St. Kilda’s seared salmon, fingerling potatoes, cherry tomatoes, spinach, shallots and two poached eggs.
Photo by Sofia Legaspi Dickens.
Photo by Sofia Legaspi Dickens.
Happy hour at Django includes a la carte oysters and shrimp, cheese and charcuterie platters, small plate appetizers, wine, beer and martinis.
Photo courtesy of Orchestrate Hospitality.
Photo courtesy of Orchestrate Hospitality.
Phoenix Roll with tempura shrimp, cucumber, mixed greens and spicy tuna mix, topped with seared salmon, garlic mayo, jalapenos and sriracha.
Photo courtesy of Sakari Sushi Lounge.
Photo courtesy of Sakari Sushi Lounge.
Panka’s Causa De Pollo includes mashed potato, layered with a homemade chicken salad and avocado.
Photo courtesy of Panka.
Photo courtesy of Panka.
Kao Soi at Silk Elephant is a northern Thai favorite that includes egg noodles in special coconut curry broth, topped with crispy noodles and minced green onions.
Photo by Anna Carrion.
Photo by Anna Carrion.
Customers of Vietnam Cafe can dine at its location in the Merle Hay Mall food court or order carry out.
Photo by Sofia Legaspi Dickens.
Photo by Sofia Legaspi Dickens.
Zakaw Htamin at MinGaLaBar.
Photo by Sofia Legaspi Dickens.
Photo by Sofia Legaspi Dickens.
Camarones al Ajillo at Mi Patria.
Photo by Digital Jose.
Photo by Digital Jose.
Eatery A’s Spanish Octopus includes chorizo, yukon gold potatoes and bagneto verde.
Photo by Sofia Legaspi Dickens.
Photo by Sofia Legaspi Dickens.
AROUND THE WORLD
...in 25 local restaurants
Travel the globe just by sitting at the dinner table.
Pork tenderloins, sweet corn on the cob, apple pie with ice cream… Homegrown food hits the spot, but for times when you want to broaden your tastebuds’ horizons, we’ve gathered 25 area restaurants offering cultural cuisine. There are many more we couldn’t include without a much bigger magazine, but for those who’d like to embark on a food trip, here’s a start. Bon appetit!
AUSTRALIA: St. Kilda Cafe & Bakery
12695 University Ave., Suite 140, Clive
300 S.W. Fifth St., Des Moines
stkildadsm.com
Named after owner Alexander Hall’s Australian hometown, St. Kilda offers healthy breakfast and lunch options, served daily until 4 p.m. Bread is baked fresh each day at its Valley Junction branch.
BURMA: MinGaLaBar Burmese Kitchen
8134 Douglas Ave., Urbandale
mingalabarkitchen.com
We’ll bet this is unlike any Asian food you’ve had before. If you want a little bit of everything, try the Zakaw Htamin: crispy fried beef, pork belly slices, eggplant with dried shrimp, mixed veggie salad, shrimp paste, rice and soup — served on fresh banana leaf on a bamboo tray.
BRAZIL: Brazil Terra Grill
2800 University Ave., Suite 405, West Des Moines
brazilterragrill.com
Founder Kleber de Souza founded Brazil Terra Grill on the foundation of good food, family and friends. The astonishingly hearty portions of churrasco (grilled meats) don’t hurt, either.
CUBA: Ceviche Bar
223 E. Walnut St., Des Moines
cevichebardsm.com
Offering what they claim to be the only authentic Cuban sandwich in Des Moines, this Cuban eatery specializes in ceviche and specialty cocktails like the Canchanchara and Cuba Libre.
ECUADOR: Mi Patria
1410 22nd St., West Des Moines
mipatriadsm.com
The first and only Ecuadorian restaurant is Des Moines opened in 2011, with recipes passed down through generations of the Miranda family. Here, you’ll find authentic Ecuadorian food like llapingachos (stuffed potato patties) and fritada con mote (pork tips with corn, rice, bean stew and plantain).
