After years of travel, I find myself back home in beautiful Fredericton for the summer. And if I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that food unites us all.

I’ve tried things I don’t dare type here, carefully stewed for hours, by the kindest cooks. I’ve drank things that I’ve immediately regretted, only to smile at my host, and say “it’s good”. These are the job hazards of exploring the deep cracks of our world as a profession. A “diversified” palate, let’s call it.

In my eyes, food is a little adventure into something new. Each meal is an experiment, like alchemy, you mix and boil, liquids and powders. You will create masterpieces, and you will create failures. All of which are edible (if it’s not, add garlic, or chocolate, or why not both). But mainly, you learn that trying and failing is ok. A lesson we need more and more as we grow up.

If the world belongs to the brave, then the world belongs to the brave eaters too. Never afraid to try something new and knowing that each bite is a roll with loaded dice. The odds of finding something new and exciting, far outweighing the risk of a consequence...a fleeting moment of taste. Gone as fast as it arrived.

In my life, I’ll always take that risk. Because taking that risk, has led me to some wonderful meals, and made me some wonderful friends. After eating my way around the world for the last decade, here are some of my favourite ethnic restaurants in Fredericton, I feel you need to know about.

J’s Asian Kitchen

Thai. Japanese. Korean. This restaurant has a bit of everything, and it’s all done really, really well.

The various cuisines of Asia, need little explaining. Each unique in its own right but striving for the same goal. Balance. Outside of Asia, restaurants have difficulty achieving it. J’s does it, and that’s why it’s one of my favourites. They have a phenomenal Pad Thai, and incredible sushi, but I dare you to be adventurous and try something new. The Jeyuk spicy pork for example. Once you try it, you’ll never want anything else.

Byblos

Lebanese food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. Grilled meats, whole grains, fruits, and salads. Poultry, Parsley, and Pomegranate. Always exciting, always fresh. Of all the world’s cuisines, Lebanese (in fact all Mediterranean) is one of my favourites. There isn’t much a big dish of homemade hummus, and some tabouleh parsley salad can’t fix. Byblos is one of my new go-to restaurants in this city.

Hana Ethiopian Cafe

Ethiopian cuisine uses fresh vegetables, paired with spicy meat dishes. These are all spread out on a huge sourdough flatbread, and typically eaten with the hands. The meal is shared with family and friends, all using the flatbread together to bundle up little mixes of whatever you’d like. This little place packs big flavour, and a big experience. In my opinion, it’s one of the hidden gems in the city.

These are 3 of my favourite ethnic restaurants in Fredericton, but I know there are many more that I still need to try. Let us know below about your favourite ethnic restaurant. We have some great places to eat in this city, and this summer while we’re exploring a little closer to home, take an adventure of your own, and try one of these world cuisines you’ve never had before. You might just find your new favourite spot to tell all your friends about.

Click here to join Mike Corey as he explores MORE of his favorite things to eat, see and do in Fredericton!