Take a journey along Atlanta’s iconic Buford Highway and explore an incredible feat of the American melting pot. Aided by the beginnings of a General Motors plant in 1945, this now internationally renowned corridor is home to more than 1000 businesses backed by 20 different nations with an estimated 50,000 living alongside its 30+ mile route. From the well-known Shoya Izakaya to the bustling Super H Mart, Buford Highway provides a unique charm amidst heart-filling aromas. Havana Sandwich Shop is another local highlight that has continued to withstand the test of time since 1976 for both locals and visitors alike. Experience the vibrant culture and exploration all under one umbrella; an Atlanta experience, where cultures collide and something new is always turning heads.

Buford Highway is one of Atlanta’s greatest experiences, offering a diverse range of dining experiences that can only be found in the Southeastern United States. Boasting a glorious kaleidoscope of cultures, ethnic identities, and cuisines, Buford Highway is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore something new. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn and explore—you won’t regret it!

The modern roots of today’s Buford Highway are found in the automotive industry, where construction began on what would become a General Motors plant in Doraville in 1945. This bustling corridor has since grown to include nearly 1000 immigrant-owned businesses, more than 100 restaurants representing 20 different nations, and an estimated 50,000 residents living along its 30+ mile stretch. Not only do they coexist, but they also thrive together, with constant energy provided by local and visiting Atlantans who recognize their good fortune. With many highlights concentrated in a 10-mile section, Buford Highway is a true testament to the power of multiculturalism and community.

Exploring the Iconic Buford Highway

Allen’s enthusiasm for discovering new places along Buford Highway is undeniable. From the renowned Japanese restaurant Shoya Izakaya to the bustling Korean grocery store Super H Mart, he has been able to find and frequent a number of unique spots in Doraville. Debbie Benedit, the owner of Havana Sandwich Shop, describes the area as one that “grabs your attention” with its vibrant green and yellow facade, chaotic atmosphere, and delicious smells. Even after decades of change, this is still the same iconic spot that led the way for other immigrant-owned restaurants on Buford Highway back in 1976.

With Eddie Benedit’s dream, intuition, and family recipes, Havana Sandwich Shop has served generations of Atlantans with its signature Cuban sandwiches. Despite the uncertainty of the time and the lack of experience in the industry, the Benedits persevered to create a legacy that is still standing tall today.

Popular Family-Run Vietnamese Restaurant

Pho Dai Loi #2 stands proudly in the Little Saigon Plaza, just off Buford Highway in Chamblee’s city limits. Its entrance is adorned with a clock and a green-and-white circular sign reading “PHO” in capital letters above eight bold, red-lit characters spelling out “Dai Loi #2.” This popular chain of family-run Vietnamese restaurants was launched by Lenh Luong, an immigrant who arrived in Atlanta in 1991. Though it is not the original location, Pho Dai Loi #2 is the best known, due to its proximity to the north of downtown Atlanta. Locals and visitors alike flock to the restaurant for steaming bowls of pho, spring rolls, and more. Even after Luong stepped away from the restaurants in 2017, the famous pho prepared behind the wood-paneled walls of the dining room remains as popular as ever.

A Unique and Soul-Warming Experience

LanZhou Ramen is a top-tier restaurant in Atlanta, offering a unique and soul-warming experience since 2017. With its humble decor and color-morphing LED string lights framing the kitchen window, LanZhou creates an unforgettable atmosphere that enhances its exquisite food. Here, customers can find fragrant bowls of steaming ramen loaded with chili oil, bok choy, and scallions, and other traditional dishes like Co’ m (rice) or Bún (Vietnamese vermicelli noodles topped with proteins). Every bowl is expertly crafted, with perfectly chewy noodles and delicate herbs, creating a symphony of flavor. Whether dining alone or with family and friends, LanZhou Ramen offers an uplifting respite from the rest of the world.

Sean Yang’s Success at LanZhou

As Kitchen Manager of LanZhou, Sean Yang has been highly successful in his three years of service. He proudly explains that the restaurant does not serve standard Chinese restaurant dishes but rather specializes in dishes they know how to make perfectly. Specifically highlighting Chef and co-owner Fu Li Zhang’s noodle brilliance, Sean holds him in the highest regard for his 20 years of experience making incredibly tender noodles that customers call ‘cute.’ Sean emphasizes the importance of making a clear broth from 300 pounds of beef and two types of flour for the ramen. As he puts it, “That’s the most important thing. If you see a creamy soup, they didn’t do it right. When it’s tea-colored, that’s the best.” Sean is confident in the face of competition, believing that the only way to survive is to strive to be the best.

Entertainment and Cuisine

Plaza Fiesta is a vibrant, bustling Latin American-inspired shopping center that will surely excite any visitor. From the car-stereo subwoofers to the princess-inspired dresses, there’s something for everyone here. The indoor playground and arcade games offer endless hours of entertainment, while the food court and various hallways serve up some of the best Latin American cuisines in the area. Originally named Buford-Clairmont Mall, the property has been around since 1968 and has seen many changes throughout the years, as the surrounding demographic has become more diverse due to the influx of foreign workers who arrived to help with the 1996 Olympic Games.

With over 280 stores and weekly visitors of 50,000, Plaza Fiesta has become a haven for those of Latin American origin who come together to build community and enjoy the flavors of home.

Exploring the Flavors of Buford Highway

Discover the vibrant flavors of Buford Highway with a visit to these ten amazing restaurants. Bismillah Cafe offers traditional Indian cuisine, while Continent Restaurant & Cigar Lounge features African and Caribbean influences. For Korean food, head over to Dish Korean Cuisine, and for Mexican dishes, try El Rey del Taco or La Pastorcita. Gu’s Kitchen serves Szechuan specialties, Masterpiece is the place for Chinese favorites, and Nur Kitchen specializes in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean delicacies. Sample the best of Southern cooking at Roc South Cuisine and tantalize your taste buds with Japanese fare at Sushi Hayakawa. Add these eateries to your bucket list today!

Buford Highway provides visitors with an incredibly unique food and cultural experience that is otherwise unheard of. Many thanks to the contribution of the local entrepreneurs, people from all walks of life have the opportunity to discover various cultures represented here. This bustling ten-mile stretch serves not just as a destination but also as a representation and bridge between communities. Perhaps Allen put it best when he said “It’s really inspiring to be part of something that brings so many different pieces together into one whole.”