Explore Buford Highway: Atlanta’s Vibrant International Corridor and Culinary Kaleidoscope

By Daniela Cintron

Published March 27, 2024

Hop on Buford Highway and experience the pulse of Atlanta’s rich tapestry. Stretching across approximately 10 miles from the heart of the city, and just off of I-285, this vibrant corridor pulsates with the energy of countless immigrants who’ve made Atlanta their home. It’s more than just an urban thoroughfare; it’s an immersive journey of flavors, sights, and sounds from around the world.  

What was in the 60s and 70s an ordinary commercial strip with car dealerships and fast food restaurants, has transformed over the years into the “International Corridor”,  a vibrant boulevard where, with each step, you traverse continents, discovering an eclectic mix of ethnic communities and their distinctive contributions.

Today, Buford Highway is a kaleidoscope of cultures. 

The heartbeat of Buford Highway lies in its adventurous global culinary scene, offering a chance to explore the world through diverse and authentic cuisines. From aromatic Vietnamese pho and sizzling Korean barbecue to the spicy delights of Mexican taquerias and the exotic flavors of Ethiopian injera, the corridor is a haven for food enthusiasts. 

The possibilities are endless. 

Beyond the tantalizing aromas wafting from the eateries, Buford Highway invites you to wander through a marketplace of cultures. International markets and shops dot the landscape, displaying a kaleidoscope of goods from every corner of the globe. 

Wander through Buford Highway Farmers Market, overflowing with exotic fruits and vegetables you won’t find anywhere else. Get your caffeine fix at a Vietnamese iced coffee shop, then snag some hand-woven textiles from a Guatemalan artisan at Plaza Fiesta. Explore the quirky shops selling everything from Bollywood DVDs to traditional Chinese medicines. Catch a live mariachi band or lose yourself in the rhythm of Korean karaoke.

Buford Highway is a sensory experience where vibrant colors, diverse languages, and the warmth of different communities come together.

Art is also a vehicle of expression across the vibrant passageway. Bright and colorful murals portraying immigrant culture and diversity decorate the streets that have now become home for many. Local and national muralists have left their mark on the community, while others have found here their inspiration, such as award-winning artist and muralist Yehimi Cambron – who grew up in the streets of Buford Highway before spreading her wings through the world with her message of diversity and inclusion throughout her art. 

A stroll down Buford Highway is an exploration of the city’s identity, a testament to its openness and embrace of cultures from around the world. So, whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or simply someone eager to experience the pulse of the city through its streets, Buford Highway promises an unforgettable journey into Atlanta’s global soul.

Born and raised in Mexico, Daniela is a bilingual journalist living in Atlanta. She is passionate about telling stories that highlight the diversity and the blooming gastronomic scene in Atlanta.