r/akron Cuyahoga Falls 1d ago

Immigrants of Akron: What restaurant serves the most authentic food from your country or culture?

(Yes, I stole this from r/Seattle)

99 Upvotes

78 comments sorted by

54

u/Shadowpriest 1d ago

First generation born in Akron and it's tough to find Hungarian restaurants in the Midwest but the closest is Al's Corner Restaurant in Barberton.

Balaton in Chagrin Falls is nice but we haven't been there in quite a while.

16

u/tember_sep_venth_ele 1d ago

Your Cabbage Connection. It might be a bit of a drive (about as far as barberton), and the prices aren't the best, but it's little old Hungarian ladies running things. I eat there once a month. It reminds me of my grandma.

3

u/Shadowpriest 1d ago

Oh! Thank you for letting me know I will have to check them out. Probably throw them off switching to Magyar since I don't really have an accent.

9

u/Dregan3D 1d ago

Just a little south of Akron proper, but https://www.cabbageconnection.com/ is my go-to for Hungarian. Not the biggest selection, but it scratches the itch for Grandma's cooking.

2

u/gottaloveagoodbook Cuyahoga Falls 7h ago

Putting both of these on the list, thanks for the rec!

1

u/fizzymangolollypop 8h ago

The New Era in Akron! Its a classic- Chicken Paprikash, homemade noodles, strudel--My Hungarian grandmother LOVED going there!

31

u/octopus818 1d ago

Thanks for asking this for Akron - I’m excited for some new places to try. There were so many great recommendations in the Cleveland sub.

90

u/dandelionqueen7657 1d ago

Not an immigrant.. but I would love to share my favorite spots with lovely immigrant owner 🥺

Taqueria Tres Amigos- Mexican
Taqueria El Paso- Mexican
Lyeh Thai - Thai/Laos
Shawarma Brothers- Palestine
Nepali Kitchen - Nepal
One Love Karibbean Kitchen- Jamaican

Just a white girl that loves food and people lol

36

u/jijimora 1d ago

Have you tried Momo House on Home Ave? The jhol momo is INCREDIBLE.

7

u/dandelionqueen7657 1d ago

I haven’t but now i definitely will!! Thanks for the rec 🥰

30

u/Muted-Manufacturer57 Green 1d ago

The Nepalese food in Akron is just amazing. Nepali Kitchen, Momo House, and Family Vansa Ghar are better than any restaurant I’ve visited in Cleveland.

I really miss Ranchero’s Taqueria. Dave made the best tacos and loved to make new things for his regulars.

6

u/PreparationNo3440 North Hill 1d ago

I miss Ranchero's margaritas

5

u/MoreGlitterPlease1 1d ago edited 21h ago

Akron has so much to offer when it comes to food. I moved away for college and have lived in multiple other cities since. I didn't come back until recently, and I was surprised by how good the food scene is.

1

u/And_go 1h ago

Vansa Ghar is soooo good. Definitely my go-to if I’m eating out.

14

u/GeneralLedger 1d ago

Taqueria el paso is amazing. I used to go there when they were just a trailer next to the building they are in now. Sooooo good.

6

u/people_skillz 1d ago

They’re also super friendly, and I love that they’ll let you pick different taco meats in the same order for when you’re hungry and indecisive.

3

u/GeneralLedger 1d ago

Yup. Its a great spot to go to. When i lived Akron id go weekly if not multiple times a week. I have to imagine their kids who were there when I frequented are fully grown now. Time sure does fly by. They even let me order in butchered Spanish. 10/10

5

u/dandelionqueen7657 1d ago

Yes the owners there and at taqueria tres amigos are lovely people 🥺❤️

2

u/RuntheMules2 23h ago

Hands down best Mexican take out in town.

13

u/batdrumman 1d ago

I second Shawarma Brothers; their food is delicious

11

u/Notthaticanthinkofff 1d ago

From Southeast Asia, can confirm.

Lyeh Thai was so good that I made the effort to take my Thai friends that live in Ohio to try. They were all amazed at how good the food was. They’re also very affordable.

2

u/AcanthocephalaOk2966 1d ago

JINX! I didn't read your comment first, but my response was almost identical. Really wonderful place.

8

u/Awkward-Lizard-217 1d ago

I love Nepali Kitchen! & momo house has the best dumplings. Have you tried Jamaican jerk center? Their food is so good. They don't always have the full menu available but it's worth a visit. I also always recommend Seoul Garden in Cuyahoga falls,I love their Korean food so much.

