Eating foods from different countries around the world can help your child appreciate the various cultures, traditions, and styles of food preparation from each culture. When you’re looking for international cuisine, explore these fabulous restaurants in the Peoria, Arizona, area.

Good China Restaurant

While you’ll find classic Chinese dishes such as Chow Mein at Good China Restaurant, you’ll also get to explore new and innovative dishes. The chef at this popular restaurant regularly travels to China and Hong Kong to learn new techniques and gather creative recipes to add to Good China’s Chef Specials.

After you settle into your seat in the warm atmosphere of this restaurant, you can order appetizers such as Szechwan wontons or steamed dumplings. The team at Good China Restaurant divides the menu into categories, including seafood, chicken, beef, pork, noodles, rice, and egg foo young. Don’t miss trying the chef’s specials with offerings such as Seven Stars and Moon filled with succulent seafood or the Asparagus With Chicken and Shrimp served with crisp asparagus.

Location: 9180 W. Union Hills Drive in Peoria.

Contact: 623-572-8838.

Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Desert Island Eatery

You’ll feel like you’re on vacation in the Caribbean Islands when you stop at Desert Island Eatery for a meal. Enjoy dining outside with colorful artwork surrounding you when you order lunch or dinner. Start with appetizers such as curry vegan nachos or classic Jamaican patties filled with beef, spinach, and cabbage.

Have fun reading the menu and then ordering exotic dishes such as jerk barbecue tofu, curry mash-up, or the vegetable plate with plantains. Be sure to order exciting sides such as apple chutney, Johnny cakes, or vegan mac and cheese with your main meal. For your choice of beverage, you can’t go wrong with ginger pineapple, guava limeade, or raspberry sweet tea.

Location: 4213 W. Bell Road in Phoenix.

Contact: 602-675-0434.

Hours: Thursday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Haldi Indian Cuisine

When you and the family are craving the bold and beautiful flavors of India, head over to Haldi Indian Cuisine either in Surprise or Glendale. From curries to biryani bowls, you’ll find plenty of Indian dishes at this restaurant. Why not start your Indian meal with a beverage such as a mango lassi to sip with your appetizer? You can also order starters such as vegetable pakora, spring rolls, or Chicken 65 with deep-fried curry leaves.

When the time comes for your entrée, be sure to get an order of naan or roti bread to dip into the fragrant sauces that often accompany Indian food. House specialties at Haldi Indian Cuisine include favorites such as tikka masala, korma, vindaloo, and curries with your choice of protein and level of spiciness. If you’re vegan, you have several items to choose from, including pan-roast eggplant or chana masala. At the end of your flavorful meal, savor dessert treats such as rice pudding or deep-fried spiced dumplings dipped in cardamom and maple syrup.

You can learn more about Indian cultures and cuisines when you take advantage of the resources offered at the local Peoria library.

Location: 13761 W. Bell Road Suite 213 in Surprise.

Contact: 623-265-6235.

Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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Location: 18561 N. 59th Ave. Suite 122 in Glendale.

Contact: 623-265-6235.

Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Mochilero Kitchen

The staff at Mochilero Kitchen makes Mexican-inspired cuisine using only the freshest of ingredients, including only rice oil or olive oil for all dishes. If you’re feeling hungry on a Saturday or Sunday, stop by this warm and friendly restaurant to enjoy brunch from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with exotic offerings such as churro waffles with berries and chocolate sauce, chilaquiles with Oaxaca and Cotija cheese, or a spicy omelet with Mexican chorizo and spicy peppers. Adults can try various interesting beverages with brunch, such as a cantaloupe martini or a blood orange margarita.

For lunch or dinner, enjoy a variety of tacos with high-end ingredients. You can also get enchiladas with your choice of fillings and sauces, burritos with black beans and cabbage, or chili rellenos with rice and beans. If the family wants a heartier meal, try a combination plate such as the al pastor pork chops with grilled pineapple salsa or chicken mole with toasted sesame seeds. Mochilero Kitchen is the perfect place to replenish your family’s energy after a great day exploring the hiking trails near Peoria.

Location: 6791 W. Happy Valley Road Suite 100 in Peoria.

Contact: 623-440-5588.

Hours: Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sala Thai Peoria

Thai cuisine remains one of the more popular Asian-inspired foods in the nation, and you’ll get a range of dishes when you dine at Sala Thai Peoria. The chefs at this restaurant use seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to bring you healthy ethnic cuisine. Once seated, order appetizers to share, such as fresh spring rolls or vegetable tempura.

The extensive menu at Sala Thai Peoria features noodle dishes, barbecue, fried rice, and curries. For entrees, consider dishes such as spicy bamboo shoots with fresh basil and your choice of protein or cashew chicken with water chestnuts and vegetables. Finish your meal with a cup of Thai tea and mango sticky rice for dessert.

Location: 8278 W. Lake Pleasant Parkway in Peoria.

Contact: 623-476-5877.

Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Feel Connected to the World by Eating International Cuisine at These Restaurants Near Peoria

Your family will feel like they have taken a journey around the world after dining at any of these restaurants that serve ethnic cuisine. Is there an establishment we missed here? If you have a suggestion for another place where you can share ethnic cuisine with your family, let our team at Crème de la Crème of Peoria know, and we’ll go check it out.

Vegetable Chow Mein  by bob walker is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0