There's no doubt that Buford Highway is one of the best food destinations in Atlanta. From Vietnamese pho to authentic tacos, this 49-mile stretch of culinary bliss has it all. It's a magical place, but it can be a little intimidating to explore for first-timers.
Fear not, newbies; we’ve put together the ultimate guide to Buford Highway to get you on the road to deliciousness. We’re positive that after your first visit, you’ll be back for more. This is the allure of Buford Highway.
Here are 5 Buford Highway dishes that are worth the drive every time.
1. Fried shrimp Po'boy at Crawfish Shack (4337 Buford Hwy #170, Atlanta)
REAL Cajun food on Buford Highway? Oh yes. It's real, and it's spectacular. Crawfish Shack is making one of the best sandwiches in Atlanta. Fresh, sweet shrimp tossed in a light cornmeal batter and fried just enough. And that remoulade? More, please.
2. Dim Sum at Royal China (3295 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee)
Atlanta loves to brunch, so how do you brunch on BuHi? Dim Sum! Imagine a glorious place where carts full of shrimp dumplings, pork buns and custard come at you in a steady stream. When the mood to dim sum strikes — like it does every weekend — we head straight to Royal China. Fill up on bite-sized shared plates. Leave with full bellies and happy hearts.
3. Tacos Al Pastor at El Rey Del Taco (Pinetree West Shopping Center, 5288 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville)
Some of the best tacos around are found at a little taqueria on State Road 13 in Doraville. Opt for the handmade tortillas; they're worth the extra money. The Al Pastor taco will arrive peppered with cilantro and served with side of grilled onions. Tucked into the soft, corn tortilla is tender caramelized pork prepared with a mixture of spices. One bite and you’ll be in love.
»RELATED: Review: Mariscos El Sazon del Kora brings Mexico’s Nayarit to Doraville
4.Treats at Sweet Hut Bakery (5150 Buford HWY, Suite A-100 Doraville, GA 30340)
If you're looking for something sweet on Buford Highway, this Taiwanese spot is your best bet. Part coffeehouse, part bubble tea shop and part bakery, Sweet Hut is our choice for treats. Start off with one of the best bubble teas in town. They are completely customizable and can be as sweet or fruity as you want. We always head for the classic Milk Tea, which is black tea with little tapioca pearls (called boba) and a giant straw to suck those tasty treats up with. Pair it with a buttercream filled pastry, and you can't be happier. Bonus tip: If you have a birthday or graduation party coming up, get one of their customizable cakes. Bring one of those with you and you'll win. Win what? Win life.
5. Pho and Banh Mi combo at Lee's Bakery (4005 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta)
The soup and sandwich combo is the lunchtime go-to for thousands of office workers around Atlanta, but not like this. While there are dozens of places to get pho and banh mi, Lee's Bakery has fabulous versions of both. The pho comes steaming and fresh with your choice of protein. Tender rice noodles float in a broth that was cooked for several hours. Then there's the sandwich. The banh mi is served on house-baked French bread, stuffed with tender pork, mayo, cilantro and a sliced jalapeno for some burn.
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