Madison Food Tour
By Gylf Forsberg, Culture Staff Writer
Madison is known by many to be a diverse food city with several different cuisines represented throughout. I decided to take myself on a food tour of our great city, sharing some of my favorite places, but be forewarned—you may have to venture away from State Street…GASP.
New Orleans Takeout
New Orleans Takeout on Regent is, I think, one of the best hidden gems of the Monroe-Regent neighborhood. Set near Mickie’s Dairy Bar, this Cajun and Creole restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes that embody the Louisiana spirit. With a catchphrase of “Eat Mo’ Bettah”, you’re sure to find something to spike your interest. The blackened catfish with a side of red beans and rice is my personal favorite, but the real standout star is the cornbread—and being from the south I have some pretty strong opinions about cornbread.
Himal Chuli
When someone asks me what my favorite restaurant is I blurt out Himal Chuli before they can even finish their question. A restaurant that specializes in Nepali cuisine, Himal Chuli is an incredible restaurant for vegetarians who are tired of getting grilled cheese at the burger joints around campus. Nepali cuisine is very similar to Indian cuisine, but with less butter, cream and sugar, which is why my friends and I lovingly refer to it as “diet Indian food.”
With a menu that is nearly 75% vegetarian, it’s easy to find something to order, but if you’re a little lost on where to start, the tarkari is a good bet. With a rotating series of specials, the tarkari is a flavorful stew of vegetables served with rice or flatbread, which I would be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t like.
Buraka
Next, we’ll go to a restaurant a bit farther off-campus. Buraka, an Ethiopian and East African restaurant, provides a different experience to the international cuisine that is often dominated by Chinese and Indian restaurants. Buraka offers a wide variety of dishes with several lunch specials. My go-to is the Dorowot, which is a stew of chicken and carrots, with just the right amount of spice. All dishes are served with the choice of rice or injera, but I’d say go for the injera—a sourdough Ethiopian flatbread which perfectly pairs with the spice of the dishes. If you aren’t feeling up for a trip to Willy Street you can often catch the Buraka food cart on Library Mall, or for a limited time as a guest vendor in Union South.
Banzo
Another great option for vegetarians, Banzo offers up a great variety of Mediterranean dishes. A staple in the Madison food scene, Banzo is likely the most accessible independent restaurant. With food carts, delivery and a storefront restaurant, you’ll never be out of luck when the falafel craving hits. The menu takes an approach with several different bases―pita, hummus plate, salad―which you can load up with whatever you like—falafel, shawarma or beef kabob.
Morris Ramen
It’s hard to write an article targeted to students without once mentioning ramen. But here, I’m not talking about the food you run to when you’re running out of food, I’m talking about real ramen. Morris ramen, which may just be the most aesthetically pleasing restaurant on this list, is located right off of the capital square and offers several options—both ramen and not ramen. I highly recommend the Spicy, which is a bowl of ramen served with a spicy miso broth, cashew chicken and crisp bok choy. For my of-age readers I also highly recommend the Beauty School Dropout, a great gin-based cocktail that may help you forget about the years spent eating 29¢ instant noodles.
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While I am definitely guilty of running into one of the several chain restaurants up and down State, I urge you all to step outside of campus and out of your comfort zone to taste some healthy, international cuisine.