I never know what I'll stumble upon whenever I venture down Nolensville Pike. Arguably, there's no better or more diverse street in Middle Tennessee that offers such myriad of food options from different cultures. Whether you're looking to sample cooking from the country's largest Kurdish population or simply itching for a street taco, your choices are seemingly endless. Vivek Surti
Pupuseria Reina La Bendicion
Salvadoran food is the specialty. Go for the namesake pupusas: a thick corn tortilla that can be filled with cheese, beans, pork, or all three. Add a side of curtido (fermented cabbage) and their fiery red salsa for one of the most satisfying meals in town. Not to be overlooked, the tortas are exquisite and massive, with generous heaps of meat, avocado, and cheese pressed together like a Cuban sandwich.
la michoacana
A short mile away you may see what seems to be a regular Mexican ice cream shop with ice cream, paletas, and aguas frescas. Hang around for a while, though, and you'll see people eating out of Doritos bags with forks and slurping up mango sorbet smothered in hot sauce. Don't be alarmed. Just order what everyone else does: Dorilocos. The street food from Mexico City is like a loaded, amped-up version of nachos in a bag: Nacho Cheese Doritos are topped with pico de gallo, crunchy pork skin, avocado, crema, and fried peanuts. Meanwhile, the mangonada is a refreshing, sweet, and spicy treat that starts with frozen mango puree topped with Chamoy hot sauce and Tajín chili powder, slurped down through a tamarind straw.
>>> Where to Eat Cheap on Antioch Pike
Shish Kabob
Nashville is home to the world's largest Kurdish population outside of the native country, hence, our higher-than-average number of Kurdish restaurants. One of the best is Shish Kabob, where you will find expertly cooked kabobs, perfectly prepared rice, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels vaguely like dining at a Kurdish grandma's home. Go traditional and order a kubideh (Iranian ground meat made from ground lamb or beef) kabob, or splurge on the joojeh (Cornish hen) kabob.
Carniceria Y Taqueria Don Juan
There's no shortage of great tacos to be found in this part of town. Locate the bright turquoise building set behind a Nissan dealership, and discover delicious tacos al pastor, carnitas, or lengua, plus what's probably the best green salsa in town, which seals the deal for me.
Taj Indian Restaurant
You might be tempted to visit the Indian buffet, but I recommend kicking that urge and ordering off the menu. One of the best Indian restaurants in town, Taj fulfills the craving for classic Indian fare. But venture out a little, and you're rewarded with dishes like the bhel puri, a mixture of puffed rice, sev, chickpeas, potatoes, tamarind chutney, fresh cilantro, and yogurt. My choice? The seekh kabob, made of ground lamb, off the tandoori menu, please.
Pupuseria Reina La Bendicion 3003 Nolensville Pk, 615-243-8425
La Michoacana 3763 Nolensville Pk, 615-995-2115
Shish Kabob 4651 Nolensville Pk, 615-833-1113
Taj Indian Restaurant 3943 Nolensville Pk., 615-750-3490; tajnashville.com