Best 'Ethnic' food in austin...

[achtungpv]

Marco Polo has very good Dim Sum on the weekends.

Oaxacan Tamaleo is bar none the best authentic mexican food. They are no longer on Anderson lane but are out of town on 71 towards bastrop.

[jwb123]

I was the one who asked about Hawaiian plate lunch style food - and the consensus was NO! there isn't anything like that here. Totally bummed. NEED some chicken katsu w/ mac salad....

but, on that thread, someone from Hawaii did give a good mac salad recipe ...

[jwb123]

One thing I am missing - Hawaiian BBQ

[bassmangotdbluz]

Scrapple? Did I hear somebody bad-mouth Scrapple? It was obviously someone who has never sliced it 1/2" thick and cooked it in Butter until crisp but still soft. Heaven on a plate with Eggs and Fried Potatoes. I had Pennsylvanian Grandparents and grew up loving it. It's Pork (traditionally head meat), Pork Broth & Corn Meal formed into a block and sliced. I finally found it at Central Market in the frozen section. Jones brand although RAPA is the preferred one, it'll do.

There's plenty of German Food in Fredericksburg. The Auslander has Red Cabbage to rival my Deutscher Oma's. There's a German Butcher Shop in Marble Falls called Hill Country Fine Meats who makes, stocks and distributes more varieties of Bratwurst and other sausages that it would take a year to sample them all. He also makes Jerkys and Dry Cured Sausages of all kinds.

Thai? I like Madam Mam's. Thier Panang Curry is some of the best ever & I'm originally from NYC, my chef brother turned me on to the place. Before work carried him away, he ate there at least twice weekly for years.

BTW, There's also a wonderful Thai place in Marble Falls on 2nd St called "Ginger & Spice".

Greek? Drive north to Georgetown at the corner of Williams Drive and the southbound I-35 access road you'll find Plaka Cafe. Casual, inexpensive, cafeteria style (a la Luby's) and family friendly. They have outstanding Greek favorites of all descriptions with daily specials, so call ahead; Lamb Shanks, etc. The Chicken Gyros are all marinated breasts vertically rotisserie spit roasted like Swarma; heavenly in a wrap or on a plate with a Greek Salad. Thier Dolmades, Moussaka, Tiropita, Spanakopita, Tzatziki are all great! My only complaint about Texas Greek in general is that they always use Beef Tenderloin rather than Pork Tenderloin to prepare Souvlaki. I guessing it's the regional preference for Beef that drives it.

Pizza? I'm Brooklyn born and self-admittedly a "Pizza Snob". Saccone's, Home Slice & Reale's are my faves with Yaghi's, AJ's, Southside Flying Pizza and Brooklyn Heights all making my "It'll Work "List. Sorry Mr.Gatti's; you are just serving something that looks like Pizza. Please ...

Subs, Grinders, Hoagies, Poor Boy's .... Delaware Subs is hands down my favorite Philly CheeseSteak or Italian Cold-Cut Sandwich (they have several variations, I like The Gourmet best). Try one with Sweet Peppers, a sweet pickled Bell Pepper topping that is a regional favorite but rarely seen anywhere besides NJ down to around Ocean City, Maryland. It great on a Pizza too.

Tucci's is also making a great product and swings between Chicago & NYC in Italian influence.

Saccone's Pizza makes some really great sandwiches like his Italiano with Proscuitto, Soppressata, Fresh Mozzerella, Roasted Red Peppers, & Fresh Basil drizzled in OVOO; and his bread is as good as that at Delaware Subs. This besides having the only New Jersey Style Boardwalk Pizza in town, his 18" Ex-large is what a pizza is supposed to look like, smell like and most importantly, taste like. They remember your name and give friendly service which is a commodity in this time.

Jersey Mikes although a national chain makes some really great stuff too though you may want to opt for "Extra Meat".

Poor Boys? Ya want a Po' Boy like ya get in a neighbuhhood Sammich Shop down in the Parish, Brah? Hot Roast Beef in Gravy (dripping off of your elbow), Fried Shrimp or Fried Oyster ... but unfortunately, no Muffeleta ... are waiting for you at "The Real New Orleans Style Restaurant" with locations in Burnet, Marble Falls and Round Mountain. They also have Gumbo, Jambalaya, Etouffee, etc. just like your Creole Momma cooked. After Katrina, the owners moved to Kingsland along with thier entire church family; you'll meet some of them working there. The Burnet location is just a carry-out shop with a few tables and a limited menu but believe me when I say; "It's worth the drive; Yeah ya right !!!"

[MattV]

I lived in Bankok for a year. I've tried Thai Passion and Madam Mams, I don't think any Thai person would eat at those places and I've asked a few and they say no way. It's all too sweet and bland and very Americanized. That's not a bad thing, I'm just telling you how it is. I love Americanized Chinese food, so if that is what you are use to and like it, that's fine.
One Thai place to try is the one on 6th street just east of Congess. I"ve only had one dish there and it was pretty good. It should be explored more.

Greek - THere is a place just off Guadalupe I think around 30th Street. Next to Mangino's Chicago pizza place. A Greek person ownes it, and some of the recipes are his Grandmothers. I try pasticio where ever I go, and this rated very high. This place should also be explored more. It is a little on the high price side.
There is another Greek place, I think it is called Athenia on 1st st. down town. That was excellent also. Had the lunch platter which was huge. Everything on it was very good. The guy that ownes it only speaks Greek.

Asia Cafe for Chinese is very decent, but can be hit or miss. I'd recommend it over everything other resturaunt I've tried. Try the cumin beef, it's incredible.