We all know that dining costs are pricier in the city than in the suburbs, where rents and cost of living generally are cheaper. But which crave-worthy ethnic dishes are worth traveling for and which are considered a draw based on price alone? Know when to take the trip and when to skip it.
Xiao Long Bao
What it is: Chinese soup dumplings that leak broth onto a spoon when pierced properly
City: $36 for six at Ten Tigers Parlour (3815 Georgia Ave. NW)
Suburbs: $7.35 for six at Bob’s Shanghai 66 (305 N Washington St., Rockville)
Verdict: Worth the trip
Kitfo
What it is: an Ethiopian dish of raw (or cooked) minced beef, clarified butter, and a spice blend called mitmita
City: $13.25 at Dukem (1114-1118 U St. NW)
Suburbs: $13.95 at Enat Restaurant (4709 N Chambliss St., Alexandria)
Verdict: Draw
Banh Mi
What it is: a Vietnamese sandwich consisting of meat, pickled vegetables, pâté, chilies, and other ingredients on a French baguette
City: $8.50 for a lemongrass pork banh mi with pâté at Simply Banh Mi (1624 Wisconsin Ave. NW)
Suburbs: $3.95 for a grilled pork banh mi at Banh Mi DC Sandwich (3103 Graham Road, Falls Church)
Verdict: Worth the trip
Sapporo-style Miso Ramen
What it is: ramen from Northern Japan characterized by the addition of miso, which enhances the umami flavor
City: $13.75 at Haikan (805 V St. NW)
Suburbs: $11 at Ren’s Ramen (11403 Amherst Ave., Silver Spring)
Verdict: Draw
Chicken Tikka Masala
What it is: a vibrant red, creamy Indian curry adopted by the British as a national dish in 2001 containing chunks of chicken punched up with garam masala and other spices
City: $14 at Indigo (243 K St. NE) or $18 at Rasika (633 D St. NW)
Suburbs: $17 at Jewel of India (10151 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring) or $16 at Spice Xing (100-B Gibbs St., Rockville)
Verdict: Draw
Dolsot Bibimbap
What it is: a Korean rice bowl dish served in a sizzling hot stone pot with beef and vegetable toppings
City: $16 at Mandu (1805 18th St. NW)
Suburbs: $9 at Kogiya (4220-A Annandale Road, Annandale)
Verdict: Worth the trip