Vienna is filled to the brim with restaurants that expand the tastebuds, but many residents are oblivious to how many cultural treasures are right under their noses. This area reflects the cuisines and cultures of many different nations, drawn in by the proximity of the nation’s capital.
Vienna, as a community, is lucky to have so many options. These restaurants are generally well known; however, when comparing the popularity of these small businesses to the effort put into food, it’s extremely lackluster. People often stay within their comfort zones and get stuck in a repetitive routine. This gives little room to try something new and adventurous. With that in mind, it’s always worthwhile to explore some of those underrepresented restaurants, check out what they have to offer and expand one’s palate in the process.
One of the places that shouldn’t be missed is the Royal Nepal Bistro, just off Church Street. Tucked away in a narrow lane, many people have passed this restaurant; however, only 9% of students have stopped by to sample its cuisine. Royal Nepal Bistro has a mix of Nepali and Indian food. Upon walking in, individuals are immersed in the culture, with large murals, calming music and Nepali decorations. Once sat, they present their customers with a small cup of lentil soup, the perfect start to a meal. While perusing the menu, familiar foods are displayed throughout, such as fried rice and butter chicken. They provide noticeable new choices, such as the boar mo-mo–Nepali dumplings–or the spicy basecamp chicken aaloo, a chicken and potato meal with a mild, but tasty, sauce. For dessert, Sukarni, a delicious whipped yogurt with dried fruit and cardamom, rounds out the meal with poise. Next time you’re on Church Street, be sure to stop by.
The Vienna restaurant scene is in continual growth. A new restaurant, Cucos Peruvian, has taken flight in the Vienna Shopping Center. Cuco’s specializes in roast chicken, cooked over an open flame grill, in the Peruvian style. They offer family meals, with sides such as fried plantains, rice and beans and yuca, a yam-like starchy vegetable. Both the colorful murals and vibrant Hispanic music add to the ambience.
Further down Maple Ave., in Glyndon Plaza, sits Viet Aroma. A restaurant that offers a variety of different Vietnamese delights such as pho and summer rolls. Inside, they offer beautiful scenery and a very welcoming and unforgettable staff. Pho is a widely appreciated Vietnamese food and Viet Aroma does not disappoint. They have lots of different proteins, to list a few they have chicken, beef and tofu.
In addition to the diverse restaurants offered in Vienna, there are also cafes for all the coffee enthusiasts. Qamaria, a Yemeni coffee shop, offers a variety of different coffees and cold drinks. Not only are delicious drinks presented, but customers can learn about the origin of coffee itself, by reading the wall decor, which also features murals depicting the vibrant Yemeni dress and culture. For example, one teaches that mocha, a chocolatey coffee drink, takes its name from a port named Al-Mukha, in Yemen. Don’t forget to try a dessert with that strong coffee, such as honeycomb, a sweet pastry, to balance out the bitterness. Nestled in the Vienna Shopping Center they are sure not to be missed.
Food is one of the main staples that maintains culture within families. The easiest way to experience diverse cultures is through their cuisines, because as human beings, food is a necessity. However, meals can go beyond mere fuel for the body. It encompasses the history, culture and community for the people who call it their own. Culturally rich foods are distinctive to one’s heritage and serve as a gateway into the experience and history of others.
