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Chicken Mango Curry, PaPaYa Thai
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BEST THAI CURRYChicken Mango Curry PaPaYa Thai2706 E. University Drive, Mesa
480-964-3171
A light, creamy base with a whisper of fruity mango sweetness and a dose of spice makes this one of the more interesting curries around. And the super-soft, melt-in-your-mouth chicken chunks are a welcome change from the stiff or rubbery globs that other places try to pass off. $8.95
Green Curry Beef Benjarong Thai1440 S. Country Club Drive, Mesa
480-890-9988
benjarongthai.com
The coconut milk ratio is just right in this curry, which coats thin beef strips, julienned bamboo shoots, eggplant, mushroom, sweet basil leaves, and red and green pepper. And the beef does not resemble shoe leather, as it too often does at other ethnic eateries. $8.95
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Misir Wat, Café Lalibela
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BEST VEGETARIANMisir Wat Café Lalibela849 W. University Drive, Tempe
480-829-1939
cafelalibela.com
It’s hard to explain the flavors of Ethiopian food to someone who’s never had it, but suffice to say, they’re extraordinary. All the dishes here will make you want to eat your veggies, but this one is tops. Red split lentils simmered with onions, herbs and berbere – red chili powder and spices – doesn’t look like much, but your mouth will be surprised. Get it on a combo plate with some other items and scoop it up with flat, spongy injera bread. $4.75
“Buffalo” Wings Green: New American Vegetarian2240 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-941-9003
greenvegetarian.com
Green’s modus operandi is to offer comfort food vegan-style. They manage to make it work, serving up delicious replicas of your favorite comfort food, like amazing “buffalo” wings that are so much like the heart-clogging real thing it’s hard to believe they’re made from white mushroom stems. A kick-butt house-made sauce helps; so does the fact that it’s served with familiar cucumber ranch dip (dairy-free) and celery sticks. In any case, you won’t feel like you’re suffering in the name of health. $5