The more I travel, the more exposed my palate is to exotic spices, delectable pastries, and scrumptious proteins. I crave those flavor combinations that I didn’t know could possibly exist, and when I return home after traveling, one of the things I miss most is the food. When I returned from my study abroad a few years ago, I began to seek out different restaurants that had a more ethnic feel. I wanted my tongue to be tickled again with foreign textures and my senses delighted. Salt Lake City is becoming a more culturally diverse capital and I was eager to discover the delights of Salt Lake City’s ethnic food scene.
Got a napkin ready for the excessive drool you’re about to produce? In no particular order, here are my top 5 favorite ethnic restaurants in Salt Lake City, Utah!
#1: Cafe on Main – Bosnia
Address: 2701 S Main St, Salt Lake City, Utah
I never knew in a million years that my comfort food would become Bosnian food. Cafe on Main was a satisfying discovery that my boss actually introduced me to, unbeknownst to her. We had a lunch meeting one day and had them cater…and my life was changed forever. Seriously, the food is that good – to the point where my friends and I went to the brick and mortar for dinner a few nights later. Their kebabs are full of flavor and juicy, their schnitzel is ever-so-delicate, and their rice and potatoes battle to become star of the meal. But my all-time favorite thing to order is their sudzukice: deliciously fried sausages that even Anthony Bourdain would drool over. Don’t let the basic outside facade dissuade you from stopping by: this is truly a hidden gem in Salt Lake City.
My recommendation: sudzukice (sausage) plate, tomato and cucumber salad, and tufahija for dessert!
#2: Oh Mai – Vietnam
Address: 3425 State St, Salt Lake City, Utah
Oddly enough, Oh Mai was another happy find while at work. We have local ethnic restaurants that rotate through our cafeteria every week and I was feeling adventurous one day: I had a banh mi. Have you ever tried one before? Delicious meat (or tofu) layered inside a crisp baguette with pickled veg, cilantro, and a chili-lime fish vinaigrette. I’m normally not a sandwich person, but I start to drool as soon as I walk into the restaurant. Not a big sandwich person either? How about some pho? Noodle soup cooked for hours in broth with veg and your choice of meat (or meatless). The popularity of Oh Mai has caused multiple locations to open up across the valleys, much to the enjoyment of Utahns. Come on down and be instantly transported to South East Asia! Don’t forget to order like a local: each menu item has an alpha-numeric code next to the name (eg: S2 or V5)
My recommendation: Honey-glazed pork Bahn Mi and some spring rolls (if they have them by the register)
#3: Fernando’s Cafe Guanaco – El Salvador
*Now closed (2022)
Fernando’s was a happy find that just happened to be in a neighborhood I once lived in. My friends and I were always on the lookout for fun, new ethnic places to try out and we struck gold with Fernando’s. Every Wednesday after softball, my friends and I would show up and stuff our faces with homemade pupusas and freshly-squeezed juice for stupid-cheap prices. Don’t know what a pupusa is? How about a thick corn tortilla stuffed with savory goodness? Beans, meat, cheese, and sometimes zucchini blossoms, when they’re in season. I’m drooling. You’ll want to order at least 2 different varieties to satisfy your cravings, for sure. And take a look around the back to see what kind of fruit they have to juice for you. Being a California girl, my favorites have been watermelon and cantaloupe.
My recommendation: pupusa con carne asada y queso and some fresh juice
#4: Myung Ga – Korea
Address: 3353 Decker Lake Dr, West Valley City, Utah
Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth! That’s how I came to find my favorite Korean restaurant. Before Myung Ga, I’d never tried kimchi. I’d heard words like bibimbap, banchan, and Pat Bing Soo on the Food Network and Travel Channel, but never thought I’d be able to try them in Salt Lake City. Now? They’re a part of my standard vernacular. Every time I arrive at Myung Ga, my eyes are just too big for my belly and I had to learn the hard way that the rice in bibimbap doesn’t reheat very well. Show up hungry and take a chance with a dish that is new to you. I promise you won’t be sorry. And leave room for dessert!
My recommendation: Hot-stone Bibimbap with soft tofu soup, plenty of kimchi, and banchan (sides)
#5: The Red Iguana – Mexico
Address: 736 W North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah
The Red Iguana is a bona fide gem that Salt Lake City residents hold to the highest regard. It would be seriously remiss of me to leave The Red Iguana off of ANY Salt Lake City to-do list or highlight reel. If you’ve been here and had a less-than-stellar experience, keep it to yourself because The Red Iguana is a Mecca for foodies all around. Not only has it won numerous local and state awards, but has also been featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Known for their moles and addictive salsa, The Red Iguana also features an impressive taco spread.
First time to town? Come on over and sample their moles. But wear sweat pants. Your belly will thank you later. Oh, and don’t stress too much about the line of people queued up outside. There is always a wait and so worth it! If you have a group of 8 people or more, you can now make a reservation. And you can take advantage of their free valet service!
My recommendation: Tacos Don Ramon and a *virgin* piña colada, with sopapaillas for dessert!
Honestly, this is a small smattering of the different types of ethnic cuisine that Salt Lake City has to offer. I’ve personally eaten at all of these establishments multiple times and am still discovering new “favorites” every visit. At the rate new restaurants are popping up, I’ll forever be in the process of discovering new cuisines to enjoy!
Which ethnic cuisine is your favorite? Have you tried any in Salt Lake City before?
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