Not going on vacation this summer? Or already went and but still craving that far away feeling? No worries. Westchester and Rockland have plenty of restaurants that offer a variety of international flavors so you can enjoy a taste of Madrid, Morrocco or Malaysia without travelling too far from home.
A sampling follows.
LEMAK Malaysian, Scarsdale
Immerse yourselves in the rich flavors of Malaysian cuisine thanks to this 19-seat eatery which opened in January. Diners can expect a combination of Indian, Thai, Chinese and Malaysian influences with dishes such as Roti Canai, pan-fried flatbread paired with creamy coconut chicken curry; Mee Goreng, a fiery stir-fried noodle dish loaded with vegetables, tofu, chicken and shrimp; Chicken Satay (grilled chicken on skewers with spiced peanut sauce); and Nasi Lemak, what the menu calls a "world-famous Malaysian delicacy" featuring coconut rice, aromatic herbs, sambal, hard-boiled egg and cucumber (*you can add chicken or beef).
Other must-try items include the Teh Tarik, a Malaysian tea made from evaporated milk topped with froth, Cendol, sweet shaved ice with coconut milk, fragrant pandan flour jelly and palm sugar; Nasi Goreng with shrimp paste, fish sauce, market vegetables, fried egg, shrimp and chicken and the always popular Pad Thai. just be warned: There's no liquor. 62 Garth Road, Scarsdale, 914-574-5280,lemakmalaysian.com.
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Argana Restaurant & Bar, Port Chester
This seven-year-old husband-and-wife-owned gem not only features authentic Moroccan food but it practically transports you to Marrakesh with its dozens of handmade bronze hanging lamps, golden yellow walls, and colorfully draped Sultan tent. There's even hookah.
Moroccan-born Nordine Achbani and Mia Sedki Achbani (she's the chef; he works front of house) are all about welcoming guests and making them feel like they're in their home.
Tajine, a dish named after the earthenware pot it's cooked in, is a specialty and the shortrib tajine, cooked down into a stew-like consistency, with prunes, toasted almonds and sesame seeds, is always a winner. There's also a vegetarian and meatball version. Also popular: the Fromage Cigar (phyllo with goat cheese and fig); chicken and fries; Harissa shrimp and "Argana Flavors": a combo of hummus, falafel, harissa olives and grape leaves with pita bread. 325 N Main St., 914-612-4440, arganarestaurantbar.com.
Karenderya, Nyack
Casual vibes and a homey ambiance define this husband-and-wife-run Filipino eatery, one of Esquire's "best restaurants in America" in 2018. Diners can expect Filipino cuisine staples combined with modern interpretations of southeast Asian flavor profiles. Try the Lumpiang Shanghai (ground pork-filled fried mini eggrolls with spicy banana ketchup); the Daing na Bangus (boneless baby milkfish marinated in vinegar and garlic); shrimp coconut Adobo (with rice vinegar, coconut milk broth, yam and crispy shallots) or the pork ribs Sinigang, in a sour tamarind broth. 248 Main St., 845-875-7557, karenderyany.com.
Corner of Ukraine, Nyack
Ever had forshmak, a traditional dish from Odesa with herring, green apple, eggs, homemade aioli, and red onion)? Or what about green borsch (with eggs, rice, onion, carrots, heavy cream, sorrel, potato, and meat)? Traditional Ukrainian food, albeit with American touches thrown in (think salads and burgers), are the highlight of this 46-seat restaurant, which opened last December.
The woman-owned restaurant is not only unique with its offerings — when's the last time you saw herring with pickled red onion and fried baby potato? — but with its décor. Ivanka Dashko has decorated the space to showcase and educate diners about Ukrainian culture and food. That means lots of decorative folk-art and knickknacks along with colorful oversized murals both in the dining room and in each restroom. One highlights Taras Shevchenko, a Ukrainian poet, writer, and artist; the other is Lesya Ukrainka, one of the country's foremost writers.
All of the food is based on traditional recipes and cooked by Ukrainian chefs. There are also five kinds of pierogi stuffed with either potato, sauerkraut and mushrooms, farmer's cheese, and ground pork. 85 Main St., 845-814-3424, cornerof*ckraine.com.
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Badageoni, Mount Kisco
Expect an innovative approach to centuries-old recipes at this brother-and-sister-owned Georgian restaurant where traditional stews like Chakapuli (slow-cooked lamb in white wine with tarragon, scallions, sour plums and herbs) and Shrmeruli (pan-fried Cornish hen in garlic cream sauce) are the star attractions. Just as fun to try: Kharcho (beef cooked in tomato and rice); Pkhali (spinach, beet and carrot patties mixed with spiced walnuts) and the restaurant's famous breads.
Other musts: the Adijaruli, a cheese boat with signature blended cheese and sunny side egg; Lobiani, round spiced mashed beans bread; and Imeruli, round cheese bread. The Georgian dumplings, paired with Georgian wine, are also winners. 26 E Main St., 914-864-1666, badageoni.com.