EL SALVADOR: La Cuscatleca
1240 E. 14th St., Des Moines and 2580 Fleur Drive, Suite 101, Des Moines
lacuscatlecasouth.com
For delicious Salvadorian dishes served daily, check out La Cuscatleca. CITYVIEW’s Food Dude would suggest you sample their famous pupusas: stuffed cornmeal pancakes served with curtido (cabbage slaw).
ETHIOPIA: Gursha
2316 University Ave., Des Moines
gurshaiowa.com
Here, traditional Ethiopian dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients. Try one of many hearty varieties of wot (stew), tibs (pan-fried sliced beef or lamb) or sambusa (flaky dough stuffed with spices, meat or veggies).
FRANCE: Django
1420 Locust St., Des Moines
djangodesmoines.com
“Offering everything you love about French cuisine without the attitude,” promises the brasserie-style eatery, which serves French classics like steak frites, beef bourguignon and, yes, escargots.
GERMANY: Hessen Haus
101 Fourth St., Des Moines
hessenhaus.com
Let’s be honest — you’re probably not here for the food. But if you’re looking to be transported into an old-world German bier hall, complete with 50 imported biers on tap and the occasional live polka music, then you’ve come to the right place. The menu of German fare includes schnitzel, wurst, spaetzle and much more.
GREAT BRITAIN: The Royal Mile
210 Fourth St., Des Moines
royalmilebar.com
On top of British beers and an extensive Scotch list, this British pub offers a full menu of favorite English dishes like bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie. Breakfast is served on weekends.
GREECE: Olympic Flame
514 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
olympicflamedesmoines.com
Olympic Flame has been a long-running East Village favorite since 1988. The flame is more than the name: Order an appetizer of saganaki (fried cheese), and it’ll be flambéed right before your eyes. For an extra cultural experience, stop in when the restaurant hosts a belly dancer each Friday evening.
HAWAII: Alohana Hawaiian Grill
802 S.E. Oralabor Road, Suite 128, Ankeny
alohanahawaiiangrill.com
There’s nothing like the rich cultural fusion of Hawaiian cuisine. Favorites include saimin (noodle soup), mouth-watering grilled meats and a Hawaiian favorite: Spam musubi, with rice and nori (dried seaweed).
INDIA/PAKISTAN: Lzaza Indo-Pak Cuisine
1409 23rd St., Des Moines
lzazaindopakcuisine.business.site
Tucked away near Drake University is a hidden gem on the ethnic food scene, serving up fresh breads, flavorful stews and vibrant entrees for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Their popular lunch buffet runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
ISRAEL: Maccabee’s Kosher Deli
1150 Polk Blvd., Des Moines
maccabeeskosherdeli.com
Jewish and kosher-practicing people don’t account for Israel’s entire population, it’s true, but for a truly welcoming experience, Macabee’s Kosher Deli is a unique local favorite. Tucked within a Judaic resource center, the deli is staffed by Rabbi Yossi Jacobson and his family.
ITALY: The Latin King
2200 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines
latinkingdsm.com
More than 75 years of Italian tradition are on the menu at The Latin King, dubbed an “East-side Institution.” Favorites like chicken spiedini (skewers) and tiramisu have been enjoyed in the villa-style restaurant by countless customers.
JAPAN: Sakari Sushi Lounge
2605 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
sakarisushilounge.com
Searching for the best sushi in Des Moines? Look no further — plus, find tempura and other entrees straight from the wok and grill. Sakari Sushi Lounge was voted Best Local Sushi and Best Local Japanese Food in CITYVIEW’s Best Of Des Moines readers’ poll for 2023.
KOREA: DZÔ Korean BBQ
2611 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
dzokoreanbbq.com
It’s about time Des Moines had its own Korean BBQ. Patrons can fire up meats like kalbi, bulgogi and wagyu cuts on their tabletop grill, or order mouth-watering entrees and sides already cooked for them. DZÔ opened its doors in December last year.
