A foodie’s guide to international cuisine in the Lowcountry
Eat globally, dine locally
Story By Bailey Gilliam
Traveling the world for culinary delights isn’t always necessary. The Lowcountry brings global cuisines right to your doorstep, featuring authentic dishes rich in unique ingredients, seasonings and cooking methods from various regions. Here’s a guide to exploring international flavors locally.
China
Discover the diverse and authentic tastes of Chinese regional cuisines, from spicy Sichuan to sweet Cantonese, featuring traditional dishes like xiao long bao and Peking duck.
Find the flavor:
Hilton Head: E-Tang, Asian Bistro, Express Wok, Yummy House, Sunny China
Bluffton: Jade Garden, Chin Dynasty, Panda Chinese Restaurant, Hong Kong, China Wok
Beaufort/Port Royal: China Dragon, Panda Chinese Restaurant, House of Tang, Peking Gourmet, Chinatown, New China
South Korea
Korean meals are a symphony of flavors with dishes like bulgogi and kimchi dominating the table.
Find the flavor:
Bluffton: A9 Hot Pot & Korean BBQ
Thailand
Thai cuisine offers a collection of flavors influenced by its neighbors, with dishes like panang curry and green papaya salad.
Find the flavor:
Hilton Head: Ruan Thai Hut, Ruan Thai Cuisine, Thai Smile Cuisine
Bluffton: Ruan Thai Cuisine, Thai Food by Madame Sue
Beaufort/Port Royal: Yes Thai Indeed, Papaya Thai & Sushi Bar
Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine offers a complex palette of flavors, from robust pho to light spring rolls.
Find the flavor:
Bluffton: Saigon Cafe
Japan
Experience the subtle elegance of Japanese cuisine, where traditional staples like sushi, ramen and tempura highlight fresh, local ingredients and essential seasonings.
Find the flavor:
Hilton Head: Hinoki, Jinya, Nakama, Fujiyama, OKKO
Bluffton: Sake House, Kobe, Fancy Sushi, Sumo Sushi, Sushi Sakana, Wasabi, Yummy Hibachi and Sushi
Beaufort/Port Royal: Sake House Beaufort, Sushi Sakana, Yummy Hibachi and Sushi
Mexico
Indulge in the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with dishes like tacos al pastor and chilaquiles verdes.
Find the flavor:
Hilton Head: Fiesta Fresh, Holy Tequila, Cactus Street Cantina, San Miguel’s, Blue Lagoon, Taqueria El Potrero, Cabritos, Pan Fresco Ole, Java Burrito, La Cabanita, Mi Tierra, Santa Fe Cafe, Amigos, Tienda Y Tortilleria San Jose, Tio’s
Bluffton: Mi Tierra, Fiesta Fresh, Agave Sidebar, El Nuevo Vallarta, La Hacienda, La Tampiquena, Mexicali Fresh, La Mexicana, Hecho en Mexico, La Huasteca, Taqueria, Cinco, Pinchos Grill, Rio Chico
Beaufort/Port Royal: Agave, La Nopalera, Taqueria Lopez, Maria’s Mexican Kitchen, Los Hermanos, Dos Amigos
United Kingdom
Explore British cuisine with classics like fish and chips and the full English breakfast.
Find the flavor:
Hilton Head: British Open Pub, Earle of Sandwich Pub Bluffton: British Open Pub
West Africa
West African cuisine offers spicy stews and flavorful rice dishes like jollof rice and maafe.
Find the flavor:
Bluffton: Okàn
Ireland
Enjoy the simplicity and robust flavors of Irish cuisine with dishes like Irish stew and colcannon.
Find the flavor:
Hilton Head: Reilley’s Grill & Bar
Bluffton: Katie O’Donald’s, Kelly’s Tavern
Beaufort/Port Royal: Rosie O’Grady’s Pub
Brazil
Brazil’s cuisine reflects its cultural diversity with dishes like picanha and moqueca.
Find the flavor:
Hilton Head: Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse
Jamaica
Jamaican cuisine combines vibrant Caribbean flavors in dishes like jerk chicken and ackee and saltfish.
Find the flavor:
Hilton Head: Red Stripes, Jamaica Joe’z
Beaufort/Port Royal: Jah’Nya’s, Diced Pineapple, Jah’Lion
Hungary
Taste Hungary’s hearty cuisine with dishes like goulash and chicken paprikash.
Find the flavor:
Hilton Head: Taste of Europe
Greece
Delight in Greek culinary traditions with dishes like moussaka and gyros.
Find the flavor:
Hilton Head: It’s Greek To Me Bluffton: Olive & Fig, CAVA
Germany
Experience the hearty comfort of German cuisine with staples like schnitzel and currywurst.
Find the flavor:
Hilton Head: Alfred’s Restaurant
France
French cuisine is a testament to culinary finesse, featuring dishes like coq au vin and bouillabaisse.
Find the flavor:
Hilton Head: Charlie’s Coastal Bistro, Bistro 17, Chez Georges, The French Bakery
Italy
Savor Italian classics from pizzas to pastas in settings that mirror Italy’s charm.
Find the flavor:
Hilton Head: Nunzio Restaurant + Bar, Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana, Pomodori, Flora’s Italian Cafe, Il Carpaccio, Gusto Ristorante, Limoncello’s Cibo Italiano, Stellini, Ombra Cucina Italiana, Piatti, Frankie Bones, Cafe Al Dente, Bella Italia, Nonna Rosa, Bricco Ristorante Italiano, GT International Cafe
Bluffton: Mulberry Street Trattoria, Dolce Vita, Joelle, Frankie Bones, Fazio Cucina Italiana
Beaufort/Port Royal: Panini’s on the Waterfront, Miramare Italiano, Griffin Market
