EN
Thursday 19 December 2024 • 6 minutes reading time
Groningen is a city full of culinary surprises, where flavours from all over the world come together. From Italian pasta to spicy Thai curries or traditional dishes from Ukrainian cuisine, Groningen has plenty of international options if you want to enjoy delicious food that is still unfamiliar to many people. In this article, we take you through a selection of the best international spots to eat in Groningen.
If you love Indonesian food, the Javaans Eetcafé is definitely worth a visit. This atmospheric restaurant combines authentic dishes with a warm ambience. As soon as you walk in, you’re welcomed by unique details such as temple guardians and a wooden prau (a traditional boat), which create a real Indonesian atmosphere.
Thanks to the open kitchen, you can always watch how the traditional dishes are prepared with spices and high-quality ingredients. Whether you fancy a rijsttafel (a spread of many small Indonesian dishes with rice) or a tasty rendang, every dish takes you to Indonesia for an evening, while the hospitable staff make you feel completely at home.
Photo: Javaans Eetcafé
On the Veemarktstraat in the Oosterpoort, you’ll find the Indian restaurant Taj Mahal, a family business where hospitality and authentic Indian dishes take centre stage. The menu offers a culinary journey through India, with dishes such as spicy curries with refined flavours, delicious naan and other delicacies. If you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan options, Taj Mahal has a wide choice of plant-based dishes.
You can enjoy the Indian dishes in the restaurant’s warm and atmospheric interior, or choose home delivery. The restaurant is easy to reach from the centre and within walking distance. Definitely one to try if you love Indian food.
Photo: Luna Engelsman Discover Groningen
If you love Vietnamese food, Pho Saigon is an absolute must-visit. You’ll find this cosy restaurant in the middle of the city centre, with a menu full of traditionally prepared dishes. From a classic pho to fresh spring rolls, there’s plenty to choose from. Vegetarians are also well catered for here.
Would you rather enjoy Vietnamese food at home? You can! Pho Saigon has an extensive takeaway menu with a variety of dishes. Drop by and taste the flavours of Vietnam, right here in Groningen.
Photo: Pho Saigon
Since 2004, this Thai restaurant on the Gedempt Zuiderdiep has been bringing the flavours of Thailand to Groningen, with hospitality and care as its priorities. Inspired by Buddhist values, the restaurant is known for its warm welcome and atmospheric interior. As well as dining in, you can also take the dishes away to enjoy at home.
The restaurant proudly displays the Thai Select logo, an award from the Thai Ministry of Export for authenticity and quality. Thai Jasmine focuses on fresh Thai ingredients, and the menu is full of authentic, flavourful dishes from Thai cuisine. A visit to Thai Jasmine promises not only delicious food, but also a taste of Thai culture and caring hospitality.
Photo: Ines Oliveira (Discover Groningen)
On the Oosterstraat, KURO by Konbu takes the refinement of Japanese cuisine to a new level. With special dishes such as Hamachi (Yellowtail) and Snowcrab, the restaurant creates unique dishes that combine traditional recipes with modern presentation. From delicious sushi rolls to hot and cold dishes, every plate has something authentically Japanese.
At KURO by Konbu, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the complete culinary experience you’ll have in the restaurant. You can enjoy the delicious dishes from modern Japanese cuisine from Wednesday to Sunday.
Photo: KURO by Konbu
In the heart of Groningen you’ll find Gustatio: a restaurant where traditional Italian cuisine comes to life. It’s run by a family from Rome, who put pure flavours and homemade pasta first. The team consists of Italian chefs from different regions of Italy, so you can enjoy a variety of Italian dishes.
The menu features classics such as Carbonara, Amatriciana and Ragu’alla Bolognese, all prepared using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients. Gustatio also offers gluten-free options, so the homemade pasta is accessible to everyone. At Gustatio you don’t just taste the delicious pasta, you also get a share of the passion for Italian cooking.
Photo: Joram Krol
In the atmospheric vaulted cellar of Cave Oporto, you can spend an evening dining in Portuguese style. This unique restaurant in Groningen’s city centre combines original Portuguese dishes with a cosy ambience. Since 1989, the restaurant has been bringing the flavours of Portugal to Groningen, with a menu full of fresh fish, tender meat and flavourful chicken, all prepared the Portuguese way.
In the atmospheric restaurant on the Brugstraat, the hospitable team at Cave Oporto is ready for you from Tuesday to Saturday, to let you taste the atmosphere and flavours of Portugal. The unique location and the tasty Portuguese dishes make Cave Oporto a must-visit if you’re looking for an international restaurant.
Photo: Cave Oporto
In the former gasworks in the Ebbingekwartier you’ll find Florentin, a restaurant that combines different flavours from Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. The concept is inspired by the creative neighbourhood of ‘Florentin’ in Tel Aviv, where creativity and the multicultural feel of the city come together.
Alongside the food, atmosphere and music play an important role at Florentin. With its industrial look and the restaurant’s passion for music, Florentin offers a varied culinary experience in a unique location in the city.
Photo: Florentin
At the African restaurant El Maïda, it’s all about eating and enjoying yourself together. The name, derived from the Arabic ‘Al-Ma’idah’ (the table), underlines the importance of dining together. The menu is full of Mediterranean and North African dishes, such as Algerian street food and Syrian Halawet.
At El Maïda it’s not just about the food, but also about a good time and coming together. Let yourself be surprised by new flavours and original dishes, with your friends or family.
Photo: Sana Mirza
Ukraine Food, close to the Noorderplantsoen, has a menu full of traditional Ukrainian dishes. The restaurant serves classics such as borscht, pierogi and holubtsi, prepared using authentic recipes. It’s known for its hospitality and warm atmosphere, with delicious food to match.
With its homely feel, a range of homemade liqueur and snacks, and a carefully put-together wine list, Ukraine Food is definitely worth a visit.
Photo: Ukraine Food
As you’ve seen, Groningen has more than enough options for enjoying all the good food our world has to offer. Every restaurant has its own specialities and lets you taste its nationality and culture. So whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s always an international spot to eat in Groningen that will surprise and welcome you.