LEBANON: Open Sesame
313 E. Locust St., Des Moines
opensesameiowa.com
Aromatic. Complex. Spicy. Flavorful. Those are just some of the ways to describe the Lebanese food served at Open Sesame’s colorful and intimate location in the East Village.
MEDITERRANEAN: Eatery A
2932 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
eateryadsm.com
If you’re looking for more than gyros and falafel, Eatery A serves elevated Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a former Blockbuster video store — although you wouldn’t be able to tell from the tasteful interior. Pizza and sides are fired to perfection in their wood-burning oven.
NEPAL: Kathmandu
7229 Apple Valley, Windsor Heights
ktmrestaurant.com
At Kathmandu, “each dish represents flavor, pleasure, affection and essence.” The restaurant’s specialties, to name a few, include variations of momo (dumplings), thupka (noodle soup), sekuwa (barbecued meat) and more familiar Indian dishes like biryani and tikka.
PERU: Panka
2708 Ingersoll Ave., Suite 200, Des Moines
pankadsm.com
Panka offers a taste of rich Peruvian history through authentic cuisine cooked with lots of love. Mariela Maya opened her dream restaurant just before the pandemic, thriving against all odds. Tip: Maya’s newest culinary pursuit offering “a unique Peruvian twist to the classic rotisserie chicken” is located at 3018 Forest Ave., Des Moines.
PUERTO RICO: Puerto Rico Restaurant
6611 University Ave., Unit 101, Windsor Heights
puertoricoiowa.com
They say they dish up the best Puerto Rican food in Iowa, but you’ll need to decide for yourself. One popular traditional meal is pernil: slow roasted pork shoulder served with gandules (pigeon peas), tostones (fried green plantains), rice, salad and a special sauce.
THAILAND: Silk Elephant
2410 S.W. White Birch Drive, Suite 108, Ankeny
silkelephantnoodlesnrice.com
Explore traditional Thai flavors in modern elegance at Silk Elephant. This newer restaurant serves up soups, curries, noodles, stir fry and rice galore. Our top picks: Duck Bacon Wontons to start, followed by Crazy Peanut Chicken or Kao Soi soup, then Silk Tea with boba.
VIETNAM: Vietnam Cafe
3800 Merle Hay Road,
Des Moines
facebook.com/VietnamCafeMHM
Tucked away in the food court in Merle Hay Mall, Vietnam Cafe delivers big flavor in the form of steaming pho (noodle soup), bahn mi (baguette) sandwiches, bun thit nuong (noodle bowls) and more Vietnamese comfort foods — plus Chinese favorites. Always served with a warm smile from owner Brenda Tran.
WEST AFRICA: Home Touch Kitchen
1552 E. Grand Ave., Suite D, Des Moines
facebook.com/HomeTouchKitchen
Jollof rice, cassava leaf soup, fufu and more. Before immigrating to the United States in 2001, owner Nathan Bohn lived in Libera, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. For homemade Afro-Soul food, head to Home Touch Kitchen.
AUSTRALIA: St. Kilda Cafe & Bakery
12695 University Ave., Suite 140, Clive
300 S.W. Fifth St., Des Moines
stkildadsm.com
Named after owner Alexander Hall’s Australian hometown, St. Kilda offers healthy breakfast and lunch options, served daily until 4 p.m. Bread is baked fresh each day at its Valley Junction branch.
BURMA: MinGaLaBar Burmese Kitchen
8134 Douglas Ave., Urbandale
mingalabarkitchen.com
We’ll bet this is unlike any Asian food you’ve had before. If you want a little bit of everything, try the Zakaw Htamin: crispy fried beef, pork belly slices, eggplant with dried shrimp, mixed veggie salad, shrimp paste, rice and soup — served on fresh banana leaf on a bamboo tray.
