Exotic Eats in San Antonio: A Foodie’s Guide to Relishing the Local Scene

Exotic food and San Antonio go hand in hand. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your palate with some chicken-fried rattlesnake or you simply want to make sure your taste buds are well traveled, the Alamo City has plenty of options that will leave you planning your next trip back before you even finish off your first bite. Discover the best of what San Antonio has to offer when it comes to international cuisine from tacos to tequila, sushi to shrimp fajitas, and everything in between.

Food Carts

San Antonio is a delicious blend of cultures, and nowhere is that more evident than in its food scene. Fresh, traditional ingredients meet exotic spices and flavors to create culinary experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From street carts serving up tacos al pastor to upscale cafes offering French-inspired desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And the best part? You can find all of this within a few blocks of each other. So whether you’re a local looking to explore your own city or a visitor looking for an authentic taste of San Antonio, be sure to check out these eats!

Offering a blend of Mexican, Spanish and French flavors, Azucar is your first stop for amazing desserts. Cakes and pastries are made fresh daily, so you’re always sure to get something decadent and delicious. Indulge in a classic chocolate soufflé or try something new with a raspberry chia-seed pudding or guava flan. If you’d rather skip dessert, stick around for lunch and order up some of Azucar’s gourmet sandwiches. Every bite will take you on an international journey, featuring ingredients from Turkey to Argentina!

Asian Restaurants

If you’re looking for exotic eats in San Antonio, look no further than its many Asian cafes and restaurants. From traditional pho and ramen noodle soup to more contemporary fusion dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check out some of the city’s most popular spots, like Mai Thai Cuisine, Mr. Wonton, and Spice Fine Indian Cuisine. And for those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on San Antonio’s famous bubble tea scene!

Explore these ethnic eats on your next trip to San Antonio. The restaurants are listed roughly by location, making it easy for visitors and locals alike to plan a unique culinary tour. Whether you’re craving tacos, steak, or sushi, here’s where you can find it! Don’t forget to explore some of the lesser-known places, too; they often have specialty dishes that aren’t found elsewhere.

A major cultural hub within the state, San Antonio is home to over 30 museums spanning across many disciplines including art, history, science and technology. And while they’re known as a hub for live music concerts as well as theater performances, this Texas city also offers up an eclectic mix of dance styles from all over the world – Flamenco from Spain and Tahitian dances from French Polynesia included!

Mexican Restaurants

There’s no denying that Mexican food is a staple in San Antonio. And for good reason – the city boasts some of the best Tex-Mex cuisine in the state. But if you’re looking to mix things up and explore some other exotic eats, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are just a few of our favorites.

Traditional Tex-Mex cuisine is certainly a treat, but if you’re looking for something more authentic, there are plenty of Mexican eateries in town that are worth trying. Start with La Fonda on Main Street and enjoy some fresh fajitas for lunch or dinner. When you’re done, head over to Nana’s Restaurant & Catering for a taste of home cooking. You’ll be delighted by their hearty beef chimichangas and other tasty treats. Another great option is Roberto’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, where you can get authentic Mexican dishes made from traditional recipes at reasonable prices.

Other Ethnic Restaurants

If you’re looking for a sugar rush, San Antonio has no shortage of bakeries and confectionaries serving up tempting sweets. Start your day with a stop at one of the city’s many panaderias for some delicious pastries and freshly-baked bread. For something on the lighter side, head to one of the local gelato shops for a refreshing treat. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the city’s unique flavors like cajeta (goat’s milk caramel) or arroz con leche (rice pudding).

For more substantial meals, check out some of San Antonio’s other ethnic restaurants. For good Southern food, check out Hill Country Barbecue Market and James Coney Island for local favorites. For sushi, head over to Tei Tei Robata Bar or Masu Sushi + Grill where fresh fish flown in daily is served with flair. Or try Bon Bon Chicken, a spicy Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant that has become wildly popular in its first few years open. In search of Vietnamese food? Mingle with locals at Ngon Bistro Viet Cafe or Pho Quyen Vietnamese Restaurant, two favorite spots. And don’t forget Boudro’s Texas Bistro if you’re craving Tex-Mex and live music!

Bakery Shops and Confectionaries

San Antonio is a melting pot of culture, and that includes its food scene. From Tex-Mex and barbecue to Thai and Vietnamese, there’s no shortage of exotic eats to be had in the Alamo City. And for those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of delicious bakery shops and confectionaries to choose from. Here are just a few of our favorites. Brought over by Lebanese immigrants in the early 1900s, Becker’s Bakery has been churning out some of the city’s most popular baklava since 1935. Be sure to grab a cinnamon bun on your way out! For something more unique, head over to La Panaderia and get an empanada filled with pineapple jam or guava paste.

La Cocina de Mama Yeya features Mexican home cooking done right – it doesn’t get much more authentic than this! After sampling her renowned little mama tacos, you’ll be back again soon enough. Plus, if you’re craving something sweet after dinner, take a walk over to Takoba Mexican Market where they have homemade fudge that tastes like childhood in every bite.