This Chinese restaurant has a unique back story. Originally opened in central Vermont in the late ’90s by Steve Bogart, an American long fascinated with Chinese cuisine, A Single Pebble filled a niche combining local ingredients and Asian flavors. Today it’s based in Burlington and owned by Taiwan native Chiuho Duval, who first came to Vermont to study culinary arts and ended up working in Bogart’s kitchen.

In a well-worn house-turned-restaurant downtown, groups sit round tables sharing family-size plates. Dishes like Pork Fried Rice, Lo Mein, and Scallion Pancakes ring familiar, but most of the menu items will pique your curiosity: think Tangerine Peel Chicken, Sweet & Pungent Walnuts, and a noodle dish called Ants Climbing a Tree. It’s also a great place for vegetarians (try the Mock Eel!) and a perfect Sunday dim sum destination.