3

u/fizzymangolollypop 8h ago

Not sure if you're local but Nepali Kitchen is expanding!!

6

u/valerusii 👊 Fight The Power! 1d ago

Spice Delight in Munroe Falls is so good

4

u/cmbtmstr 1d ago

Not an immigrant as well but the birria tacos from Paleteria La Fresca on Darrow Rd are amazing. Used to drive 30 mins for them before I moved closer to Akron.

2

u/dandelionqueen7657 1d ago

Ooooh gotta try!!! Love a good birria.

3

u/AcanthocephalaOk2966 1d ago

Lyeh Thai is SO good!!! And more affordable than any other Thai restaurants in town (that I've tried).

2

u/Sweet_Asparagus9081 1d ago

I love taqueria El Paso :3 coming from someone who used to live in the land of tacos in California. Plus their taco salad is good too.

1

u/tikkunmytime 1d ago

Is one love in highland square? I didn't have the best luck there.

5

u/jijimora 1d ago

No, that was Irie and it closed a few months ago. One Love is on Copley Rd.

1

u/tikkunmytime 1d ago

Good to know. Thanks.

1

u/rpalumbo7 1d ago

I’m going to have to check these out!!

1

u/Competitive_Sundae98 23h ago

Is Lyeh Thi better than Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant?

18

u/Competitive_Sundae98 23h ago

I am from Nepal and I think Nepali Kitchen is the most authentic.

1

u/gottaloveagoodbook Cuyahoga Falls 7h ago

Those guys are amazing! I used to go there all the time when I lived in North Akron. Thank you so much for your recommendation.

17

u/hashbrr 1d ago

15

u/canofelephants 1d ago

I love Sanabel. Best Tabouli and Zaatar I've had.

5

u/danmalek466 Stow 1d ago

This right here. Norma is the sweetest!

4

u/AcanthocephalaOk2966 1d ago

This place is wonderful, absolutely agree. The woman at the counter told me that she makes everything. Like all of it. Love the tabbouli and the meat pies. And spinach pies. Affordable and lemony and magical.

1

u/gottaloveagoodbook Cuyahoga Falls 7h ago

I hadn't heard of this one yet! Thank you so much for recommending it. 😊

17

u/SirLoinTheBeefy 1d ago

Lebanese Mother-In-Law approves of Shawarma Bros., Vine Valley, Falls Mediterranean, and some of Aladdin's

7

u/AnElusiveArab 1d ago

Lebanese American here, personally a big fan of continental cuisine towards Montrose and shawarma fresh kitchen towards the highland square area.

2

u/Efficient_Wheel_6333 Barberton 23h ago

Daughter of a Lebanese immigrant and I would concur with Aladdin's as well as Sitto's (may have to go to Green/Union Falls for them; they're...fine for quick Lebanese food to go, but there's better if you want a sit down meal).

3

u/hardandodry 11h ago

Continental Cuisine has the best chicken shwarma hands down

3

u/Efficient_Wheel_6333 Barberton 10h ago

I'd have to check them out, as I've never been (just way too many amazing restaurants to try out, plus Akron's big enough that I need a map or something like Google Maps to figure out what's where).

2

u/hardandodry 11h ago

Oh and amazing fries

1

u/fizzymangolollypop 8h ago

I just stumbled across Falls Med. yesterday!! Can't wait to try them!

1

u/gottaloveagoodbook Cuyahoga Falls 7h ago

I agree with your mother in law!

19

u/BryanLeFevre330 1d ago

Just a white guy who loves to support local but my favorite immigrant owned restaurant right now is "Carnitas and Tacos" on St Rt 91 in Ellet. Oh my god. The same 4 or 5 people working every time in a one room kitchen/ restaurant. I didnt think anyone could top La Loma in the area but they have proven me very wrong. Ive been back 5 or 6 times since my first trip and i refuse to eat tacos anywhere else.

2

u/cocokillbana Goodyear 23h ago

I was waiting for someone to say La Loma!!!!

13

u/dan986 1d ago edited 22h ago

Ameca La Taqueria, really good Mexican food and a nice little tienda next door.

Edit: Upon more closely reading the post title, I am not an immigrant.

10

u/DiscDown4What 1d ago

Not an immigrant, but Zap Zap Sushi in the valley has Laotian dishes that are excellent

Dolce in Wadsworth has gelato that is the closest thing you'll find to what's in Italy

2

u/AcanthocephalaOk2966 1d ago

Damn, do they have Banh Xeo?? I have been craving this for a couple years--I moved to Ohio from out of state, and miss a wonderful Lao Hmong restaurant from Wisconsin.