Mumbai Katta, Port Chester
A heartfelt tribute to Mumbai street food is the focus at this new fast casual spot featuring Ragada patties, chicken Kheema Pav, samosas, paneer Tikka Masala and butter chicken. Chef/Owner Anita Tibile-Gawade relies on her grandmother's recipes as inspiration for her 40-seat restaurant, which opened July 1. 227 Westchester Ave. 516-953-3265.
Basque Tapas, Piermont and Tarrytown
Dreaming of Spain? You have two options: Basque Tapas has locations in Piermont and Tarrytown that feature the same mouth-watering menus where the highlight is the paella. Their "Marisco" version, with clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, baby squid, olives, tomato and onion sofrito, will transport you to Madrid while the "Mar y Tierra," a surf and turf option with certified Angus New York Strip, baby lobster tails, scallops, tomato and onion sofrito will happily satisfy the steak and seafood lovers in your group. The entire dish is a showstopper starting with its fragrant aroma and well-seasoned rice.
Paellas here are done the "old school" way with time, patience, and the chef starting the dish on the stovetop and then transitioning it to the oven. Other stand-outs include the Langostinos, four head-on prawns with pan-seared garlic, lemon, brandy and seasoning; the Burrata y Iberico, a burrata salad that's nestled alongside arugula, cherry tomatoes, Iberico ham, olive oil, balsamic glaze and the "Manchego Frito," fried Manchego cheese with drizzled honey and a balsamic glaze.
Top it off with sangria, available in rosé, cava, white and red or the restaurant's private label wine that's made specifically for them. There are also Spanish beers. 587 Piermont Ave., Piermont, 845-395-3100; 61 Main St., Tarrytown, 914-801-9200,basquetapasbar.com.
Encore Bistro Francais, Larchmont
Bummed you weren't at the Paris Olympics? Join the club — but then indulge in Pâté Maison (country style pâté with cornichons); Moules Provençales ou au Curry (steamed mussels in white wine, capers, olives, tomatoes, onions and fresh herbs sauce) or Steak Frites. This classic bistro, with its cheery yellow walls and Art Nouveau posters, is just as authentic and cozy as it was when it opened 24 years ago thanks to Owner David Masliah who hails from Lyon. 22 Chatsworth Ave., 914-833-encore-bistro.com.
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Saigon Table, Rye
The bicycle at the front of this restaurant (yes, you can sit on it!) is one way to transport you to Vietnam. The food is another. Saigon native Lynn Lee opened this new fast casual spot in May featuring two kiosks for ordering upon entry and a grab-and-go section on the right.
Among the items on the menu: Pho (with either sirloin, meatball or brisket); Vermicelli (with a choice of skewer, egg roll or both): Vietnamese beef stew; chicken soup (with glass or thin egg noodles); Banh Mi (with options of ham, pork, beef, chicken, shrimp or tofu); Summer Roll with shrimp; Tamarind Pork Ribs; Crispy Egg Rolls; Grilled Skewers with a variety of meat and tofu options and Pandan chiffon cake dessert flavored with the juices of Pandanus amaryllifolius leaves. 12 Purdy Ave., Rye, 914-821-1010,saigontablerye.com.
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The Gracie Rose, Pearl River
Fancy a cuppa tea with scones, finger sandwiches and housemade desserts? Let The Gracie Rose transport you to the Emerald Isle with its warm welcome and lilt of Irish voices. Their tea experience was a "Best Thing I Ate" last year and remains a favorite thanks to its traditional Irish menu with Fish 'n Chips, a cod burger, and sausage and chips. There's also a large gourmet section where you can purchase Irish grocery products and food gift baskets. 44 E Central Ave., 845-558-3400, thegracierose.com.
The Ambleside Pub, Mount Kisco
While this isn't a restaurant — it's a pub in the truest sense of the word — it IS a taste of England in the heart of Westchester. Owners Drew and Leigh Hodgson (he's British; she's American) have taken great pains to recreate what exists in nearly every corner of the British countryside right down to the bar height. Keeping it authentic for Drew, who grew up in the Lake District, meant creating a 3-foot 4-inch bar that's shorter than the average American bar to accommodate people standing (there are no stools). American bars, in case you're wondering, are generally 3 feet, 8 inches.
While the bar is among the standout features (there's also a dart board and a fake fireplace), it's the handpoured traditional cask ales — served warm! — that are the real stars of the show (and a point of deference). The pub even has its own keg room (in the center of the room) along with its own specialty brew. Ambleside's Best Bitter, a collaboration withOld Glenham Breweryin Beacon, another British-owned company. Food is not a priority but you will find Shepherd's Pie, Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips and Cornish Pasties. Plus starting mid-September The Ambleside will serve a traditional Sunday roast with reservations strongly suggested (the only time they take reservations). 23 E Main St., 914-733-6008, theamblesidepub.com.
Jeanne Muchnickcovers food and dining. Clickherefor her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram@lohud_foodor via thelohudfood newsletter
