Irina's Internation Food is an exotic culinary adventure.

Exotic foods abound around the sound

By: Savitri Luchar

Posted: 3/12/10

If you are searching for some new flavors to tempt your taste buds, read on for a peek into some of the best international restaurants around Everett and Seattle. These spots are rated not only on deliciousness, but authenticity, healthiness and service level.

First on the list is Middle Eastern food. Gyros House, at 620 SE Everett Mall Way, specializes in Mediterranean kebabs and gyros, a nice change for those who are ready for something better than burgers.
Simply put, "it is bread, and it's healthy," says owner Ahmed Al-Mahana.

Not just that, but all the food is Halal, which means Muslims can enjoy Gyros House without violating religious prohibitions.

Gyros House, which was established in 2006, has several dishes worth trying. The Iraqi-style food, shawarma, a gyro-like wrap, and the Greek fries, complete with lemongrass, oregano and feta cheese are savory and satisfying, and the Turkish coffee is a must-try.

"We base our business on honesty and building relationships with our customer," says Al-Mahana.

Gyros House is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 11:00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Second on the list is the Zab Thai restaurant. Located at 11108 Evergreen Way, this spacious restaurant has a traditional Thai-style interior and a hint of elegance.

"I like this restaurant [better than] any other Thai Restaurant around [because of] the service. I would say they were one of the friendliest restaurants around," says Angie Leonmart, an EvCC student and customer.

"We have some special menu [items] that no other place has, such as the Mango Prawns and Salmon Bowlan. We also make our own homemade sauce," says owner Aom Sudarat Tiacharoenwat.

"We try to focus on quality food and service to the level that we will change the food if the customer doesn't like it," said Tiacharoenwat.

The Zab Thai Restaurant offers live music every Friday and Saturday from 6.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

The third restaurant was for the spicy-food hunter. Located in Seattle's Northgate area, the Indocafe Restaurant was established in 2004 and specializes in the Indonesian cuisine.

"We use ingredients such as the spices and herbs that can be found in Indonesia and we cook them according to the original Indonesian recipe," said Irwan Ngadisastra, the restaurant manager.

Overall, the exotic dishes are quite spicy although there are options for some mild and sweet flavors. "We also offer a very unique style of food that serves both the American community and the Indonesian community," said Ngadisastra.

The fourth and final food-find is a Ukrainian grocery, Irina's International Food, located at 5317 Evergreen Way. The store sells uniquely Ukranian selections, from dairy products to meats to candies and snacks.

Opened in 2002, the owner, Irina Kolodich has imported several items straight from the Ukraine. Two of the most famous are Plombir ice cream and authentic Ukrainian Melted Cheese.

The store is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Sunday.