Spice Things Up: International Options

Burnt out on fried chicken, burgers and other classic foods that are so available in our city?

When you’re looking for something a little different to spice things up, try out these ethnic-foods to switch things up from your typical fare.

Aladdin. Image: Joe Ellis/Find It In Fondren

Aladdin Mediterranean Grill

Located on Lakeland Drive in Jackson, Aladdin is the perfect casual dining spot for authentic flavors of the Mediterranean. All dishes are made from scratch and use the freshest ingredients, and vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes are available to meet any diet requirements. Try different appetizers like Baba Ganul Dip, Hummus, Spinach Pie, and Falafel to kick off your meal. Different entrees include sandwiches like Chicken Shawarma and Lamb Kabab and other dishes like Lamb Chops, Kabab Plates, and Fried Kibby. Finish off your meal with a piece of Baklava or Tiramisu, and Aladdin will easily become your new favorite spot for a taste of the Mediterranean. Check out the menu at Aladdin at aladdininjackson


a dish of Chinese food
Mr. Chen's. Image: Rachel Phương Lê

Mr. Chen’s

For some authentic Asian food, head out to I55 frontage road to Mr. Chen’s. Start your meal with Crab Rangoons, Roast Duck Salad, and Rock Shrimp. Entrees range everywhere from chicken, beef, pork, seafood, tofu, and rice and noodle dishes, so there’s something for everyone at Mr. Chen’s. Try Pepper Steak, Chen’s Crazy Spicy Chicken, the classic General Tso’s Chicken, Sweet and Sour Spear Rib, Braised Tofu, or chicken, pork, or beef lo mein, just to name a few options. The menu at Mr. Chen’s is so extensive and full of flavor that you’re sure to find something delicious. Mr. Chen’s even offers milk teas, smoothies, and hot teas, as well as desserts like Egg Pudding and Fried Ice Cream. Next time you’re in the mood for Asian cuisine, Mr. Chen’s should definitely be on your list. View Mr. Chen’s menu hereat mrchensjackson


Keifer's

Keifer’s

Local hot-spot Keifer’s Downtown has been serving Jackson’s favorite Greek food since 1981. Specialties include gyros, hummus, and house-made feta dressing, as well as their poplar burger and curly fries. For starters, Keifer’s offers light and delicious appetizers like Hummus and Pita with Mozzarella. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, choose one of their delicious salads like the Grecian, Tossed Salad, Grilled Chicken or Gyro Salad, or a Cucumber Salad. For wraps, try the Gyro, Chicken Yavne, Veggie Cheese, BLT, Pita Club, or Steak and Cheese, just to name a few. On weekdays, try out the burger specials. Try a Mushroom Mozzarella Burger on Mondays and Wednesdays or a Bacon Cheeseburger on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. No meal at Keifer’sis complete with out a side of Cottage Fries, Curly Fries, or chips or soup of the day. Of course, finish off your gyro meal with a piece of delicious Baklava for dessert. View the Keifer’s menu at keifersdowntown



Spice Avenue

Spice Avenue

Known for their Butter Chicken and Lamb Curry, Spice Avenue is well-known for their Indian delicacies.

Spice Avenue is also the only place in Jackson to with an elaborate vegetarian menu with over 14 entrée dishes and specialty orders. Appetizers include classics like Chili Pakora, or chilies deep fried in a spicy lentil butter, and Aloo Tikki, a potato patty mixed with cottage cheese, deep-fried, and served with mint tamarind yogurt sauce. For the main course, try the Lamb Chop, Tandoori Prawns, Chicken Tikka Kabab, or, for the best of all worlds, try the Tandoori Platter. It includes chunks of fish, prawns, lamb, and chicken lightly marinated in herbs and then grilled. Vegetarian specials include Aloo Ghobi (cauliflower and potatoes cooked in onions, tomato, ginger, and spices), Mixed Vegetable Korma, and BaiganBhurta (eggplant cooked in the oven, then chopped and mixed with onions and tomatoes). If you’re headed to Spice Avenue for lunch, be sure to check out their lunch buffet. Next time you’re in the food for Indian food or want to try something new, head to Spice Avenue, located on I55 South Frontage Road. Check out Spice Avenue’s menu at spiceavenuerestaurant

Bonsai Hibachi

Bonsai Japanese Steakhouse

Nobody told the owner of Bonsai Japanese Steakhouse - Cheryl Truong - that you couldn’t get good hibachi in Mississippi, so she continues to serve it up every day alongside an impressive sushi menu.

On the sushi side of the menu, the list of traditional rolls and nigiri options is impressive. But the menu also offers a distinctly welcoming Mississippian twist with items like the deep-fried Mardi Gras roll, which features crawfish.

But the hibachi grill is where Bonsai’s approach really begins to shine. With the multitude of meat and sauce choices it would be fairly easy to order an entire meal that a hibachi purist wouldn’t even recognize, such as whole lobster tail with sweet chili sauce, or high-grade ribeye with sriracha. Check out their menu at bonsaijxn.com.

Paige McKay White

Author

Paige McKay White

Paige is a contributing writer and former Associate Editor of Eat Drink Mississippi. She has worked for the magazine since 2017, both full-time and part-time, and now works for a local bank in their marketing department. Paige loves writing and food, so combining the two passions to contribute to the magazine and Visit Jackson just makes sense.

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