Five Ethnic Eateries in New Canaan

America has embraced its reputation as modern society's cultural melting pot—especially when it comes to food. With local restaurants serving up Asian, Indian and European inspired dishes, New Canaan is certainly no different. Try one of these five restaurants in town for a culinary experience that's just a little out of this world.

When it comes to Indian cuisine, Thali doesn't disappoint. While curry may be the first ingredient that comes to mind when hearing the words "Indian food", this restaurant proves that there's much more to be had. Try a healthy grilled kebab, one of their vegetarian entree specialties, or a regional favorite like chicken tikka masala.

Asian fusion at its best defines the diverse dishes at Ching's Table on Main Street. A mix of Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian and Thai cusines, the restaurant was named among the Top 10 Chinese restaurants in the country by Chinese Restaurant News in early 2010. Common dishes like sesame chicken make an appearance on the menu while innovative starters like the Vietnamese salad, made from shredded jicama and mango, put the restaurant on a whole new level.

Transport yourself into the French countryside with a decadent meal at Bistro Bonne Nuit. The restaurant's menu suits its charming atmosphere well with a long list of appetizers, classic meat, seafood and poultry dishes and a phenomenal wine list. One trip to Bonne Nuit and you will see why the restaurant has won the Wine Specatator’s Award of Excellence two years in a row, and has been voted “Best Bistro” in Fairfield County by the readers of Connecticut Magazine.

We know Tequila makes the in town, but they've got some pretty good Mexican food too. With its lively and authentic ambiance, the restaurant prides itself on owning every book that's ever been written on the subject of Mexican food in the United States—and a few from Mexico too. Tacos and fajitas are customer favorites, along with the long list of over 100 specialty tequilas that better suit the after-dinner crowd.

One of the newest restaurants in town, Kouzina is the first full-service restaurant in New Canaan to offer a menu full of Mediterranean dishes. With small plates and sampler platters including hummus, melitzanosalata (Greek eggplant) and tzatziki dips, this is the perfect destination for a light and healthy meal. But don't forget to save room for dessert—homemade pastries like baklava are a post-meal must.