Lancaster County's Must-Eat Ethnic Restaurants
When you think about Lancaster County cuisine, Amish specialties like scrapple, pickled beets, apple butter and shoofly pie might come to mind first. Beyond Lancaster's Amish roots, this region is also a melting pot of diverse ethnicities, which is beautifully reflected in its culinary scene. From traditional Ethiopian fare to aromatic Thai curries, Lancaster County boasts a vibrant array of ethnic restaurants that take diners on a delightful journey around the world.
Lancaster County's ethnic restaurants offer more than just delectable dishes; they provide a glimpse into the heart and soul of each culture they represent. At After Eight Bed and Breakfast, we love to scout out the area's best restaurants to share with our guests. Here are five of our picks that will take you on an international gastronomic adventure.
Callaloo | 315 N. Mulberry St., Lancaster, PA
Transporting diners to the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean, Callaloo is a treasure trove of island flavors. With a menu that pays homage to the culinary traditions of Trinidad and Tobago, which are heavily influenced by south-Asian and African-creole cuisine, Callaloo offers dishes like coconut jerk chicken, curried beef, and of course, callaloo—the island country's national dish of stewed leafy greens. Each plate is a delicious tribute to the warmth and diversity of Caribbean culture. While their main restaurant is open limited weekend hours, they also have a location at Lancaster Central Market.
SukhoThai | 398 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster, PA
For lovers of Thai cuisine, SukhoThai is a must-visit destination. Serving Lancaster diners for 20 years, this popular restaurant is a sensory adventure, where the delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy is celebrated in every dish. From creamy coconut curries to tangy papaya and mango salads, SukhoThai delivers an authentic taste of Thailand that's sure to please both the curious and the connoisseurs.
Awash Ethiopian | 1027 Dillerville Road, Lancaster, PA
People travel in from surrounding states just for the Ethiopian food experience at Awash — it's that good! Named after a river, Awash Ethiopian captures the essence of communal dining with its tradition of injera—a spongy flatbread that serves as both plate and utensil. The rich aromas and bold spices at this family-owned restaurant will awaken your taste buds and provide a significant contrast to the regional cuisine in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Himalayan Curry and Grill | 22 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA
Located in the heart of downtown Lancaster, Himalayan Curry and Grill invites diners to explore fine Nepalese and Indian cuisine. The menu reflects the mountainous region's reliance on fresh ingredients and fragrant spices with aromatic curries, spicy vindaloos and flavor-packed tandori dishes. For something really special, be sure to try one of their lamb or goat specialties.
Southern Market Food Hall | 100 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA
First opened in 1888 as a farmers market, Lancaster CIty's Southern Market was relaunched in 2022 as a food hall with 10 chef stations anchored by a central bar. Of those 10 restaurant stands, eight represent international fare: Akhi Sushi (Burmese/Japanese); Flavors of Morocco (Moroccan/Indian); Four E's Latin Cuisine (Dominican Republic); Layali el Sham (Middle Eastern); Mekatos Eatery (Columbian); Noodle King (Vietnamese); Cabbage Hill Schnitzel Haus (German); and Lemon Grass (Thai/Hawaiian). At Southern Market, you can go on a culinary journey around the globe in just one stop.
