Beach Bites with Global Delights

International Fare Adds Flair to Coastal Cuisine

The influx of residents from metropolitan areas and well-traveled visitors has led to an infusion of global flavors on the coastal dining scene. Italian, Mexican and Chinese cuisine are no longer the only choices for adventurous palates. Here’s a rundown of some of the area’s hot spots for international cuisines:

Several eateries feature Middle Eastern food, including Semra’s Mediterranean Grill in downtown Rehoboth Beach. The restaurant serves the classic gyro and platters. However, Semra’s gyro does not rely on prepared meat from third-party vendors; it’s stacked on the spit visible in the window. The restaurant is owned by John Tekman and his wife, Semra, who was born in Turkey and has a stash of old family recipes. Semra’s serves dishes that might remind you of the cuisine of Greece and Persia. Credit the Ottoman Empire, which ruled vast areas of Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, including Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. The occupation transported cuisine across borders. For instance, Semra’s has a moussaka platter resembling Greek moussaka, both containing ground meat with eggplant.

Rehoboth is also home to Aroma Mediterranean Cuisine, located in the building that was once Stony Lonen’s. Aroma is focused on dinner entrees and craft cocktails—you won’t find gyros here. Instead, expect whole branzino and beef filet kebabs.

If you want a fast-casual option, there’s Kabab Falafel Addiction on Route 1. Owner Rafat Mardawi is inspired by Israeli cuisine, and many of the spices and olive oil come from Jordan and Jerusalem.

Sushi is prevalent at the beach—largely thanks to The Cultured Pearl Sushi Bar & Restaurant in Rehoboth, which blazed the trail in 1993. But now, once hard-to-find Asian specialties are also part of the culinary mix. Consider curries, noodle dishes and entrees prepared in the wok, which highlight the menu at The Secret Sauce Thai Kitchen on Route 1 between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

The newcomer joins Bangkok Thai Cuisine outside Lewes, which has a sibling in Dover, and the intimate Sticky Rice, also in Lewes, which promotes “Thai tapas.” Selections include skewers of beef, chicken and pork, curries and noodles. (Be sure to ask if rice is included or extra.)

Miyagi Ramen Bar on Route 1 makes noodles, broth and sauces in-house. The variety of ramen is impressive. Owner Jeong Hoon Kim has a Korean heritage, so you’ll find some dishes from that country on the menu, along with rice bowls and dumplings.

For Indian cuisine, there are two choices: Raas, located in a Victorian home in Lewes, and Indigo on Rehoboth Avenue. Both take an upscale approach. Picture fine glassware and a carefully crafted ambiance.

Anglophiles can get their fix at Go Fish in downtown Rehoboth Beach and Go Brit on Route 1. Both have fish-and-chips, sticky toffee pudding and shepherd’s pie.

Speaking of fish, most area restaurants serve seafood dishes regardless of the cuisine. Raas, for instance, typically has two whole fish options, and Aroma will fillet a whole fish for you. Beach visitors often crave seafood; happily, there are global options and flavorful fusions.  

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