7 North Carolina International Restaurants That Might Surprise You
North Carolina’s food scene goes way beyond barbecue and biscuits.
Hidden throughout our state are amazing international restaurants serving authentic dishes from around the world.
I’ve spent years hunting down these culinary gems, from mountain towns to coastal communities.
Ready for a global taste adventure without leaving the Tar Heel State? These seven international spots will take your taste buds on a worldwide journey you won’t forget.
1. Ajja: Mediterranean Magic In Raleigh
Walking into Ajja feels like teleporting straight to the Mediterranean. The aroma of fresh-baked pita and sizzling lamb immediately wrapped around me during my first visit, making me forget I was still in downtown Raleigh.
Their mezze platter changed my life—seriously! Perfectly smoky baba ganoush, hummus so creamy it defies physics, and falafel with that ideal crisp-outside, fluffy-inside combo. The owner, originally from Lebanon, often circulates through the dining room sharing stories about family recipes.
Pro tip: Save room for the knafeh dessert. This sweet cheese pastry soaked in orange blossom syrup might cause involuntary happy noises. I’ve been known to drive 40 minutes just for this treat alone!
2. Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe: Chapel Hill’s Indian Treasure
Vimala’s story captivated me before I even tasted her food. A community activist who started by hosting dinner parties in her home, she now runs this beloved Chapel Hill institution where “everybody eats” is more than a slogan—it’s a practice.
The dosas here stretch nearly the length of your arm! Paper-thin, crispy, and filled with spiced potatoes that somehow remain perfectly distinct—not mushy. My favorite lunch combo includes their coconut chutney (I’ve begged for the recipe) and a mango lassi that strikes that perfect sweet-tangy balance.
The restaurant’s back patio, draped with string lights and surrounded by herb gardens, transforms ordinary Tuesday dinners into magical experiences. You’ll leave with both a full belly and a full heart.
3. Chai Pani: Asheville’s Street Food Revolution
Whoever said “don’t play with your food” never experienced the joyful chaos of Chai Pani’s chaat! This Asheville hotspot turned Indian street food into an art form, earning James Beard recognition that’s totally deserved.
My first bite of their bhel puri—a crunchy, tangy, sweet explosion—literally made me laugh out loud. The server smiled knowingly; apparently I wasn’t the first. Their butter chicken defies expectations with depth that goes beyond the usual creamy tomato base, revealing cardamom notes and subtle heat that builds perfectly.
The walls pop with vintage Bollywood posters and the playlist bounces between traditional Indian music and unexpected remixes. Even on my fourth visit, I discovered menu items I’d somehow missed before. This place rewards the curious eater!
4. Neng Jr.’s: Filipino Flavors With Asheville Flair
Tucked into a space barely bigger than my living room, Neng Jr.’s packs more flavor per square inch than any restaurant I’ve visited. Chef Silver Iocovozzi’s Filipino heritage shines through every dish in this intimate Asheville gem.
The lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) arrive crackling hot, stuffed with local pork and paired with a banana ketchup that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about condiments. I embarrassed myself by scraping the plate with my finger—zero regrets.
Don’t miss the ube desserts that showcase this purple yam in ways that’ll haunt your dreams. The restaurant only seats about 20 people, creating an experience that feels like being invited to someone’s home for dinner—if that someone happened to be a culinary genius blending Appalachian ingredients with Filipino traditions.
5. Peregrine: Raleigh’s Bengali-Mexican Fusion Wonderland
Never in my wildest food dreams did I imagine Bengali-Mexican fusion would work—until Peregrine proved me gloriously wrong. This Raleigh restaurant boldly combines two culinary traditions separated by continents yet somehow creates harmony on the plate.
Their tandoori chicken tacos arrive on paratha flatbread instead of tortillas, topped with a cilantro-mint chutney that made me temporarily forget my name. The spice blends dance between cultures—cumin and coriander meeting chiles and lime in dishes that defy categorization yet taste perfectly logical.
The chef once told me this menu represents their own mixed heritage, making each bite feel personal. Even the cocktail program embraces this fusion philosophy—try the Mango Lassi Margarita that somehow works brilliantly despite sounding like culinary madness.
6. Qamaria: Charlotte’s Yemeni Coffee Sanctuary
The moment you step into Qamaria, the intoxicating aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans transports you straight to Yemen. This Charlotte gem introduced me to spiced coffee traditions dating back centuries—a revelation for someone who thought she knew everything about caffeine!
Their signature brew comes infused with cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon, served in ornate metal cups that retain heat perfectly. Pair it with their honey-soaked pastries that shatter delicately with each bite, leaving your fingers sticky in the most satisfying way.
Beyond beverages, their lamb haneeth—slow-roasted until it practically dissolves—comes atop fragrant rice that absorbs all those magical meat juices. Family-owned and fiercely authentic, the owners often share stories about Yemeni coffee ceremonies that make each visit educational as well as delicious.
7. Marrakesh: Jacksonville’s Moroccan Escape
Finding authentic Moroccan cuisine near a military base surprised even this seasoned food explorer. Marrakesh, just outside Jacksonville, serves feasts fit for royalty in a converted house where you’ll likely kick off your shoes and stay awhile.
Their tagine arrives still bubbling, releasing clouds of cinnamon-scented steam when the conical lid is lifted. The chicken bastilla—a sweet-savory pie dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon—creates that magical moment where your taste buds can’t decide if they’re experiencing dessert or dinner.
Friday nights feature belly dancers weaving between low tables while diners recline on plush cushions. The mint tea ceremony alone justifies the visit—poured from impressive heights into tiny glasses, creating a frothy top that holds the aromatic steam. Who needs a passport when this taste of Morocco awaits in eastern North Carolina?