Why do so many TikToks about eating out feel so repetitive? Late last year, Dillon Davis and Nichols Neff found themselves asking that very question from the couch in their shared Manhattan apartment, scrolling through clip after clip of influencers visiting the same trendy, hard-to-book spots.

Neither of them had ever created social media content before. Still, as they kept watching, an idea began to take shape.

“Wouldn’t it be more interesting to focus on small, under-the-radar restaurants that don’t get much attention on TikTok?” Neff recalled suggesting to Davis.

Davis had been nursing a separate ambition: he wanted to taste food from every country in the world. Then it clicked — what if they could do it all without ever leaving New York City?

They found a digital wheel that randomly selects countries and decided to film their first spin. The arrow landed on Armenia. A quick map search revealed just one Armenian restaurant: Little Armenia Cafe in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (though there is at least one more elsewhere in the city).

When they stepped inside, they told the chef and owner, Ararat El-Rawi, that they were looking for the most authentic Armenian experience he could offer. Cameras rolling, they sampled seven dishes — from tabbouli salad to spinach pie — along with generous pours of Armenian wine. By the end of the night, El-Rawi had joined them at the table, sharing stories and another bottle.

Eating at every country in the world, without leaving New York City. Episode 1: Armenia 🇦🇲

In the finished video, Davis and Neff grew sentimental about their new friendship and the cultural exchange unfolding at the table. “This is why we do this,” a tipsy Davis said, with Neff echoing the sentiment.

They uploaded the clip on November 20, 2025, under the name Taste Buds. The concept, combined with their chemistry and genuine excitement, struck a chord almost instantly. Both 27, they have since moved into separate apartments, but they continue the project — posting weekly episodes featuring dishes like Afghan mantu, Albanian tavë kosi, Somali hilib ari and Antiguan oxtail.

More than 400,000 followers now tune in regularly, anticipating each Thursday release like a favorite television show. “Every Thursday I work a double shift, and your video is always the first thing I watch on my break,” one viewer commented. Another joked, “Everyone quiet — my show is on.”

‘Who are we to judge an 8/10 Indonesian dish?’

Taste Buds videos look noticeably different from the polished productions typical of food influencers, who often highlight flashy menu items at exclusive restaurants in exchange for perks.

Each episode opens with simple stick-figure drawings of Davis and Neff, reminiscent of basic computer doodles. The editing can be rough, and there’s no professional lighting setup. Their names aren’t even listed prominently — most fans simply call them Tall Guy and Hat Guy.

“I think people appreciate that it’s a little rough around the edges,” Davis said. “It’s not perfectly produced. It’s just two friends going out to eat, sharing their experience and talking to people.”

Though their easy banter makes them seem like lifelong companions, they actually met through a mutual friend after moving to New York about a year ago.

Davis grew up in a small West Texas town, always dreaming of living in a diverse city like New York. Neff, raised in Denver, was influenced by his uncle and grandfather — a Salvadoran immigrant — who both owned restaurants. That background gave him a deep respect for the industry. What they share is a curiosity about the world and a willingness to try almost anything.

Both maintain full-time jobs — Davis works in consulting and Neff in tech sales — yet they devote significant time to researching each country’s cuisine.

Some episodes are easy to plan when only one or two restaurants represent a cuisine. Others require tougher decisions. When the wheel selected South Korea, they faced hundreds of options before choosing a barbecue restaurant in Queens. The owner preferred not to appear on camera but helped them navigate the menu and grill selections. After multiple rounds of soju, the night continued at a nearby karaoke bar.

To decide where to go, they comb through online reviews and community forums, searching for places that feel authentic and welcoming. “We look for somewhere with a real story — somewhere we can enjoy the food but also connect with the people,” Davis explained.

So far, every country has had a restaurant in New York. If that changes, they’re open to creative alternatives. Viewers often send suggestions, and some have even offered to cook traditional meals at home. “If there isn’t a formal restaurant, we’ll still find a way to honor the culture properly,” Davis said.

Importantly, they don’t consider themselves critics. Their aim is to spotlight the city’s culinary diversity, not assign ratings. “Who are we to decide what an 8 out of 10 Indonesian dish is?” Davis said. “We’re just there to experience it.”

Recently, a couple recognized them on the subway and shared that they had spent Valentine’s Day at a Bhutanese restaurant after watching one of their videos.

“What excites us most is seeing people try new food and meet new faces,” Davis said.

For small restaurants operating on tight margins, that exposure can make a difference.

El-Rawi from Little Armenia Cafe said business noticeably increased after their visit. One customer even chose the restaurant for her birthday dinner after discovering it through Taste Buds. “We’re definitely selling more lamb burgers,” he added with a smile.

New connections through Taste Buds

The concept was partly inspired by a friend of Davis who makes a point of learning how to say “hello” and “thank you” in every language. When traveling or meeting someone from abroad, that small gesture often left a lasting impression.

“It doesn’t take much effort,” Davis said. “Just being sincere and asking a few thoughtful questions can really brighten someone’s day.”

They bring that same openness into every restaurant they visit. Upon arrival, they usually explain that they want to learn about the country’s cuisine and culture. “People have been thrilled to share their stories,” Davis said.

When they visited a Moroccan restaurant in Queens, the owners introduced them to signature dishes: kofta cigars, chicken bastilla dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, and a slow-cooked lamb and prune tagine. The sisters who run the restaurant said the pair showed genuine curiosity, even practicing simple phrases in Moroccan Arabic. “By the time they left, it felt like they were family,” one said.

That warmth often leads to invitations back — whether for celebrations, cultural events or simply another meal.

At a Bhutanese restaurant in Queens, the owner bonded with them immediately, joking that they must have known each other in another life. He later invited them to celebrate the New Year with his friends and family. What started as content creation has, in several cases, grown into authentic friendships.

“It’s incredible what can come from just asking questions and showing interest,” Neff said.

‘We have more in common than we think’

Taste Buds continues to grow. They now sell T-shirts and hats featuring their stick-figure designs, and brands regularly approach them with sponsorship offers. So far, they’ve declined most proposals to maintain their focus on restaurants and authenticity.

One notable exception was an invitation to watch a professional basketball game from a private suite. They accepted — but only after inviting every restaurant owner featured in the series. They chose a Monday night, knowing many establishments would be closed. The gathering became their “Season 1 finale.”

For some restaurant owners, it was a rare opportunity to connect with peers facing similar challenges in a tough industry.

El-Rawi said it was his first time attending a game at the arena. More importantly, he valued the chance to exchange experiences with fellow restaurateurs. “The business is challenging right now,” he said. “It helps to talk with people who understand.”

He described Davis and Neff as exactly what they appear to be on screen — genuine.

Their audience seems to agree. One follower recently wrote, “In a world that feels heavy, you two have been such a bright light. Thank you for being yourselves.”

From the Taste Buds’ perspective, their project isn’t groundbreaking. It’s simply about conversation and connection. As Davis put it, “We’re just breaking down barriers, sharing a meal and realizing we have more in common than we think.”