Antojos: Lunch in Havana, Cuba

Grilled Chicken (Pollo Grillé), Antojos, Havana, Cuba

Antojos is a hip and trendy restaurant serving classic Cuban fare, located on the edge of Habana Vieja, Havana’s old town. This area, located near the Museum of the Revolution, is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Havana to explore. Here, you will find narrow alleyways lined with historic buildings housing small restaurants and bars. One of these alleyways, Espada Alley, is where you will find Antojos. It’s hard to miss the restaurant with red parasols lining its exterior and …

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Mojito Mojito: Lunch near Plaza Vieja in Havana, Cuba

Fresh Chicken with Shrimp and Fruits (Pollo Fresco con Camarones y Frutas)

When I travel to new destinations, I usually only visit restaurants after doing some prior research or reading reviews. Additionally, even though I am a tourist, I avoid eating at establishments that cater mainly to tourists. Therefore, when I came across Mojito Mojito, located near Plaza Vieja in Old Havana, Cuba, I had reservations about the place. While I don’t consider myself a foodie who enjoys fancy or costly cuisine, I assume that eateries located in touristy areas will be …

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Torikizoku: Popular yakitori chain found across Japan

Momo Kizokuyaki Tare (Chicken Thigh and Leek Skewer), Torikizoku, Osaka, Japan

Founded in 1986, Torikizoku has established itself as one of Japan’s most popular izakaya chains, with almost 700 locations nationwide. Today, the chain is well known for its affordable prices, cozy atmosphere, and freshly prepared yakitori skewers. You can find Torikizoku locations in major cities, including Tokyo (Shinjuku and Shibuya), Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Kobe, and Hiroshima. There are many reasons to visit Torikizoku. First, they offer various yakitori skewers, including chicken, beef, pork, and vegetables. Second, their prices are affordable, …

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Nong’s Khao Man Gai: Chicken Rice in Portland, Oregon

The specialty of the house, Khao Man Gai, Portland, Oregon

In 2003, Nong Poonsukwattana moved across the world from Bangkok, Thailand to Portland, Oregon. When she arrived, Nong only had two suitcases and $70 to her name. To make ends meet, Nong took a job at a local Thai restaurant. After years of hard work and saving money, Nong opened her first food cart in 2009 in downtown Portland. The name of her cart was Nong’s Khao Man Gai. As with many restaurants and food stalls in Asia, the food …

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Flippin’ Good Chicken, Burgers, Beer in downtown Las Vegas

The Firebird served with Fire Fries

It was my last night in Las Vegas and I was craving two things, a spicy chicken sandwich and a local craft beer. These days you can find great spots all over Vegas for chicken and beer including Hattie B’s at The Cosmopolitan, The Crack Shack, and Big Chicken. While these places are great, I needed something closer to my hotel in the Fremont East District of downtown Las Vegas. After a quick search online, I found my spot. I …

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Nando’s PERi-PERi: Best flame grilled chicken in Baltimore, Maryland

The Half Chicken Combo with PERi Chips

Nando’s PERi-PERi, with a location in Baltimore, is part of a South African restaurant chain famous for their peri-peri style chicken dishes. Nando’s, which was founded in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1987, now has over 1,000 locations in 35 countries. So what is PERi-PERi? PERi-PERi, or piri piri, is a type of chili pepper known as the African Bird’s Eye Chili. Nando’s sources their peppers from Southern Africa, including Mozambique. These peppers are the key to Nando’s fire grilled PERi-PERi …

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Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre in Singapore

The specialty of the house, the Hainanese Chicken Rice

Exactly who serves the best chicken rice in Singapore is up for debate. Everyone has their favorite. My favorite is Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, a famous hawker stall at Singapore’s Maxwell Food Centre. Singaporeans love their chicken rice, considered by many to be the national dish of Singapore. This simple dish of boiled chicken and rice can be found at hawker centres and restaurants all across Singapore. There may be no other hawker stall as well known as Tian …

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Popcorn Fried Chicken at Ji Guang Xiang Xiang Ji in Taipei, Taiwan

Chefs frying chicken in hot oil, Ji Guang Delicious Fried Chicken, Taipei, Taiwan

For over 40 years, locals have considered Ji Guang Xiang Xiang (继光香香鸡), also known as J&G Chicken, to have the best fried chicken in Taipei. Since opening in Taichung in 1973, J&G Chicken, or Ji Guang Delicious Fried Chicken, has become a household name. Over the years, the restaurant has continued to expand across Taiwan and currently has international branches in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. Waiting in Line J&G Chicken was located in a prime location at the …

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El Aljibe in Havana, Cuba: Famous Restaurant Serving Roast Chicken

Roasted Chicken, the specialty of El Aljibe

A few miles west of Old Town Havana is El Aljibe, a state-owned, open-air restaurant popular with tourists for the family style roast chicken, served the same way for over 60 years. The first time I heard about El Aljibe was while watching Anthony Bourdain’s show ‘Parts Unknown’ when he visited Havana, Cuba. When I saw Anthony eating perfectly roasted chicken marinated in a secret orange sauce and luscious black beans, I knew I had to try this place. If …

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Chicken and waffles at The Breakfast Klub in Houston, Texas

The Breakfast Klub's famous chicken and waffles

It was my last day in Houston. What better way to end the trip with some chicken and waffles and true southern style breakfast at The Breakfast Klub. The Breakfast Klub, located in Midtown Houston, has gained a loyal following of those looking to sample some delicious homemade southern dishes such as chicken and waffles, wings and grits, and catfish along with other tasty items including green eggs and ham and eggs benedict. They also serve lunch if that’s what …

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