These Corpus Christi restaurants put their culture in food

Folks travel the world to experience new cultures, heritage, art and enjoy some tasty dining not necessarily found in Corpus Christi.

But did you know we have more than 20 different types of nationalities, countries and ethnicities represented at local restaurants in the Coastal Bend?

If you're looking to try out some Peruvian dishes or French pastries, be sure to check out these spots.

Barbecue is a longtime tradition in the United States, especially in Texas. There's quite a bit of BBQ spots in Corpus Christi, but here are some the Caller-Times suggests:

Most Chinese restaurants in Corpus Christi are considered an "American-version" of takeout, but some of these spots provide authentic cuisine:

The Czech Republican community is small but strong in the Corpus Christi area, with a yearly celebration held at the Moravian Hall. Be sure to visit this local bakery and cafe:

Ever had lumpias? If not, you're missing out. These tasty items are fried spring rolls filled with savory or sweet insides. Check out this local restaurant:

While we may not have a restaurant specializing in soupe de poissons (fish soup) or escargot (snails), we do have a French-themed bakery:

Corpus Christi has one German restaurant that opened in 2011. Customers will find strudel, cakes, pies and other German foods at this local eatery:

If you don't feel like waiting for the Greek Food Festival held at the Greek Orthodox Church in November, check out these local restaurants to get your Greek on:

Chicken masala, curry, samosas — do we need to go on? Visit these local Indian restaurants for tasty cuisines:

What's more romantic than enjoying a bowl full of pasta with creamy Alfredo sauce and tasty shrimp while enjoying a glass of Pinot Grigio? If that made you hungry, check out these restaurants:

Lovers of sushi most likely know all of the local Japanese restaurants. If not, check these out:

From a barbecue restaurant to a fried chicken joint, here are three local Korean restaurants found in Corpus Christi:

There is only one Lebanese restaurant in Corpus Christi, and it has been here for nearly 10 years. Some of the dishes include shawarma, kabab, hummus and baklava:

Owner and chef Jordan Jaradat noticed Corpus Christi didn't offer authentic Mediterranean cuisine, so he decided to open his own restaurant specializing in a worldly dining experience:

Here in South Texas, if there's not a Mexican restaurant around the corner, you're missing out. There are many, but here are some the Caller-Times suggests:

Located on North Padre Island, this Peruvian restaurant provides a fish of the day and a happy hour:

Tucked away inside Moore Plaza, this Puerto Rican restaurant specializes in all things "boricua" including camaron guisado and guava pastellilos:

This ethnic cuisine — traditionally high in proteins, carbohydrates and fried meat — was created in the south, and at least two local restaurants are keeping that tradition alive in Corpus Christi:

Along with Taiwanese food, the Moore Plaza restaurant also serves Filipino and Chinese food:

Craving kao soi or pad thai? Check out these local Thai restaurants:

This local restaurant specializes in Latin American dishes, specifically Venezuelan. If you're looking for sancocho de pollo or arepitas de pernil, be sure to check this place out:

No matter the weather, pho is delicious and cannot be passed up. Here are some local Vietnamese restaurants to visit soon:

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at [email protected] or Twitter @johnpoliva.

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