Thai, tacos, and sushi have infiltrated just about every corner in our city. But, San Francisco boasts cuisines from all over the world, and it’s become second nature to enjoy unconventional chow on a regular basis. So where to find those more rare and lesser-known eats?
Restaurant: El Mansour (3119 Clement St.) pictured above
Cuisine: Moroccan/Algerian
What to order: Couscous with lamb and veggies, chicken with honey and prunes, and lamb with lemons and olives. The meal is served with fresh bread, Harira soup (spicy lentil bean), salade Mohammed V (tomatoes, eggplant, carrots, and cucumbers), Bastela du chef (fillo dough filled with chicken, almonds, and spices), and dessert (banana fritter, sweet Bastela with cream and almonds, and mint tea). Eat with your fingers on cushioned seats and enjoy the belly dancers!
From yelp user David G.
Restaurant:Little Nepal (925 Cortland Ave.)
Cuisine: Nepalese
What to order: Machhako Mitho Tarkari, which is boneless Atlantic salmon cooked with fresh tomato sauce, garlic, ginger, and spices. Order the combination with basmati rice, naan, lentil, mixed seasonal vegetables, and chutney sauce.
From Foodspotting user Gene X
Restaurant:Angkor Borei Restaurant (3471 Mission St.)
Cuisine: Cambodian
What to order: Pumpkin curry with shrimp, tofu, or chicken; or creamy red coconut curry with asparagus, carrot, zucchini, and tender green beans served in a cooked fresh pumpkin.
From Foodspotting user Dylan Moritz
Restaurant:Bissap Baobab (3372 19th St.)
Cuisine: Senegalese
What to order: Mafe with couscous- sautéed mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, spinach, and either tofu or chicken served in a creamy peanut sauce.
From Foodspotting user Randy F.
Restaurant:Borobudur (700 Post St.)
Cuisine: Indonesian
What to order: Roti Prata, a pan-fried, crispy, layered bread served with a curry dipping sauce. Also, sample the Ayam Panggang Bumbu Rujak, a spicy BBQ marinated chicken cooked with coconut milk.
From yelp user Steph L.
Restaurant:Azalina’s (food stand)
Cuisine: Malaysian
What to order: Curcuma lacy crepe with mint chicken curry and chai banana fritters for dessert.
