Hello, MBKU Class of 2027! I am so happy to welcome you here.
Whether you are from the area, out of state, or out of the country, we know California is a melting pot of different cultures. Some that we may or may not be familiar with. As graduate students, we don’t have much time to explore the cultures we are surrounded by. I believe the best way to experience a culture is through food, and Fullerton and Orange County provide some of the best cultural exposure. So give yourself a break, grab a friend, and experience a new culture at one of these fantastic restaurants:
- House of Mandi - Yemeni
A unique Yemeni experience, from the ambiance of the seating, the food served, and the traditions of how the food is cooked and eaten. This restaurant is located 15 minutes away from campus in Anaheim, CA. The food consists of a mixture of rice, BBQ meat, and different stews. To make the best of your experience, you must participate in the traditional way of eating by using your hands. I recommend everything here; you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose.
- Forn al Hara - Lebanese
If you are a pizza lover, you will love this Lebanese food. A Lebanese creation and tradition called Manaeesh (Man-a-e-sh). You can have this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This restaurant is also 15 minutes from campus, located in Anaheim, CA. This fantastic restaurant offers a thin dough topped with many types of meat, cheeses, veggies, spreads, eggs, or a mixture. You can taste the Lebanese spices with every bite. You can also grab some of their other food, including wraps, pastries, and desserts. My favorites are the Muhammara with Cheese and za’atar manaeesh.
- Baran Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar - Iranian
Baran is a beautiful restaurant located 13 minutes from campus and 2 minutes from clinic in Anaheim, CA. This place provides some of the best Iranian Cuisine I have had in the US. You can taste the different spices and ingredients they use with every bite. The food includes different variations of rice, meats, and veggies that just melt in your mouth. The flavors can only be described as immaculate and truly portrays Iranian culture. I highly recommend trying the kashk bademjan and spicy, juicy chicken with albaloo polo.
- Aleppo’s Kitchen - Syrian
Aleppo’s Kitchen provides the perfect mixture of Syrian, Turkish, and Armenian Cuisine. This restaurant is 15 minutes from campus, located in Anaheim, CA. Enjoy the spices of these three Middle Eastern countries while listening to traditional music and customs. Aleppo’s provides food, including rice with meat, different stews, and kibbes. I highly recommend getting the Mansaf.
- Din Tai Fung - Taiwanese
If you love dumplings, noodles, and good vibes, this place is for you. Din Tai Fung is located 22 minutes from campus in Costa Mesa, CA. This restaurant offers terrific Taiwanese food, including amazing dumplings, wet and dry noodles, wontons, and amazing appetizers. You can enjoy the experience by watching the chefs make the dumplings through their open kitchen concept. The Taiwanese flavors push your taste buds to a fantastic sensation. My favorite items are the cucumber salad, ribs, spicy wontons, and spicy noodles with Szechuan beef.
- Noodle St - Chinese
A quick and delicious bite of Asian fusion is what Noodle St Offers. Take a look into Chinese culture through the beautiful flavors this restaurant offers. It is located 4 minutes from campus in Fullerton, CA. You can have this food any time throughout the day. It is the perfect food for your lunch break that transports you into a flavor city. My favorite items are the pan-fried dumplings, spicy beef noodles, and the beef roll pancake.
- Holdaak - Korean Fried Chicken
A fast food Korean fried chicken that beats all other fried chicken places. The intense Korean flavors dispersed in the food are excellent. This restaurant is located 12 minutes from campus in Fullerton, CA. However, it might seem like a typical fried chicken place, but the tenderness of the chicken mixed with spices and different toppings makes such a difference. I recommend getting everything on the menu because you can’t go wrong.
- Tacos El Patron - Mexican
Tacos El Patron is renowned for serving mouthwatering and authentic Mexican cuisine that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Their delectable food is an authentic representation of the rich flavors and vibrant culinary heritage of Mexico. This restaurant is located 9 minutes from campus in Anaheim. They are well known for their birria, so I highly recommend getting their queso birria tacos with consome. If you are looking for good Mexican food, this is the place.
- The Good Fish - Poke/Japanese
If you enjoy Poke, you will love this restaurant. This restaurant is located 4 minutes from campus in Fullerton, CA. Make sure to try their varieties of poke bowls, poke burritos, salads, or even ramen. The freshness of the fish is delectable, which makes the food taste so much better. The bowl mix-ins with the fresh fish help elevate the Japanese flavors. I highly recommend trying this restaurant.
- Mr. BBQ or Gen KBBQ - Korean BBQ
Unlimited Korean food, what could be better? These two Korean BBQ spots are located in Fullerton, 4 minutes and 10 minutes from campus. From the different marinated meats, crazy appetizers, side dishes, and fantastic service, these spots are delicious ways to indulge in Korean food. An all you can eat experience that leaves you full and more than satisfied. The food is so good, it’s almost impossible to stop eating.
- Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana - Italian
An Italian pizzeria that will make you believe you’re in Italy. This pizza will transport you to the streets of Italy with its perfectly thin yet plushy dough and the most exquisite topping combinations you will find. This restaurant is located in downtown Fullerton, 10 minutes from campus. I can truthfully say this pizza is in my top 3 in California. If the aromatics and flavor of the pizza do not fully satisfy your Italian dream needs, the service and staff definitely will. It is the perfect family-run restaurant you will go to. I can’t just recommend one thing; you have to try it all.
- Roman Cucina - Italian
Pasta, Bruschetta, and a glass of wine are all you need for a night at Roman Cucina. This restaurant is located in downtown Fullerton, 10 minutes from campus. If you are looking for a great pasta place, you’ve found one. You can feel the Italian roots ingrained in the food, from the spices to the sauce. The restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere with food that tastes like grandma’s cooking.
- Al Tannour - Iraqi
An Iraqi hole-in-the-wall type of place that serves some fantastic food, especially Mashawe (BBQ). This restaurant is located 15 minutes from campus in Anaheim, CA. If you are looking for a place to get some amazing kabob or grilled fish (maskoof), this is the place to go. It might not look the best, but that’s how you know the food is terrific. I recommend trying this place to see what an Iraqi meal would taste like.
- Masala Bae - Indian
This food could be my bae; I mean, it is in the name. This restaurant is located 15 minutes from campus in Tustin, CA. If you want to give your taste buds a dance party, this Indian food will not disappoint. The spices, flavors, and overall presentation of the food are nothing short of perfection. You can taste the traditional Indian flavors and spices in every bite, whether the naan or curry. I highly recommend trying this restaurant as the food will send you on a trip to India.
- Kentro - Greek
Last but not least, a treat that will send you to Santorini. Kentro is located 10 minutes from campus in Fullerton, CA. This restaurant offers a great way to experience authentic Greek culture through many dishes. You can taste the freshness in every bite. The flavors melt together to form a sensation that can only be described as relaxing to the soul. I highly recommend trying Kentro for lunch or dinner. My favorite items are the zucchini chips, spanakopita, manouri flatbread, and mousaka.
