A Global Food Tour in 5 Miles
What if we told you that you could travel across continents without ever leaving DeKalb County?
No passport. No long flights. Just an appetite.
Along a vibrant stretch of Buford Highway, cultures from around the world come together through food. Within just a few miles, you can explore flavors from Vietnam, Mexico, Ethiopia, China, Korea, El Salvador, Thailand, and beyond. It’s one of the most diverse food corridors in the Southeast and a place where every stop tells a story.
Welcome to your global food tour in five miles.
Stop 1: Start the Day with Vietnamese Flavor
Begin your journey with a warm bowl of pho, Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup simmered with herbs and spices. The rich broth, fresh basil, lime, and tender noodles make it the perfect start to your culinary adventure.
Prefer something handheld? Grab a banh mi, a crispy baguette layered with savory meats, pickled vegetables, and cilantro. Pair it with a strong Vietnamese iced coffee, and you’ll quickly understand why this stop is a local favorite.
Stop 2: Taste Mexico’s Street Food Traditions
Next, head south of the border without leaving DeKalb.
The aroma of grilled meats and fresh tortillas fills the air as taquerias serve up authentic street tacos topped with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Order a side of elote—Mexican street corn slathered in crema, cheese, and chili powder.
Wash it all down with a refreshing agua fresca, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a bustling market in Mexico City.
Stop 3: Discover the Rich Flavors of Ethiopia
One of DeKalb’s most unique culinary experiences is Ethiopian cuisine.
Meals are served on injera, a soft sourdough flatbread used to scoop flavorful stews and vegetables. From slow-cooked lentils to richly spiced meats, every bite reflects centuries of tradition.
If you have time, stay for an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, where beans are roasted, brewed, and served in a cultural ritual that turns coffee into an experience.
Stop 4: Explore the Bold Flavors of Korea
Your next stop brings you to Korea.
Here, tables come with built-in grills for Korean BBQ, where marinated meats sizzle right in front of you. Wrap grilled bites in lettuce with garlic, sauces, and kimchi for the full experience.
Not grilling today? Try bibimbap, a vibrant bowl layered with vegetables, rice, and egg, or crispy Korean fried chickenknown for its sweet-spicy glaze and irresistible crunch.
Stop 5: End the Night with Sweet Global Treats
Every great tour deserves a sweet ending.
Buford Highway is filled with international bakeries and dessert shops where you can sample everything from delicate Asian pastries to Latin American sweets. Grab a cup of bubble tea, a fresh pastry, or a scoop of tropical ice cream to close out your journey.
Why Buford Highway Is One of DeKalb’s Greatest Treasures
What makes this stretch of road so special isn’t just the food. It’s the people.
Family-owned restaurants, generations-old recipes, and cultures from around the globe have created one of the most authentic international dining destinations in the country. Every storefront has a story, and every dish connects you to a different part of the world.
Here in DeKalb, exploring the world can be as simple as taking a drive down Buford Highway.