Our dining editors work tirelessly to spotlight the new and noteworthy fine-dining destinations that are likely all the rage in your group chats and on your social feeds. But what about the spots that fall under the radar? Think: a fantastic dumpling house tucked into a strip mall, a roadside food truck with droolworthy Filipino fare, or a gas station that serves up some of the best tacos around.
Research editor Amy Scattergood unearths all of the hidden gems that you need to know about in our web column “Off the Eaten Path.” Explore her reviews of worldly, wonderful eateries in the Baltimore area, below.
Off the Eaten Path
Where to Unwrap the Best Christmas Tamales Around Baltimore
The glorious packets of masa encasing richly sauced fillings—wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and then steamed—are a long-held holiday heritage.
Off the Eaten Path
Pretty Persian Plates are the Focus at This New Restaurant in Ellicott City
The spot serves up serious aesthetics (think: lovely glassware, kababs and tahdig on silver trays, and thoughtful garnishes) that are uncommon in strip-mall dining.
Off the Eaten Path
Slurp Hefty Hand-Pulled Noodles, and Hear Impromptu Piano, at This Catonsville Gem
Chopin Noodle House specializes in many variations of Lanzhou lamian—a beef noodle soup from the capital city in northwestern China's Gansu province.
Off the Eaten Path
These Soup Dumplings From a Shop in a York Road Strip Mall are Tiny Miracles
A Chongqing noodle and dumpling house just south of the county line serves impressive xiaolongbao, plus noodles, rice bowls, and dim sum.
Off the Eaten Path
Please Don’t Sleep on Gas Station Tacos
A review of our latest food truck find in a Gaithersburg parking lot.
Off the Eaten Path
Broadway Hotpot Fills a Cauldron-Sized Hole in the City’s Sichuan Dining Scene
The newish spot in Fells Point carries on the tradition of the centuries-old DIY Chinese cuisine, with some new spins.
Off the Eaten Path
Savoring Sisig, Lumpia, and Lechon from a Filipino Food Truck in Columbia
Started three years ago by a family from Talisay, in the Cebu province of the Philippines, Namit Filipino Barbecue offers deeply flavorful dishes that will soon be available at its first brick-and-mortar.
Off the Eaten Path
Prepared to Make Them Myself, I Stumbled Upon Terrific Fish Tacos in Fells Point
For reasons I don’t fully understand—given our love of fish and vibrant Mexican population—Baltimore doesn’t have much in the way of fish tacos.
Off the Eaten Path
One of the Area’s Only Gujarati Restaurants is Housed in an Ellicott City Gas Station
Opened by a family who came to Maryland in the '80s from Gujarat—the state on the northwestern coast of India—Jalsa Indian Cuisine features flavorful vegetarian street food, curries, dosas, thali, and more.
Off the Eaten Path
Traditional Chinese Seafood Shines at Ye’s in Ellicott City
The chef and owner spotlight dishes—everything from conch and clams to sea bass and squid—from their native Fuzhou, the capital city of the Fujian province in South China.
Off the Eaten Path
Noodles and Boba are Top-Tier at This Lutherville Strip Mall Spot
Opened two years ago by an owner from the Henan province of Central China, Yo Café stands out with its hand-pulled noodles and wide range of boba drinks with varying levels of sweetness.
Off the Eaten Path
A New Spot in Elkridge Serves Authentic Palestinian Food—and Really Great Hummus
Open for about six months, the Palestinian owned-and-operated eatery offers regional staples from falafel and fattoush to grilled kebabs and kofta. But we had to find out what makes the hummus so superb.
Off the Eaten Path
This Bangladeshi Market and Kitchen is Worth Visiting in Columbia—Especially on Thursdays
Masala Kitchen and Bazaar offers regional grocery items, fresh produce, halal meats, and a full kitchen that turns out buffet and takeout dishes.
Off the Eaten Path
Taco Tuesdays at This Homey Owings Mills Taqueria Please Your Palate and Your Wallet
The cheery Taqueria La Mexicana offers over a dozen kinds of tacos on handmade tortillas. On Tuesdays, they're $1.99 each.
Off the Eaten Path
Head to this Elkridge Indian Restaurant for a Fresh Take on a Bottomless Lunch Special
Spice n Curry is a cozy spot that’s been serving an excellent mash-up of Northern and Southern Indian, Nepalese, and Chinese dishes—many of which are hard-to-find—for a decade.
Off the Eaten Path
Station North’s Under-the-Radar Korean BBQ Joint You Should Know About
A block northeast of Jong Kak, you’ll find B1 BBQ Baltimore—a small shop specializing in all-you-can-eat meats, vegetables, and banchan.
Off the Eaten Path
These Hand-Pulled Noodles are Worth a Drive to Ellicott City From Wherever You Are
Chin Xi’an Style Restaurant off of Route 40 specializes in toothsome Biangbiang noodles, as well as murgers—Chinese street food sandwiches made from disks of flatbread and spiced meats.
Off the Eaten Path
Don’t Waste any Time Unwrapping the Bánh Mì at this Baltimore County Spot
Before opening Saigon Blvd. Bánh Mì in Catonsville, owner Andy Tien returned to his native Saigon to apprentice with a baker and perfect his fresh-baked baguettes.
Off the Eaten Path
Some of the Area’s Top Tacos Come From a Gas Station Parking Lot in Timonium
How do you know if a roadside truck or stall is any good? Well, handmade tortillas are always a good sign.
Off the Eaten Path
Brunch Supply, a New Micro-Bakery, Rises in Fells Point
The one-stop-shop for weekend brunch essentials—including babka, baguettes, and sweet cereal-milk buns—will soon expand hours and offerings.
Off the Eaten Path
Taquería Garcia Joins Taco Row in Fells Point
The stretch of Eastern Avenue heavily populated with excellent taquerías now includes a spot from the owners of Carnitas Rocio in Highlandtown.
Off the Eaten Path
Lao Sze Chuan Picks Up Steam in Charles Village
Peppercorn fish, cumin lamb, and more highlights to try at the area’s newest Sichuan restaurant.
Off the Eaten Path
How to Prep for Baltimore Restaurant Week
Quick tips to keep in mind as the city's annual prix-fixe dining deal returns Jan. 23 to Feb. 1.