Chulo is not just a restaurant where you eat Nepalese food, it’s a place where you can learn about the Nepalese culture as well.  The owner, who originally comes from Nepal, is one of the friendliest restaurant owners I have ever met and is more than eager to share his culture with anyone who walks through the front door.

You will find books about Nepal scattered throughout the restaurant.  There are also paintings from Nepalese artists, as well as Nepalese decorations hanging on the walls.  He also invites bands from Nepal to play traditional Nepalese music for his guests from time to time.

Chulo is a neat cultural place with fresh, authentic food.  If you get an opportunity, definitely head over and try my two favorite dishes, the Momo and Chili Chicken.

I lived in Mexico for a year, so I’m quite picky when it comes to Mexican food.  I don’t like the Americanized stuff, and I’m always on the look out for authentic Mexican restaurants.  Luckily enough, I stumbled upon Gallo Negro in Leipzig.  It’s owned by two Mexican brothers and the menu boasts some typical Mexican foods such as tacos al pastor, pozole, chalupas, flautas de papa, and more.  For those Mexican foodies out there, it’s a must try!

Jeepney is hands down my favorite cafe in Leipzig.  I went there at least one a week to have a cup of their hot chocolate and enjoy the cafe’s cozy atmosphere.  Their coffee, teas, and chocolates are all imported from the Philippines, and they also have delicious cupcakes, pancakes, and other sweets that make me feel like I’m back home in the United States.  Their service is also top-notch, and the owners Janellsa and Rico, always have smiles on their faces.

It’s probably the crepes.  Cafe Luise makes the best crepes in Leipzig, and I’m a sucker for good crepes.  So, how could they not be on my list?  They are also one of my favorite places to meet up with friends, because the atmosphere is inviting, the rest of the menu is solid, and their Sunday brunch is one of my favorites in the city.

In the U.S., we typically only add a few ingredients to our baked potatoes:  some butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon.  Perhaps that is why I’m so intrigued by Don Kichot.  They have a bunch of different baked potatoes, or kumpirs, that you can choose from, which are loaded with all sorts of veggies and other toppings.  It could be a healthier “snack” for those of you who are wandering around Plagwitz.

If you are looking for a delicious snack, head to the Beard Brothers & Sisters in Plagwitz for Leipzig’s best hot dogs.  They are similar to American hot dogs, but come in a variety of styles with a range of toppings including chili, jalapeños, camembert, tomatoes, lingonberries, tortilla chips, and more.  They are so good, you’ll probably end up ordering a second, or a third…

There are two things that are striking about the Suedbrause Cafe & Restaurant.  The first is the atmosphere.  Suedbrause use to be an old swimming pool that has since been renovated and converted into a restaurant.  It creates a clash between the old and the new, which keeps your eyes busy as they are wandering around the restaurant and  soaking it all in.  The second thing that I like about Suedbrause is obviously the food.  The menu is quite similar to other restaurants, yet the taste of the food just seems to be a cut above what you typical find in other restaurants around Leipzig.

I’m an American, so when it comes to eating hamburgers outside of the U.S., I have to admit that I’m a little more than picky.  In fact, I usually don’t even eat hamburgers when I’m abroad, because I’ve found that a lot of them are just not that good.

One of the few exceptions to that has been Big Burgester in Leipzig.  They have some pretty creative hamburgers, and even though the meat is not exactly like our burger meat in the United States, they have to be some of my favorite burgers I’ve tried outside of U.S. soil.

Barfußgäßchen is not actually a restaurant.  It’s a narrow street in the city center that is packed with restaurants.  I didn’t put it on the list because the food is so special.  In fact, I would say that the food around there is more normal.  What I really like about Barfußgäßchen is that the atmosphere is so nice, especially at night.  Lots of candles light up the street, which creates this cozy, intimate atmosphere.  It’s a great place for a date, or to even just hang out with friends.

There are lots of Vietnamese restaurants in Leipzig… that are just not that good.  That is why I was happy when I stumbled upon Ca Phao, a small, cute Vietnamese restaurant with great food and a welcoming atmosphere.  The price is decent, and it’s one of my go-to Asian restaurants in Leipzig.