Graphic by Melody Qian ’24 /The Choate News
For any food enthusiast or international student missing a home-cooked meal, the food offered at the Choate dining hall may not fulfill all their cravings. Luckily, there are a wide variety of cuisines and countries represented by Wallingford’s local international hotspots. From dragon roll sushi to Colombian Bandeja Paisa, students are sure to find a restaurant that will meet their needs in Wallingford.
Sirinan – 900 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492
When you walk in through the doors of this Thai and Japanese fusion restaurant, you will notice how cozy and aromatic it is. The owner, Ms. Sirinan Supannafai, recommends that everyone who visits try the “drunken noodles dish because it has eggs, meat, vegetables, and carbohydrates.” She also emphasized the healthy nature of her dishes: “The well-spiced food has a great healthy balance.”
International students such as Elizabeth Zhao ’24 enjoy the dishes cooked in Sirinan’s kitchen and find respite from American food with Sirinan. She describes the family-run business as having “super chill and kind owners” who make “incredible fried rice and fresh spring rolls.”
Cositas Ricas – 62 Center St, Wallingford, CT 06492
Walking down the picturesque street that leads to the gazebo in Johanna Manfreda Fishbein Park, you might spot the Spanish words “Cositas Ricas” or “Little Tasty Things” in English, on a red, yellow, and green poster. Stepping inside, you will see the cozy locale strewn with lights, hear the rhythmic sound of Latin music filling the air, and smell the delicious aroma of Mexican food. Mr. Santos de La Cruz, the owner of the restaurant, recommended that anyone who finds themselves at one of their colorful tables order “the fajita mix because it comes with chicken, steak, and shrimp, so you can try a little bit of everything.”
Mr. de La Cruz notes his restaurant is “pleasant and comfortable” and that there are a myriad of fresh fruits that can be incorporated by the restaurant however the customer’s heart may desire, whether with yogurt or chamoy. The fruits include “mangoes topped with the spicy sauce chamoy and other strawberries with granola and yogurt,” said Mr. de La Cruz. Joshua Ramón ’24 has frequented the restaurant with members of Choate’s Hispanic Latiné Forum. He recounted, “I like that the TVs are playing on some telenovelas, Spanish shows, and that reminds me of home … The ambience is very fun.”
Iron Chef – 930 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492
As soon as you enter Iron Chef, you will feel the bustling and lively energy of the restaurant. Worker Ms. Napas Ruangdech describes food at Iron Chef a fusion of Japanese and American cuisines.
One key element of the restaurant is that it offers an option to dine at a hibachi table. According to Mr. Nepas, one can receive a “good meal for a good price” at the hibachi table. Emily Mito ’24, an international student from Japan, described the hibachi tables as “a super fun place to watch the cooking with fire show.”
Mito was surprised that the “squid sushi was actually good, and it tasted even better with wasabi.” She also recommended that people try the fried rice. Iron Chef’s most popular dishes include the dragon roll sushi and the sashimi combination. Ms. Nepas also mentioned the restaurant’s popularity among Choate students and encouraged those who have yet to visit to try Wallingford’s take on Japanese cuisine.
Los Parceros – 253 S Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492
A fairly new addition to Wallingford’s culinary repertoire, Los Parceros makes you feel like you are in the house of a family member. The Colombian restaurant serves a variety of dishes from both Colombia and Ecuador. The owner Mr. Juan Carlos P. Valencia said, “Everyone who enters will not want to leave, and everyone who leaves will leave with a full belly.”
Cynthia Perez ’24, a Choate student from Ecuador, noted, “Los Parceros is one of the few Latin restaurants at walking distance from campus. It’s my favorite spot because not only is their food delicious and authentic, but it’s also cheap.”
Mr. Valencia recommended everyone try La Bandeja Paisa, or “the typical plate from Medellín, as it has chorizo, meat, beans, rice, and a fried egg, among other things.” Perez recommended her favorites: “Their pernil is one of the best things in their lunch, and I can never go wrong with ordering Chaulafan off the menu.”
In addition to the delicious food, Perez commented on the positive environment in Los Parceros: “The atmosphere is very lively, and the people are always generous. Los Parceros is definitely my go to spot for when I’m craving Ecuadorian cuisine, missing home, or simply want to practice my Spanish.”
Ola – 728 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492
Have a taste of Spanish food at Ola, locally renowned for its dishes’ flavors and complexity. Ms. Sherry Lopez, the owner’s wife and a server at Ola, said that her favorite dish is the salmon, “as it has a wonderful balance of flavors.” She also praised the “grand quantity” of fresh ingredients the dishes utilize.
Kelvin Liu ’24, who visited Spain last year, had pleasant memories of the restaurant, which reminded him of his trip. He described the upscale location as having a “very tasty steak” and being “very nice, formal, and fancy.”
Restaurateurs from all around the world have brought a taste from their homes to Wallingford, Connecticut. The next time you make weekend plans to dine out, consider these locations and the delectable delights that they offer.
