3.Indian Oven- A more recognizable cuisine than Moroccan, Indian Oven, located in a deserted strip center on San Pedro, is the only place in San Antonio to go for the best Indian food, that even Slum-dog Millionaire would approve of. The ambience feels like you’re stepping into a Bollywood music video, and if you really want to bust out in character, they have traditional Indian garments and music for sale. The menu is extensive, but some of the highlights are Chicken and/or Fish Masala, Naan Bread, The Vegetarian Platter, Jasmine Basmati Rice, different Curries, and for desert, Mango Koffee (comparable to mochi ice cream). Our favorite two waiters are always there to greet us, and the music and the food bring us back.

2.Mamma Lee’s- A Sunday brunch tradition, Mamma Lee’s is a hands down favorite of  mine. Serving pure soul food, Mamma Lee’s feels like you’re stepping back to a simpler time. With live jazz, the place is teeming with a comfortable, jazz club feel. Even though I’m afraid of ordering the collard greens, the menu is super simple (one meat two sides),  and has dozens of combinations to try. Fried Catfish, Meatloaf, Fried Chicken, Roasted Chicken, Pork chops, Ham, Mac n’ Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Gumbo, and Corn are just some of the favorites. And for desert, (oh my gosh, I’m drooling) the family owned restaurant makes a variety of cakes at their own home and brings them to the restaurant. Strawberry, coffee, chocolate, and red velvet are just a small portion of the cake selection available. And even though we usually get to go boxes, the food never makes it all the way home.

1. A Dong- Don’t let the name scare you away. This Vietnamese restaurant on the north side is literally the best Asian food in San Antonio. Owned by a Vietnamese family the waiters have become familiar after our regular attendance. It’s become a Sunday night tradition, and even though I always get the same thing, #98, the menu is extremely extensive, so bring a pair of reading glasses. After getting over the shock of seeing my dad in my mother’s purple polka dot reading glasses, looking like Charles Nelson Riley, the waiters are extremely friendly, and very rarely get lost in translation. Some favorites of ours are the Vietnamese broccoli, which is a huge plate of bok choy soaked in a garlic soy sauce, the fried egg roll lettuce wraps, that I burn my tongue on every time, my favorite, the #98,  a charcoaled pork dish, and the Vietnamese Cafe. Please do not skip the Cafe. When France colonized Vietnam, they brought over French foods such as this super sweet slow roasted iced coffee. Like the tea at Moroccan Bites, this will keep you up, so I suggest drinking these whenever you have a World History AP test coming up.

–I.M.