This unique guidebook is definitely for those interested in experiencing new tastes on an affordable budget. In this authoritative restaurant guide to New York City, eminent food historian, critic, and culinary anthropologist Robert Sietsema offers more than 600 places in 80 national and cultural groupings, personally selected by him, that reflect the culinary tastes of the entire world. Sietsema, who updates his research each year, has zeroed in on restaurants big and small-holes in the wall and off-the-beaten-track eateries-where inevitably delicious and innovative cuisine is enjoyed daily by a local and faithful clientele. He introduces you to exotic places you didn't know existed. Each ethnic restaurant is explained, as is the food you are about to experience. With only a short subway ride, readers can expand their gastronomic knowledge with the rich cuisines of Malaysia, Pakistan, Armenia, New Guinea, Surinam, Haiti, Ecuador, Poland, Bulgaria, Central Asia, West Africa, and many more-not to mention regional American cooking-all within the boundaries of New York City.