. The restaurant’s simple decor creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Order a combination plate to sample a variety of different wats, including doro wat (chicken stew), misir wat (lentil stew), and gomen (collard greens). Be sure to use the injera to scoop up the stews – it’s the traditional way to eat Ethiopian food! The price is very affordable, making it a great option for a budget-friendly meal.
Queen of Sheba
Queen of Sheba, situated on South Parker Road, offers a more upscale Ethiopian dining experience, with a focus on presentation and service. The restaurant’s elegant décor creates a sophisticated ambiance. Their lamb tibs (sautéed lamb) and kitfo (minced raw beef) are particularly noteworthy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the gored gored (cubes of raw beef marinated in spices). Be prepared to spend a bit more here than at Arada, but the elevated dining experience is well worth the price.
Sizzling Korean Delights
Korean cuisine is a flavorful blend of spicy, savory, and sweet notes. Known for its grilled meats, flavorful stews, and fermented side dishes, Korean food is a culinary adventure. Aurora boasts a number of excellent Korean restaurants, offering everything from traditional barbecue to modern fusion dishes.
Tofu Story
Tofu Story, found on South Havana Street, specializes in soondubu jjigae, a spicy tofu stew that is a staple of Korean cuisine. You can customize your stew with different levels of spice and various additions, such as seafood, meat, or vegetables. The banchan (side dishes) are also excellent, offering a wide variety of flavors and textures. This place is a local favorite for a reason. Tofu Story provides a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for a cold Colorado evening.
Funny Plus
Funny Plus (or just Funny+) offers a Korean fried chicken that’s the talk of the town. Yes, they have other Korean dishes, but the chicken is what attracts most people. If you’re looking for the best ethnic food Aurora Co has to offer, and you like fried chicken, you have to give it a try.
The Heart of Mexico: Authentic Regional Flavors
Beyond the familiar Tex-Mex fare, Aurora offers a taste of authentic regional Mexican cuisine. From the complex moles of Oaxaca to the savory tacos of Mexico City, Aurora’s Mexican restaurants offer a glimpse into the diverse culinary traditions of Mexico.
Los Dos Potrillos
Los Dos Potrillos is a local favorite, known for its vibrant atmosphere, generous portions, and authentic flavors. Their carne asada is a standout, grilled to perfection and served with all the fixings. Their margaritas are also legendary, the perfect accompaniment to a delicious Mexican meal. Be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends, but it’s well worth it. Los Dos Potrillos is a great place to experience the best of Mexican cuisine in Aurora.
Tacos Selene
Tacos Selene is unassuming but serves amazing tacos, with authentic ingredients. If you want real Mexican food, skip the big chains and hit this local favorite.
Exploring the Spices of India and Nepal
Indian and Nepalese cuisine is a celebration of aromatic spices, rich curries, and flavorful breads. From the creamy butter chicken to the savory momos, Indian and Nepalese food is a culinary adventure. Aurora has a wide variety of Indian and Nepalese restaurants, each offering its unique take on these classic cuisines.
Yak and Yeti Restaurant and Brewpub
Yak and Yeti Restaurant and Brewpub, is a popular spot known for its delicious food, wide selection of beers, and lively atmosphere. Their butter chicken is a must-try, creamy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. They also offer a variety of Nepalese specialties, such as momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup). This location is not far from the Stanley Marketplace, and close to lots of action in Aurora. It’s a great place to experience the flavors of India and Nepal in a fun and festive setting.
Star of India
Star of India on East Iliff offers a great Indian buffet. If you want to try many different flavors at once, this is the place.
A Taste of Thailand: Exotic Flavors and Aromas
Thai cuisine is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors. Known for its aromatic curries, flavorful noodles, and fresh herbs, Thai food is a delight for the senses. Aurora has a number of excellent Thai restaurants, each offering its unique take on these classic dishes.
Thai Basil
Thai Basil, located on South Havana Street, is a popular spot known for its authentic flavors and generous portions. Their pad thai is a standout, perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor. They also offer a variety of other Thai dishes, such as green curry, red curry, and tom yum soup. The service is friendly and efficient, making it a great option for a quick and delicious meal.
Tips for Navigating Aurora’s Ethnic Food Scene
To fully appreciate Aurora’s incredible ethnic food scene, keep these tips in mind:
Be Adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try new dishes and step outside your comfort zone. You might discover your new favorite food!
Ask for Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask restaurant staff for recommendations or advice on what to order. They are often the best source of information.
Consider Spice Levels: Be mindful of spice levels and ask for dishes to be adjusted to your preference if needed.
Look for Authenticity: Look for restaurants where the staff speaks the native language and the menus are written in the native language. This is often a sign of authenticity.
Support Local Businesses: Support these often family-run restaurants, they are the heart and soul of Aurora’s culinary scene.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Aurora’s ethnic food scene is a testament to the city’s diversity and cultural richness. From the fragrant broths of Vietnamese pho to the rich stews of Ethiopia, Aurora offers a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and broaden your horizons. So, get out there and explore the incredible ethnic restaurants that Aurora has to offer. Discover your new favorite dish, support local businesses, and experience the world on a plate. Share your culinary adventures in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your favorite hidden gems in Aurora! The best ethnic food Aurora CO is waiting to be discovered, one delicious bite at a time. Happy eating!
