From: Orale Mexican Kitchen in Jersey City, NJ
What I love about this place is the ambiance. The space is both rustic and festive with it’s dark lighting and colorful Mexican decor. Oh, and can I mention the guacamole? I’d recommend the Trio so you can choose three to try. The one pictured above is the crispy braised pork belly guacamole. Fried pork with Guac? Yes please! As a side note, I’ve also tried various tacos, but I prefer their chicken and cheese quesadillas.
Hudson County – NJ
Best Bagel Spot in Hoboken
From: JP’s Bagel Express in Hoboken, NJ
The only place I go for an egg salad sandwich or a fresh bacon, egg, and cheese in Hoboken is this place! The egg salad from here has a great taste, and I love when there’s more egg white pieces in the actual sandwich. Other places chop up the egg whites really fine so you are pretty much just eating the yolk with the mayo, but this place knows what they are doing. I like to get the bagel scooped out so there’s less carbs; it also makes it easier for me to eat the sandwich without pieces falling out of the sides. #TipOfTheDay
Seaweed Salad
From: Teak on the Hudson in Hoboken, NJ
I never understood the concept or the hype around a “seaweed salad.” The name itself does not serve as good PR for the dish, BUT I am now hooked. I must admit I had to have it twice to be won over. My favorite is from Teak, because they serve it with cucumber, crab, and tempura flakes. If you have never tried seaweed salad, I’d recommend starting here. It’s got a distinct flavor to it with a crunchy cold texture, but try it twice and I think you’ll enjoy it. I will admit that it is an acquired taste. Even if you still aren’t the biggest fan, at least you tried something new? Someone also told me it’s extremely healthy for you, which doesn’t hurt now that summer is fast approaching – am I right all my fellow Squan-abees?
Colombian Empanadas
From: Noches de Colombia in North Bergen, NJ
There are several Noches locations and they are all equally delicious. This is their Colombian Empanada. I am a fan of all kinds of empanadas, but this one has a crunchy dough on the outside with beef AND potatoes in the center. The beef and potatoes mixture is perfectly blended, allowing the flavors to melt in your mouth. If you order this, make sure to dip it in the spicy aji sauce that it gets served with. I’m sure I’ll have more posts of the food from this restaurant soon, because it is my favorite Colombian spot in NJ.
Spicy Roll-a-Palooza
From: Teak on the Hudson in Hoboken, NJ
There are great sushi places in Hoboken and Teak is one of my favorites. Pictured here is the spicy red roll, which is spicy crab (and I substituted the cucumber for avocado.) Behind that, is the Spicy Girl Roll consisting of spicy tuna, spicy yellowtail, and spicy salmon with tempura flakes. Clearly I love any sushi roll that contains the adjectives “spicy” or “crunchy.”
Not only that, but Teak has a fun, classy, sexy atmosphere. With it’s large-scale fish tank that acts as an exquisite centerpiece at the bar, to it’s dark and sleek decor, it’s quite a refreshing change.
Five Dollar Lunch Deal
From: Off the Wall Chinese Cuisine in Hoboken, NJ
I think we can all enjoy a good five dollar lunch deal from time to time. Everyday from 11 AM to 4 PM it’s all about the customer. First, you choose the dish itself (General Tso’s is always a must.) Second, you choose what type of rice you want (of course it should be pork fried.) Just when you thought you had no more options, you have to select the soup (Wonton all the way!)
Arepa Sandwich
From: Banana King in North Bergen, NJ
This is Banana King’s Chicken Arepa. The sauce they use is so good and their arepas are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Mangu Sandwich
From: Rumba’s Cafe in Jersey City Heights, NJ
The Mangu from Rumba’s Cafe has that extra flavor of Mojo (LOVE IT!) Their breakfast combo comes with two fried eggs, mashed plaintains, fried cheese, salami, coffee and orange juice for $5. You can’t even a coffee alone for $5 anymore. I took those ingredients and made myself this tasty Mangu Sandwich. I have to give my colleague Karen a shout out for surprising me with this.. A great start to the morning if you ask me.
Falafel-Mania
From: Mamoun’s Falafel in Hoboken, NJ
This is their classic falafel and hummus pita sandwich, but anything from this place is good and extremely affordable. I love mixing it up with grilled chicken instead of falafel and it gives it that extra dose of protein action.
Prosciutto Panini
From: Anthony David’s Gourmet Specialties in Hoboken, NJ
This weekend I finally got to try Anthony David’s in Hoboken. It is always packed for brunch, and now I know everyone must have been eating the prosciutto panini. It had (prosciutto of course) with taleggio cheese, oven dried tomatos, and arugula.
That Yum Factor! 