A tiny pocket of Asian culture on the outskirts of downtown Seattle, the International District is positively bursting with shops of every variety. The best feature of Seattle’s extra-continental oasis, however, is the readily available supply of enticing tastes. Add to this the District’s close proximity to Garfield, and those of you with motor vehicles and a friend have a perfectly feasible alternative to your mother’s peanut butter sandwiches. After an extraordinarily rainy afternoon spent sampling enormous quantities of excellent cuisine, here are some of the International District’s best offerings.

House of Hong
409 8th Ave S.

A slick Chinese restaurant located in a huge room, the House of Hong serves excellent food. Orders are carried out through a process called “Dim Sum,” which allows the customer to select from prepared dishes a la carte-style. While this seems to be a good idea, communicating with the server is next to impossible and obtaining exactly what you want to eat can be quite a challenge.

Cost: An individual dish ranges from $2 to more than $5, but the total can spiral out of control.

New Saigon Deli
1032 S. Jackson St.

New Saigon Deli is a tiny sandwich shop that provides only about a dozen different selections, each of which is equally devoid of inspiration. Stale bread and tough, dry meat is hard enough to bite into, let alone choke down. The sandwiches are very filling, though, and for under $2, their value is hard to beat.

Cost: Sandwiches cost between $1.50 and $1.75. Extra meat costs $0.25.

Malay Satay Hut
212 12th Ave S.

The small size and unassuming atmosphere of this restaurant mask, at least initially, the distinctive tastes of the combination Indian-Chinese-Thai– Malaysian menu. Service is prompt and friendly, the ambiance is laid-back, and anyone can find something they will enjoy among the dozens of selections. The freshness of the food, zesty flair of the presentation, and contrast of flavors combine to make this quaint Asian eatery a must-visit.

Cost: A typical entrée sells for $5-$8

Uwajimaya Food Court
600 5th Ave. S.

The many mini-restaurants within Seattle’s Asian superstore provide such diverse foods that it feels almost like an International District within an International District. The decent-quality fare includes selections from Korea (Shilla Barbecue), Vietnam (Saigon Bistro), and Thailand (Thai Place). The atmosphere is far more relaxed than that of a run-of-the-mill food court, and makes for a peaceful eating experience.

Cost: Average meal is $6.