First, We Feast
Austin’s international restaurants add a little spice to life.
Words by Jessi Devenyns Photos by Shelby Bella Additional Photos Provided by Inked Fingers, Alex Maxwell, & Jody Horton
As long as people have been on this earth, eating has been a necessity. Although nourishment started out as scraps of meat and gathered plants, it quickly evolved into particular dishes that reflected the environment of those who were cooking and the cultures that were built around the table. From economically stretching meat rations through the week to religious fasts that dictate what, how, and when to eat, what constitutes food is as varied as the world is wide. In East Austin, the cuisines of all 195 countries may not be represented, but there is still an ample menu to choose from for those who are looking to expand their horizons through their palate.
Il Brutto
Although the name means “the ugly,” the dishes at Il Brutto are anything but. Composed in a high Italian style, the plates take center stage on the table in operatic fashion, featuring wood-fired pizzas, hand-stretched cheese and a medley of bright flavors to contrast against the restaurant’s classy dark ambiance. Stop by for
1601 E 6th St. | ilbruttoaustin.com
Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant
“Everywhere you go, Ethiopian food is pretty much the same,” Aster’s son Kassaye Kassaye begins as he rotates through the color wheel of wats atop a round of sourdough injera. Despite the seemingly wide variety of options, Kassaye explains that the base ingredients are standard across the country. Ethiopia is home to a culture that is heavily influenced by orthodox Christianity, which promotes vegan diets and fasting.
2804 N I-35 Frontage Rd. | (512) 469-5966
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Saperlipopette
With an approximate translation of “good, golly, gosh!” Saperlipopette brings a lot of old-school charm to its traditional recipes. With standards like La Complète, which is a
75 Rainey St. | saperlipopette-atx.com
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Thai Kruefha
An under-the-radar trailer that features Thai staples like pad Thai, green
1106 E 11th St.
This new Korean restaurant is family-friendly for a reason.
1628 E Cesar Chavez St. | oseyoaustin.com
Old Thousand
The first clue that Old Thousand is serving up reimagined Chinese food should be the panda on the wall wearing a crown and chain. The second clue should be the menu. “We try to do our best to touch on aspects of traditional Chinese food but also ride that line of kitschy,” remarks Rhys Davis, the sous chef at Old Thousand. Brisket fried rice and Cubano egg rolls make an appearance alongside traditional Chinese dim sum options like Gai Lan, chilled Chinese broccoli in vegetarian oyster sauce, and Lo Bak Go, root vegetable cakes with Chinese sausage and shrimp.
1000 E 11th St., Ste. 150 | (737) 222-6637 | oldthousandatx.com
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Xian Sushi and Noodle
Translating to “fresh” in Mandarin, this Mueller establishment serves up hand-pulled noodles that are theatrically sculpted for diners who get to select their noodle thickness when ordering. Of course, they aren’t just eye candy but also taste scrumptious in Dan Dan chili-oil sauce, chicken teriyaki, or
1801 E 51st St., Bldg. C 370 | xianfresh.com
Nasha
This Indian Tex-Mex fusion eatery brings together Mumbai and margaritas under one colorful roof. Cravable combinations include chicken tandoori tacos and
1614 E 7th St. | nashaindia.com
Casa Colombia
A longtime Austin destination for Colombian food, Casa Colombia has consistently served up a menu that will make carnivores across the city salivate. From
2409 E 7th St. | Casa-colombia.com
Beto’s Mexican Restaurant
Although aptly named, the presidential candidate from El Paso has nothing to do with this small Austin restaurant chain. Despite the eatery flying under the radar since opening their first restaurant in 2010, it hasn’t stopped owners Lupita and Beto from opening 3 additional establishments around town. With tacos that feature ingredients like
3518 E 7th St. | betosaustin.com
Kebabalicious
1311 E 7th St. | kebabalicious.com
Scholz Garten
The first iteration of the bar with the name Scholz attached to it opened in 1866. Through the centuries, the biergarten has hosted all walks of life, serving as a gathering place for those looking to enjoy a pretzel, some wurst, spätzle or an ice cold German beer under the hot Texas sun. This summer, sip on their Ginger Cherry Limeade and make sure not to miss their Summer Solstice Celebration, which will be happening in September.
1607 San Jacinto Blvd. | scholzgarten.com
Poke Me Long Time
The suggestively named Hawaiian-
fusion poke bowls add flair to a dish that’s already fun to eat. Take a seat on palapa covered benches and drift into a Polynesian state of mind as guests enjoy combinations of tuna, salmon, tofu, rice, fresh fruit, sauces and sliced avocado.
poke-me-long-time.business.site
Lima Criolla
Peruvian food is as visually vibrant as it is flavorful. Known for Latin ingredients that are influenced by the tutorage of Japanese cuisine, expect acidic accents like raw fish dishes to familiar flavors like braised pork and potatoes.
6406 N I-35 Frontage Rd., Ste. 1550 | limacriolla.com
Russian House
“In the Soviet Union, they tried not to make something specific to a place. Everything is common,” explains assistant manager David Rand. Russian House specializes in the dishes from this period with chicken tabaka, borsch, sauerkraut, and salad olivier making appearances on the menu. David admits that although “old food isn’t always cool,” it is an integral part of the history of the ex-Soviet countries, and a delicious one at that. With its fuchsia broth and focus on beets, borsch is an instantly recognizable dish from the region, but David says no two are made the same.
307 E 5th St. | (512) 428-5442 | russianhouseofaustin.com
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Tso
No tips. No delivery fee. All good. That’s the motto of Tso, which is a delivery and takeout only establishment that serves up fresh and fast meals like Drunken Beef Noodles and Blue Crab Rangoons—all of which were dreamt up by the restaurant’s Chinese owners.
3909 N I-35., Ste. E-5 | tsodelivery.com
888 Pan Asian Restaurant
With warm chatter, clanging dishes, and a steaming lunchtime buffet, the interior of 888 elicits echoes of cantinas and chow halls. However, the food is anything but every day; a better description would be celebratory. From aromatic Thai and Vietnamese soups to tender grilled lamb in a creamy coconut sauce, 888 masters the flavors of Southeast Asia and presents them in an irresistible manner.
2400 E Oltorf St., Ste. 1 | (512) 448-4722
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