Charlotte, North Carolina, is a vibrant city celebrated for its diverse culinary landscape. Around the Sharon Amity area and extending throughout Charlotte, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of flavors from around the globe. This guide invites you to compare foods and explore the international cuisines that make Charlotte a true food lover’s destination.
Center City & Nearby: A Taste of Global Diversity
In and around Center City, the culinary journey begins with a diverse array of options. Start with the comforting taste of Carolina apple cider, a local staple, and then venture into the exciting flavors of Indian street food. For a healthy and Southern touch, explore greens from South Carolina, or indulge in hearty Upstate NY Italian sausage. Don’t miss the unique treats from a Swiss-German bakery. For a taste of local history, reminisce with blackberry memories of Brooklyn (Charlotte’s Brooklyn neighborhood), or savor the savory Puerto Rican kabobs.
Image: Savory Puerto Rican Pinchos El Bori Kabobs, a flavorful street food option in Charlotte, NC.
South Boulevard, South Tryon & Southward: International Flavors Abound
Venturing south along South Boulevard and South Tryon, the international food scene truly blossoms. Experience the fusion of Mexico + Greece = holiday treats, a unique culinary intersection. For a festive centerpiece, consider a Cuban box pig. Explore snack foods from India for a flavorful bite or discover the SC meets Vietnam culinary experience. Find a little corner of El Salvador for authentic dishes or enjoy the savory arepas from Venezuela. Indulge in Indian sweets for Diwali or warm up with a hearty Colombian soup. Explore the unexpected Korean at China Wing or discover authentic Indian food in south Charlotte. Dive deep into Mexican take-out options and don’t miss the Mexican Tamaleria for a taste of tradition. For a different Asian flavor profile, explore Fort Mill — real Chinese cuisine or get ready for Laotian food in Charlotte. Finally, uncover a hidden gem at the European Market hidden just south of Ballantyne.
Image: A vibrant spread of Mexican take-out food in Charlotte, showcasing the rich and diverse flavors available on South Boulevard.
Independence Boulevard, Monroe Road & Environs: East Charlotte’s Global Eats
East Charlotte, around Independence Boulevard and Monroe Road, reveals even more international culinary treasures. Experience Nigeria in east Charlotte for bold and flavorful dishes and enjoy Korean BBQ at home. Indulge in treats from a Brazilian bakery or uncover a secret Greek grocery. Savor Colombian BBQ & snacks or find Detroit hot dogs for a taste of the Midwest. Enjoy New York bagels for a classic breakfast or discover Halal Latino cuisine. Explore a Russian-Turkish Grocery for unique ingredients or taste Iran Kabobs in Matthews. Find Ramen in Matthews or discover Russian picnic fare. Experience Armenia in Matthews or try Katayef – holiday dessert at Pita Kabab in Matthews. Finally, enjoy Crispy NJ pizza comes to east Charlotte.
Image: Take-home Korean BBQ feast, highlighting the popular Korean culinary experience available in the Independence Boulevard area of Charlotte.
Central Av, Albemarle Road & Vicinity: International Delights Close to Home
Central Avenue and Albemarle Road areas offer a wealth of international food experiences closer to the city center. Enjoy family-style Ethiopian dining or explore Dominican street food. Indulge in Jamaican black cake for a sweet treat and try Somali stew and sides for a unique flavor profile. Savor Schawarma from Jerusalem or try Oriental buns. Discover Greek pastries or sample Bosnian sausages. Warm up with ‘Tis the Season for Champurrado or explore a Latino bakery feeds a region. Taste Monterrey, Mexico flavors or find Tamales in Plaza Midwood. Experience one restaurant, three Latino traditions or discover Guatamala in east Charlotte. Enjoy Mexican Seafood or the unique concept of You buy – We fry. Find a Dominican Deli or savor French/Vietnamese pastry arrives in east Charlotte.
Image: A vibrant display of Dominican street food, showcasing the diverse Latin American culinary options in Charlotte’s Central Avenue area.
North Tryon, UNCC Area & Northward: Northern Charlotte’s Global Flavors
Heading north on North Tryon towards the UNCC area, the international food journey continues. Celebrate with Asian Moon Cakes or enjoy Mexican carnitas. Experience Beef on Weck from Buffalo for a taste of the north or explore Indo-Chinese cuisine. Discover Dominican fruit shakes, pressed subs or indulge in Mexican ice cream. Try Louisiana Viet crawfish or find Salvadoran comfort food. Enjoy NYC pastries – Lake Norman or explore Vegetarian eats from south India. Experience Indian Dosa Night or find Middle East via Lynx. Try Bahn Mi Brothers for Vietnamese sandwiches or enjoy Ethiopian sandwiches. Discover Turkish near UNCC or savor BBQ from Pakistan. Finally, Find a taste of Hyderabad at Nawabs Kebabs.
Image: Colorful and refreshing Mexican ice cream, a sweet treat option available in the North Tryon and UNCC area of Charlotte.
Westward & Multiple Locations: Exploring Beyond
Venturing westward, discover The Patio at Our Lady of Guadalupe or experience NC fish camps. Try Fried baloney for a Southern classic and enjoy Grits & cornmeal. Savor El Tamarindo or explore Laos in Kings Mountain. Discover Lawrence Caribbean. For options across multiple locations and food trucks, explore 5 eateries for Black History Month or delve into Charlotte’s International food scene. Learn about South’s Love Affair with Soft Drinks or find 5 Places to “Eat Northern” and Northern Favorites: Six More Eateries. Embark on a Curry journey: Vietnam, Trinidad, India or try Spiedies – Food Truck. Discover 5 best bites on Albemarle Road or try Lao Sausages – Food Truck, Western Indian – Food Truck, and Himalayan flavors – Food Truck. Finally, see how Shaved ice goes global in Charlotte.
Charlotte’s diverse food scene offers endless opportunities to compare foods and explore global cuisines. From Sharon Amity to every corner of the city, a culinary adventure awaits!
