It’s easy to think of Texas cuisine as entrenched, with its famous barbecue and cheesy Tex-Mex cuisine. But beneath that veil of cheese sauce and chunks of meat, you’ll find culturally diverse communities filled with people proudly bringing their homeland cuisine to their new home in the Lone Star State. There’s no better example of the strength an open community can bring to a city than the crown jewel of Texas, Amarillo.
This city’s culinary scene has come a long way since you visited while sitting in the back of a family road trip, and it continues to flourish as a must-visit dining destination. In larger cities, there are pockets of cultural diversity, but it’s often harder to find in smaller towns. However, in a mid-sized city like Amarillo, diversity is not only woven into the fabric of the community as a whole, it’s celebrated.
The smell of spices fills the air It's a Punjabi Affair. While their menu features traditional Indian cuisine, it’s their American fusion specialties that elevate Punjabi Affairs to a whole new level of flavor. The big, bold flavors continue in the restaurants’ African-focused cuisine. Marhaba And African Safari, which serve Ethiopian and Somali dishes respectively. Both establishments serve Amarillo not just as a restaurant, but as a cultural center where everyone is invited to come together as one community.
After a few days of delicious BBQ and Tex Mex dishes, you'll be craving something light and refreshing. Serving the best of South Asian cuisine, Saigon And Asian Bistro are two local restaurants that are a must-visit for delicious Pho, hard-to-find Laotian cuisine, and fresh noodle dishes. It's not hard to find something delicious served at Sushi House, where Japanese dishes and sushi are served alongside delicious Thai dishes. Because what more could you ask for than an expertly cut nigiri and a plate of Pad Thai?
Now, you can’t talk about Texas without talking about Mexican food. While the state is best known for pouring queso on everything, there are some incredible establishments serving authentic Latin American cuisine. If you’ve ever wondered what non-Tex-Mex Mexican food tastes like, visit El Tejavan. This place is authentic, and their menu, which is filled with classic dishes, proves it. As great as a full menu with tons of options can be—and it is—there's something special about a place that plants its flag with just a few items, and that's exactly what Sinaloa Pollos Asados & Hotdogs made with — you guessed it — Mexican-style roasted chicken and hot dogs. You'll know you're in the right place when you smell that delicious smoke coming from their mesquite-fired grills.
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Looking for a change of scenery? Head over to Flamingo's Latin Bar and Grill where you'll find your new favorite tacos, a delicious selection of seafood, and what feels like a "Latin American Cuisine's Greatest Hits" selection. Speaking of the best of Latin America, you'll want to add El Carbonero Salvadoran restaurant to your list. Hailing from the naturally green and mountainous coastal country of El Salvador, this cuisine is one of a kind. Prepare for rich flavors, fluffier tortillas, and tons of incredible seafood. For a full list of restaurants, check out Visit Amarillo website.
Amarillo is full of personality and shared stories that have brought its community together. You can feel and taste it when you’re here. Each era and people have added a layer of unique character that has expanded Amarillo’s already endless horizons. So come experience the heart of the New West in a city filled with the spirit of the Old West.
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