BRAZIL: Brazil Terra Grill
2800 University Ave., Suite 405, West Des Moines
brazilterragrill.com
Founder Kleber de Souza founded Brazil Terra Grill on the foundation of good food, family and friends. The astonishingly hearty portions of churrasco (grilled meats) don’t hurt, either.
CUBA: Ceviche Bar
223 E. Walnut St., Des Moines
cevichebardsm.com
Offering what they claim to be the only authentic Cuban sandwich in Des Moines, this Cuban eatery specializes in ceviche and specialty cocktails like the Canchanchara and Cuba Libre.
ECUADOR: Mi Patria
1410 22nd St., West Des Moines
mipatriadsm.com
The first and only Ecuadorian restaurant is Des Moines opened in 2011, with recipes passed down through generations of the Miranda family. Here, you’ll find authentic Ecuadorian food like llapingachos (stuffed potato patties) and fritada con mote (pork tips with corn, rice, bean stew and plantain).
EL SALVADOR: La Cuscatleca
1240 E. 14th St., Des Moines and 2580 Fleur Drive, Suite 101, Des Moines
lacuscatlecasouth.com
For delicious Salvadorian dishes served daily, check out La Cuscatleca. CITYVIEW’s Food Dude would suggest you sample their famous pupusas: stuffed cornmeal pancakes served with curtido (cabbage slaw).
ETHIOPIA: Gursha
2316 University Ave., Des Moines
gurshaiowa.com
Here, traditional Ethiopian dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients. Try one of many hearty varieties of wot (stew), tibs (pan-fried sliced beef or lamb) or sambusa (flaky dough stuffed with spices, meat or veggies).
FRANCE: Django
1420 Locust St., Des Moines
djangodesmoines.com
“Offering everything you love about French cuisine without the attitude,” promises the brasserie-style eatery, which serves French classics like steak frites, beef bourguignon and, yes, escargots.
GERMANY: Hessen Haus
101 Fourth St., Des Moines
hessenhaus.com
Let’s be honest — you’re probably not here for the food. But if you’re looking to be transported into an old-world German bier hall, complete with 50 imported biers on tap and the occasional live polka music, then you’ve come to the right place. The menu of German fare includes schnitzel, wurst, spaetzle and much more.
GREAT BRITAIN: The Royal Mile
210 Fourth St., Des Moines
royalmilebar.com
On top of British beers and an extensive Scotch list, this British pub offers a full menu of favorite English dishes like bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie. Breakfast is served on weekends.
GREECE: Olympic Flame
514 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
olympicflamedesmoines.com
Olympic Flame has been a long-running East Village favorite since 1988. The flame is more than the name: Order an appetizer of saganaki (fried cheese), and it’ll be flambéed right before your eyes. For an extra cultural experience, stop in when the restaurant hosts a belly dancer each Friday evening.
HAWAII: Alohana Hawaiian Grill
802 S.E. Oralabor Road, Suite 128, Ankeny
alohanahawaiiangrill.com
There’s nothing like the rich cultural fusion of Hawaiian cuisine. Favorites include saimin (noodle soup), mouth-watering grilled meats and a Hawaiian favorite: Spam musubi, with rice and nori (dried seaweed).
INDIA/PAKISTAN: Lzaza Indo-Pak Cuisine
1409 23rd St., Des Moines
lzazaindopakcuisine.business.site
Tucked away near Drake University is a hidden gem on the ethnic food scene, serving up fresh breads, flavorful stews and vibrant entrees for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Their popular lunch buffet runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
ISRAEL: Maccabee’s Kosher Deli
1150 Polk Blvd., Des Moines
maccabeeskosherdeli.com
Jewish and kosher-practicing people don’t account for Israel’s entire population, it’s true, but for a truly welcoming experience, Macabee’s Kosher Deli is a unique local favorite. Tucked within a Judaic resource center, the deli is staffed by Rabbi Yossi Jacobson and his family.
