Start here! A beginner’s guide to shopping and dining along metro Atlanta’s Buford Highway

Along Atlanta’s Buford Highway, you’ll embark on a diverse culinary and cultural journey with plenty of interesting shops and restaurants to explore. Several countries are represented here, from China and Mexico to Malaysia, Japan and beyond.

While Buford Highway offers a lot to see and eat, we’ve selected a few of the many global stores and eateries that are worth a visit for just a taste of what you can experience along Buford Highway.

Buford Highway Farmers Market

At Buford Highway Farmers Market, step into a spacious international grocery store with a fantastic range of seafood, meats, produce, candy, spices and baked goods. You can explore products and delicacies from all over the world and even try some of the shops and restaurants nestled inside the market. If you’re looking for something specific, you’re almost guaranteed to find it here and won’t be disappointed!

Location: Doraville - 5600 Buford Hwy. NE; Website: aofwc.com; Contact: 770-455-0770

Harmony Vegetarian

Harmony Vegetarian is rooted in serving colorful, fresh and healthy vegetarian Chinese food. Even if you are not a vegetarian, they serve imitation meat (made from beans and konjac) and offer cuisine that is made from ethically sourced ingredients. Try some of their unique specialties like fried eggplant, Chinese donuts and Fried Crunchy Chicken, or classic dishes like General Tso’s Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Sesame Tofu and more.

Location: Chamblee - 4897 Buford Hwy. NE #109; Website: harmonyvegetarianchinesefood.com; Contact: 770-457-7288

Mamak

Discover the flavors of Malaysian cuisine at Mamak, a quaint restaurant that serves traditional dishes inspired by street food stalls and offers large portions ideal for sharing. Try some of their most well-known specialties, such as the Roti Canai appetizer, the Beef Chow Ho Fun, the Mamak Tofu, the Chicken Curry Laksa or the Sambal Okra, which is okra cooked in a spicy sambal chili sauce. If you’re a heat-seeker, you can order your dishes to be extra spicy.

Location: Doraville - 5150 Buford Hwy. NE; Contact: 678-395-3192

El Rey del Taco

Looking for delicious tacos and signature Mexican dishes? El Rey del Taco is a family-owned late-night taqueria that has become a staple in Atlanta over the last 15 years thanks to their traditional tacos, homemade tortillas and super spicy salsa made in-house. They have a terrific variety of tacos with everything from carne asada, pollo, al pastor and carnitas, to lengua, cabeza, tripa and buche. Try their Texana margaritas and their Flan or Tres Leches for dessert.

Location: Doraville - 5288 Buford Hwy.; Website: elreydeltacoatl.com; Contact: 770-986-0032

Biswas Grocery and Cafe

At Biswas Grocery and Cafe, an Indian restaurant and grocery store, you may buy specialty Indian foods and products as well as eat in the cafe and sample authentic Indian cuisine. While there is so much to try here, a must-have are their flaky Vegetable Samosas and their curries (they have goat, chicken and lamb meatballs). Other classic items on their menu include the Tikka Masala, which is brimming with flavor, and the Shrimp Biryani, which is prepared with unique spices. Accompany your meal with some garlic naan and their creamy mango lassi.

Location: Druid Hills - 2853 Buford Hwy. NE; Website: biswasgrocerycafe.com; Contact: 404-477-2955

Pho Dai Loi #2

Check out Pho Dai Loi #2 if you’re in the mood for some delectable Vietnamese pho. Their authentic Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup with thicker noodles and more beef, is one of their most popular dishes. They offer a huge variety of vermicelli and pho packed with flavors and different meat options. Make sure to try some of their specialty drinks, including the Avocado Shake, Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee), Bubble Tea and more.

Location: Brookhaven - 4186 Buford Hwy. NE; Website: skiplinow.com; Contact: 404-633-2111

Matcha Cafe Maiko

If you’re a fan of matcha green tea, Matcha Cafe Maiko is a great spot to indulge in a variety of teas, lattes, shaved ice, frappés, floats, soft serve and other tasty matcha desserts. They make authentic Japanese matcha drinks and desserts made from organic ceremonial grade matcha from Kyoto, Japan. Check out their online shop to place orders for matcha chocolate chip cookies, matcha crepe cakes and more.

Location: Doraville - 5306 Buford Hwy. NE Ste B; Website: matchacafeatl.com; Contact: 470-359-3142