FindEatDrink: Chefs' Authentic Eats

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Edition: 27 April, 2011

For many chefs, their first source of inspiration comes from their own heritage, be it their mothers, their grandmothers... those who came before them.

With New York City's melting pot of restaurants, no matter where a chef's family hails from, there's a wide selection of international choices to get a taste of their homeland.

We asked some of New York's best chefs where they go to eat for a taste of home.

1. ETHIOPIAN

Where: QUEEN OF SHEBA

Recommended By: Chef Marcus Samuelsson (Red Rooster Harlem)

"I love to order the kitfo. It reminds me of visiting my wife's home village."

2. FILIPINO

Where: PURPLE YAM

Recommended By: Chef King Phojanakong (Kuma Inn, Umi Nom)

"For Filipino classics like chicken adobo and pancit bihon. I really enjoy eating the beef tapa salad with watermelon, and the branzino sinigang. Sinigang is a soup with fish and vegetables, made sour by using guava or tamarind."

3. JAPANESE

Where: DONGURI

Recommended By: Chef Chikara Sono (Kyo Ya)

"The most respectable person for me is Mr. Hitoshi Kagawa at Donguri, who has great skills and techniques of the traditional way of cooking."

4. PORTUGUESE

Where: SEABRA'S MARISQUEIRA

Recommended By: Chef George Mendes (Aldea)

"I recommend all shellfish dishes, particularly a shrimp and mussel rice called a Mariscada."

5. SPANISH

Where: TXIKITO

Recommended By: Chef Jesus Nunez (Graffit)

"Their Txipiron Encebollado, or squid ribbons, are very good."