Being a foodie is fun but it’s also tough when your favorite spots keep you from exploring more new places. I made the effort recently to break away from my regular restaurant order routine to explore new (to me) options around the metro Orlando area.
I’ve tried so many types of food and treats from a forever growing list of restaurants but I’ve managed to narrow the list down to a few categories of personal favorites that every foodie must try.
I’m kicking this series off with three categories: Asian cuisine, Caribbean cuisine and seafood.
~ ASIAN CUISINE ~
One Stop Dumpling
Located in Chinatown at 5126 W Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32808 One Stop Dumpling specializes in a variety of authentic, handmade dumplings. They also serve delicious options like appetizers, soups and main entrees.
The restaurant is in a very busy strip mall on a major east-west thoroughfare so parking can be tricky depending on when you visit. I went on a weekday just before the lunch rush. The menu offered a great selection of rice and noodle based entrees. I tried the pan seared chicken Gyoza Dumplings, Singapore Mei Fun noodles, chicken fried rice (not shown) and General Tso’s Chicken.
The serving size of each entree was well worth the price. I had to get a to go box because I couldn’t finish everything.
They have a large dining area with booths and tables and can accommodate large parties for dine in service but they also offer takeout and delivery.
This was some of the best Asian food I’ve ever had. It rivals only one other local restaurant serving similar entrees – more on that restaurant in another post.
Visit the One Stop Dumpling website to check out their menu and learn more about what they offer here.
~ CARIBBEAN FOOD ~
Manje Creole (Haitian)
If you know anything about Caribbean food you should know Haitian food is one of the best there is. Having grown up in culturally diverse cities I was always exposed to multi ethnic cuisine so finding Manje Creole when I moved to Orlando was such a treat.
Located at 4300 S Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, FL 32839 this family owned and operated restaurant is easy to find on such a busy thoroughfare.
This is a true Mom & Pop, no frills restaurant. I always order delivery or takeout but they do have a small dining section as you walk in the front door. Good luck driving home if you order takeout while hungry. The way your car will fill with the heavenly aroma of well seasoned, freshly cooked food will drive you insane!
They don’t have a website but you can find them on multiple food delivery platforms.
They serve authentic Haitian cuisine like Diri Djondjon (black rice), griot (fried pork) Tasso Kabrit (fried goat), pikliz (pickled slaw) and Haitian style mac & cheese. They also serve delicious desserts and beverages including Blan Manje, Kremas cake and Cola Couronne.
My go to order is fried turkey, Diri Djondjon, and tostones. It comes with a side of Pikliz and a side salad. I recently tried a side dish called Marinade which is made from herb seasoned and marinated vegetables processed and mixed into a batter and fried into a golden fritter ball. They’re savory, tasty and very filling, perfect as a snack.
I’ve ordered from Manje many times since moving to Orlando and it’s almost scary how consistent they’ve been. This is the kind of restaurant that spoils you and makes you not want to try any other restaurant, especially ones serving the same cuisine.
Prices are reasonable and the dinner portions are large. In my opinion, they’re large enough to share or split into two servings.
If you’re curious about trying Haitian food for the first time, order the fried turkey or chicken dinner with black rice and thank me later.
~ SEAFOOD ~
Salt Shack on the Lake
I tried Salt Shack on the Lake for the first time very recently. It must have made quite an impression on me if I included it on this list. After only two visits I can confirm with confidence Salt Shack is worthy of the mention.
Located at 846 W Osceola St Clermont, FL 34711 this popular seafood restaurant sits on the banks of Lake Minneola in heart of historic Clermont.
Salt Shack is known for fresh, wild caught seafood, house made sauces/dressings and delicious, tropical themed drinks. The atmosphere is very casual and friendly. There’s a full service bar and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Most people choose to dine outdoors for the stunning views. I can only imagine how amazing it must be during the cooler months with low humidity and a gentle breeze from off the lake.
I ordered fried calamari as an appetizer, fish tacos for the entree and a frozen nonalcoholic piña colada for my drink. Prices are reasonable and portion sizes are great.
They offered two fish options for the tacos: red snapper and grouper. I love both but this time I chose grouper and it didn’t disappoint!
They also offered the option of regular fries or yucca fries. I’m no stranger to yucca, just not in the form of French fries so I gave it a try. Yucca fries are now my go to side option at Salt Shack. They were served with a house made sofrito sauce – it’s a must try!
Visit the Salt Shack on the Lake website to check out their menu and learn more about what they offer here.
If you’re new to Orlando or just visiting and want to explore less mainstream food options in the Metro area, this short list is a great starting point.
The crazy part is I’ve only scratched the surface of all the amazing food there is to try in Orlando. My Orlando’s Best Of|Foodie Edition list update will be ongoing as I continue to explore new foods and restaurants all over the city. Stay locked in so you don’t miss out!
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