ITALY: The Latin King
2200 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines
latinkingdsm.com
More than 75 years of Italian tradition are on the menu at The Latin King, dubbed an “East-side Institution.” Favorites like chicken spiedini (skewers) and tiramisu have been enjoyed in the villa-style restaurant by countless customers.
JAPAN: Sakari Sushi Lounge
2605 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
sakarisushilounge.com
Searching for the best sushi in Des Moines? Look no further — plus, find tempura and other entrees straight from the wok and grill. Sakari Sushi Lounge was voted Best Local Sushi and Best Local Japanese Food in CITYVIEW’s Best Of Des Moines readers’ poll for 2023.
KOREA: DZÔ Korean BBQ
2611 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
dzokoreanbbq.com
It’s about time Des Moines had its own Korean BBQ. Patrons can fire up meats like kalbi, bulgogi and wagyu cuts on their tabletop grill, or order mouth-watering entrees and sides already cooked for them. DZÔ opened its doors in December last year.
LEBANON: Open Sesame
313 E. Locust St., Des Moines
opensesameiowa.com
Aromatic. Complex. Spicy. Flavorful. Those are just some of the ways to describe the Lebanese food served at Open Sesame’s colorful and intimate location in the East Village.
MEDITERRANEAN: Eatery A
2932 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
eateryadsm.com
If you’re looking for more than gyros and falafel, Eatery A serves elevated Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a former Blockbuster video store — although you wouldn’t be able to tell from the tasteful interior. Pizza and sides are fired to perfection in their wood-burning oven.
NEPAL: Kathmandu
7229 Apple Valley, Windsor Heights
ktmrestaurant.com
At Kathmandu, “each dish represents flavor, pleasure, affection and essence.” The restaurant’s specialties, to name a few, include variations of momo (dumplings), thupka (noodle soup), sekuwa (barbecued meat) and more familiar Indian dishes like biryani and tikka.
PERU: Panka
2708 Ingersoll Ave., Suite 200, Des Moines
pankadsm.com
Panka offers a taste of rich Peruvian history through authentic cuisine cooked with lots of love. Mariela Maya opened her dream restaurant just before the pandemic, thriving against all odds. Tip: Maya’s newest culinary pursuit offering “a unique Peruvian twist to the classic rotisserie chicken” is located at 3018 Forest Ave., Des Moines.
PUERTO RICO: Puerto Rico Restaurant
6611 University Ave., Unit 101, Windsor Heights
puertoricoiowa.com
They say they dish up the best Puerto Rican food in Iowa, but you’ll need to decide for yourself. One popular traditional meal is pernil: slow roasted pork shoulder served with gandules (pigeon peas), tostones (fried green plantains), rice, salad and a special sauce.
THAILAND: Silk Elephant
2410 S.W. White Birch Drive, Suite 108, Ankeny
silkelephantnoodlesnrice.com
Explore traditional Thai flavors in modern elegance at Silk Elephant. This newer restaurant serves up soups, curries, noodles, stir fry and rice galore. Our top picks: Duck Bacon Wontons to start, followed by Crazy Peanut Chicken or Kao Soi soup, then Silk Tea with boba.
VIETNAM: Vietnam Cafe
3800 Merle Hay Road,
Des Moines
facebook.com/VietnamCafeMHM
Tucked away in the food court in Merle Hay Mall, Vietnam Cafe delivers big flavor in the form of steaming pho (noodle soup), bahn mi (baguette) sandwiches, bun thit nuong (noodle bowls) and more Vietnamese comfort foods — plus Chinese favorites. Always served with a warm smile from owner Brenda Tran.
WEST AFRICA: Home Touch Kitchen
1552 E. Grand Ave., Suite D, Des Moines
facebook.com/HomeTouchKitchen
Jollof rice, cassava leaf soup, fufu and more. Before immigrating to the United States in 2001, owner Nathan Bohn lived in Libera, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. For homemade Afro-Soul food, head to Home Touch Kitchen.
