There’s still time to nominate local icons for Best of D.C.
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