Charlotte’s food scene has no shortage of comfort food! From rich curries to savory noodles, these five dishes deliver bold flavors and that irresistible “feel-good” feeling. Here’s my list of must-try comfort dishes in the Queen City:
1. Chicken Tikka Masala at Blue Taj
Location: 14815 Ballantyne Village Way, Charlotte, NC
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
A true classic! Blue Taj’s Chicken Tikka Masala is the perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and savory. Tender chicken is bathed in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with warming spices that will have you wiping the bowl clean with their fresh naan bread. It’s the ultimate comfort dish for anyone craving bold, satisfying flavors.
Perfect For: Cozy Night Out, Exploring Authentic Indian Cuisine
2. Pad Thai at Thai Taste
Location: 324 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC
Neighborhood: Dilworth
Sometimes, all you need is a plate of noodles, and Thai Taste’s Pad Thai delivers every time. Tangy tamarind, crunchy peanuts, and perfectly stir-fried rice noodles come together in this iconic dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Add your choice of protein for a hearty, satisfying meal that hits the spot every time.
Perfect For: Weeknight Takeout Cravings, Casual Dinner with Friends
3. General Tso’s Chicken at Taipei Express
Location: 731 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Neighborhood: Eastover
Crispy, sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy—Taipei Express’s General Tso’s Chicken is everything you love about Chinese-American comfort food. Each bite packs a satisfying crunch and just the right amount of heat. Paired with steamed rice, it’s the ultimate comfort food to brighten any day.
Perfect For: Cheat-Day Takeout Feasts, Casual Nights In
4. Beef Pho at Pho Hoa Noodle Soup
Location: 3000 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
A steaming bowl of pho is the ultimate hug in a bowl, and Pho Hoa’s Beef Pho is one of the best in town. The rich, aromatic broth simmers for hours, creating the perfect base for tender beef, chewy rice noodles, and fresh herbs. Add a squeeze of lime and a dash of sriracha, and you’ve got the perfect remedy for a chilly day or a rough week.
Perfect For: Cozy Winter Nights, Soul-Soothing Comfort
5. Fried Chicken Sandwich at Bossy Beulah’s
Photo by: https://www.theplaidpenguin.com/
Location: 5 locations in NC & SC
Neighborhood: Freedom Drive, South End, Ballantyne, Winston Salem, Fort Mill
Comfort food wouldn’t be complete without a nod to fried chicken, and Bossy Beulah’s knows how to do it right. Their Fried Chicken Sandwich is piled high with crispy, juicy chicken and topped with just the right mix of tangy slaw and pickles. It’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely addictive.
Perfect For: Casual Lunch Stops, Indulging in Southern Comfort
