Sesame chicken. Falafel. Tuna sashimi. Lamb gyro. You can take a culinary tour of most of the world without getting on a plane, thanks to the abundance of World Cuisine Restaurants at the Jersey Shore. No matter whether you’re looking to be adventurous and try something you’ve never had (or maybe can’t pronounce), or are looking for that authentic comfort food that you grew up watching your grandparents and parents cook – these restaurants specializing in global and regional cuisine from all over the world are sure to serve you some awesome food.

Now, it’s no secret that Jersey Shore Italian food is a staple around here. That’s one regional specialty that the Jersey Shore has down pat. Because there are so many awesome Italian restaurants around here, we’ve refrained from including them on this list, but don’t miss out on our guides to Jersey Shore Italian Food in Monmouth County and Ocean County.

World Cuisine Restaurants at the Jersey Shore: Monmouth & Ocean Edition

Cubacan, Asbury Park
Cubacan’s unique “Jersey Shore Latin Fusion” cuisine was developed in Miami by a chef coming straight from Cuba. These traditional Latin American recipes have Cubacan’s own added twist. It’s a vibrant location, located right on the Asbury boardwalk, featuring a late night bar scene, traditional Latin bands playing live every weekend in the summer, and one of the best mojitos on the Shore! 800 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park (732) 774-3007

Siam Garden, Red Bank
Siam Garden showcases the culinary diversity of Thailand through their authentic cuisine, prepared by a team of chefs from Bangkok. Traditionally prepared seafood dishes can come with your choice of flavorful sauce, or try a vegetarian option like deep fried tofu served with a sweet chili and ground peanuts dipping sauce. Another guest favorite is the Kung Garden Salad with jumbo shrimp and avocado sauce. 2 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank (732) 224-1233

TAKA, Asbury Park
Chef Takahiro Hirai was born and raised in Japan, and worked in a handful of impressive American sushi restaurants before opening Taka. His food, from the sushi to the Japanese-style Chicken Curry, is as authentic as it gets. The difference in quality between Taka and your run-of-the-mill Japanese steakhouse or sushi restaurant is apparen. Sushi lovers, be sure to order the Ju-San Roll, a tuna avocado roll topped with salmon / yellowtail / scallion crunch finished with a caramelized soy sauce and spicy mayo. If you’re a land-lover, the short rib is out of this world. 660 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park (732) 775-1020

Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten, Asbury Park
Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten brings the traditional European/Austro-Hungarian biergarten experience to the Jersey Shore. Grab a seat at the large communal tables, make a few new friends, and feast on classic biergarten fare, flavorful and perfectly executed–including wursts, schnitzels and more. Wash it all down with an authentic European bier to get the full experience. 527 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park (732) 997-8767

Temple Gourmet Chinese, Red Bank
You probably think that once you’ve had General Tso’s Chicken and maybe some Pork Lo Mein straight from the carton, you know all you need to know about Chinese food, right? WRONG! Temple Gourmet Chinese is in a league of its own. With dishes like Sizzling Black Pepper Filet Mignon and Lobster Fried Rice, we hardly think we need to explain ourselves. Treat yourself to some high quality Chinese food for once, and you’ll never look back. 91 Broad Street, Red Bank (732) 212-8858

Photo courtesy of Tim H. on Yelp

Tenampa Restaurant, Toms River, Brick & Manahawkin
Mexican restaurants are some of our favorite world cuisine restaurants at the Jersey Shore. At Tenampa, you can expect quality food at the kind of price point that you can easily feed the whole family – and well! Friendly neighborhood vibes and an unmistakable authenticity make this Mexican restaurant one that you’ll definitely be going back to. Toms River (732)-505-1870, Brick (732)-920-0290, Manahawkin (609)-597-0938