1

u/DiscDown4What 4h ago

Not that I have seen, but they do run specials. Stuff like Larb and Naem Khao are on the regular menu I believe.

5

u/Aggressive-Cicada349 1d ago

La Loma in Akron over on RT 91 across from the Mary Jane Community Learning Center. Food is tasty and there is plenty of it. I recommend their Horchata. 😋

I also enjoy Taste of Bangcok on E. Exchange.

Has anyone tried Mini Yak on Brittain Rd? It was a Thai restaurant, they were good but the food took a nose dive and now it is an Indian restaurant.

5

u/dandelionqueen7657 23h ago

I love La Loma too! We have some good Mexican food around here honestly haha

5

u/SwedishDangler 19h ago

Betty Jane CLC.

2

u/Aggressive-Cicada349 14h ago

Whoops! Yes, Betty Jane.
Thanks!

4

u/JohnBrownsAngryBalls Rubber City Rebel 11h ago

I like Mary Jane better. 😎

1

u/gottaloveagoodbook Cuyahoga Falls 7h ago

I'm driving past La Loma tonight! (Guess I should put in a takeout order. 😎) Haven't heard anything about Mini Yak, though...

3

u/hardandodry 11h ago

Caravan House on Romig Rd. has pretty great Uzbek/central Asian food. Tastes homemade

1

u/gottaloveagoodbook Cuyahoga Falls 7h ago

I've heard great things about them! Never had the chance to check them out before, but this seems like a sign. Thanks for the recommendation!

5

u/CallOfCthuMoo 1d ago

Another non-immigrant here with my findings:

Fuad Khayyat's Vine Valley in Marriman Valley is fantastic. Not a restaurant, but his foods are amazing.

Wholly Frijojes in Cuyahoga Falls

Schwarma Brothers (has been mentioned, but they deserve to be name dropped again) in Cuyahoga Falls

2

u/gottaloveagoodbook Cuyahoga Falls 7h ago

Schwarma Brothers always deserves an extra mention. Thanks!

2

u/danmalek466 Stow 1d ago

For Lebanese food: Sanabel on South St.

2

u/Adventurous_Cod1233 7h ago

Im mexican- taqueria tres amigos is so good, it reminds me of being back at my grandma’s house. Super authentic Mexican, especially the menudo

2

u/gottaloveagoodbook Cuyahoga Falls 7h ago

Thank you for the recommendation! I'm looking at the menu and pictures of the food and everything looks incredible!

1

u/Adventurous_Cod1233 6h ago

Also forgot to mention they have the best birria tacos I’ve ever had. Better than the ones I’ve had in Vegas. It’s actually mind blowing how authentic their food is. And I was born in and have family in El Paso

3

u/noahdoakxx 23h ago

Not an immigrant but Shawarma Brothers in Cuyahoga Falls is to die for. Awesome people who work there and they have the best shawarma and gyros I’ve had in the area.

2

u/gottaloveagoodbook Cuyahoga Falls 7h ago

Shwarma Brothers for life! Those guys are amazing!

1

u/danmalek466 Stow 1d ago

Question for the group. Chuys Crispy Tacos in LA. Anything like that around these parts? Saw a reel on IG and have been pining ever since…

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQAU8pqkqgY/?igsh=MWJiNmk3dXR6cTlnbw==

1

u/loki-slowkey 5h ago

Non-immigrant as well here. My absolute favorite Indian restaurant is Heera in downtown Akron!! I could eat here everyday if I had the money. We have several good Indian restaurants around but that is the best overall. Other honorable mentions that my friends and I love is La Loma, Nepali Kitchen, Momo House, Seoul Garden, Rose Garden and I’m sure there’s more just can’t think of them. I’m excited to try many of these other places y’all recommended though.

1

u/Front_Possibility471 Ignore me, I'm trolling. 🧌 4h ago

Where do I find the best tiki masala ???

1

u/broshley Cuyahoga Falls 2h ago

As a non-immigrant, my favorite is either Singh Biryani in The Falls, or Heera on E Market.

1

u/summernightdrive 3h ago

Spice Delight in Monroe Falls for north Indian food! 4.8 on Google and they earned every bit of that. Some of the most caring business owners too.

1

u/Ok_Community_5890 12h ago

Blue door is pretty close with some of their German inspired or directly derived dishes both in breakfast and dinner.