Batuqui: Feijoada
A classic Brazilian stew made with black beans, pork, beef, spices and salt, this dish comes served with Brazilian rice, sauteed collard greens and tomato relish in a platter that’s perfect for sharing. 12706 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland,
216-801-0227, batuquicleveland.com
Edwins Restaurant: Escargot
Served with caramelized fennel butter and garlic, these French delicacies arrive piping hot with a tiny fork to perfectly nab each bite from the shells. It’s proof that simple ingredients can have a big payoff. 13101 Shaker Square, Cleveland, 216-921-3333, edwinsrestaurant.org
LJ Shanghai: Soup Dumplings
Make sure to eat these the right way — scooped up in a deep-bottomed soup spoon, punctured and sipped with a drop of ginger — and you’ll experience pure meat-and-dough bliss. Life is best served with a little thrill. 3142 Superior Ave., Cleveland, 216-400-6936
Momocho: Machaca Taquitos
This modern take on Mexican features beef brisket marinated in earthy coffee and smoky ancho chile. Spice things up however you like — more house-made guacamole or sauteed veggies — in this build-your-own version. 1835 Fulton Road, Cleveland, 216-694-2122, momocho.com
NIpa Hut: Halo-halo
Literally called “mix-mix,” it comes from the Philippines, where Malay, Chinese, American and Spanish influences converged into a shaved ice dessert. It’s served here with evaporated milk, leche flan, purple yam ice cream and wafers. 6775 W. 130th St., Parma Heights, 440-842-7333, nipahutoriental.com
