Countries without immigrants are countries without flavor or variety, especially when it comes to food. If you want a taste of some of the countries that our president seems not to care for very much, here are some of the restaurants serving those cuisines in the Orlando area. Don’t worry, we’re sure everything you try will be better than a well-done steak with ketchup.
Merguez Restaurant
11951 International Drive, 407-778-4343
Open seven days a week, this Moroccan restaurant has kebabs, tagines, lamb shank and plenty of mint tea to wash it all down.
Photo via tri_mo/ InstagramNamaste Grill
333 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, 772-283-5515
The Namaste Grill serves Nepalese and Indian dishes like lamb seekh kabab and tandoori chicken, not to mention they also have a nice dog-friendly patio and a solid weekend brunch menu.
Photo via valentino_vegann/ InstagramPupsueria Maya
2108 Michigan Ave., Kissimmee, 407-944-0708
This Salvadoran joint claims to have the best pupusas mayas in the area and the Internet seems to agree. They also have everything from tamales to yuca fritas.
Photo via papucla10/ InstagramMi Tierra Pupusería & Bakery
808 E. Vine St., Kissimmee, 407-201-8478
It’s always a good sign when a Salvadoran restaurant social media isn’t in English. This is a place with hearty dishes, like tripe soup with corn still on the cob in it and house-made tamales.
Photo via mitierrapupuseria/ InstagramCasablanca Restaurant and Bakery
4153 W. Vine St., Kissimmee
This is quintessential Moroccan cuisine. Expect plenty of hummus, lamb and artichokes.
Photo via schwartz87/ InstagramCafe Kreol and Bar
2340 W. Oak Ridge Road, 407-852-9723
This Haitian joint’s menu feels more like eating over at friend’s house. There are only a handful of options, but they change every day between classics like griot and tasso kabrit.
Photo via krypto9095/ InstagramFritan’go Food Truck
Mobile, 863-804-5424
You might find them in Lakeland, Tampa, Orlando or anywhere in between. That being said, tracking them down for Nicaraguan classics like tostones or cerdo asada is worth it.
Photo via fritanfofoodtruck/ InstagramHarambe Market
2901 Osceola Parkway, 407-939-5277
Located inside Animal Kingdom, this African-inspired theme park food is quick and might just offer the pick-me-up you require to make it through the rest of the day at the park, with spiced ribs or curried sausage.
Photo via martyg84/ InstagramMoroccan Breeze
9404 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-730-4698
Everything here is halal, and there are new specials every week. Be ready to step out of your comfort zone if you’re a steak-and-potatoes type person.
Photo via sid_rozan/ InstagramDelicias Centro Americanas
7591 University Blvd., Winter Park, 407-672-1661
This place is loaded with Honduran and Salvadoran classics, but the thing that everyone loves most here is their pupusas.
Photo via nettybby/ InstagramKissimmee Bakery
1111 E. Vine St., Kissimmee, 407-933-2211
The menu here has an emphasis on Salvadoran and Puerto Rican dishes, like kingfish steak and mashed plantains.
Photo via foreverseeps/ InstagramNile Ethiopian Restaurant Orlando
7048 International Drive, 407-354-0026
It’s Orlando’s only Ethiopian restaurant. This is the place to try dishes like wat and injera, and also mead (honey wine) and an awesome special coffee service.
Photo via jujubee99/ InstagramPupsueria Maya
2108 Michigan Ave., Kissimmee, 407-944-0708
This Salvadoran joint claims to have the best Pupusas Mayas and the Internet seems to agree. They also have everything from tamales to yuca fritas.
Photo via papucla10/ InstagramJiko – The Cooking Place
2901 Osceola Parkway, 407-938-4733
Blending African, Indian and Mediterranean together in their dishes, Jiko in the Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney not only offers food, but experiences like wine tasting or a post-dinner safari.
Photo via anchan_lee/ InstagramSanaa
3701 Osceola Parkway, 407-938-7400
In Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, Sanaa serves Indian and East African dishes like spicy Durban soup, but the best part about this place is the view into the safari enclosure where you can see gazelles, zebras, giraffes and more.
Photo via shoregoodeatin/ InstagramAfrican Soul Market
9101 International Drive, 407-530-7971
This food truck serves popular African recipes like jollof rice and stewed goat. Find their current location on their website.
Photo via drealfroez/ InstagramBoma– Flavors of Africa
2901 Osceola Parkway, 407-938-4744
Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boma emulates an African market and serves African-inspired food and beverages in an all-you-can-eat style buffet.
Photo via rumoaorlando/ InstagramCarribean Services
5812 Old Winter Garden Road, 407-298-0088
This little place may be a bit difficult to find, but is well worth the search. Their small menu is filled with bangers, like oxtail or griot.
Photo via Michell D./ YelpFlavors Nigerian Restaurant
3530 Orange Ave., 407-930-0988
Flavors Nigerian is known for their modern take on Nigerian classics, making it a great place to get your feet wet if you’re nervous to try authentic African food. Dishes include pounded yams with okro and spicy gizzard.