As everyone looks to cut back during this recession, ethnic restaurants are a bargain. They are still the best bet for flavorful food at low prices. Most offer great attention to detail as they take pride in showcasing their cuisines.
Here's a quick run-through of inexpensive ethnic eats around the Des Moines metro area:
Indian- Namaste on University, off of 72nd St. has a nice selection of curries, goat, chicken and vegetarian dishes in their buffet, while they bring fresh hot naan from the kitchen to your table. For around $6 you can go back for seconds, thirds and forths and enjoy their homemade chai tea. Head to their adjoining grocery store and pick up the ingredients for your own Indian feast, along with the latest Bollywood film.
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Vietnamese- Pho Ha Dao on 2nd Ave serves up some of the best vermicelli dishes around. From the spring rolls to the pho, everything is fresh and each biteful bursts with punches of basil, mint, chile, and eastern spices. Wash it down with a bubble tea in flavors like strawberry or taro root. You'll come away extra full and content for about $10. Pho
Salvadorean- El Salvador del Mundo on 6th Ave offers a variety of pupusas, fried yucca and a wonderful fruit drink called ensalada. For under $10 you can savor the rich and filling dishes explained in detail in their illustrated menus. Or, if you're pressed for time, they can even deliver the pupusas and all the fixins' right to your door. www.elsalvadordelmundoia.com
Pupusas with salsa and toppings
Thai- Thai Flavors on the corner of SE 14th and University is one of the oldest Thai restaurants in Des Moines. They are no-frills but pack a punch of flavor. Enjoy a very generous portion of pad thai or, if you like it hot, try the papaya salad and your taste buds will thank you and you'll come away more than satisfied and with enough left over for at least one other meal for less than $12! thaiflavorsiowa.com
Soul Food- Something Good on 6th Ave has been serving up platefuls of chicken wings, greens, fried okra, corn bread, mac and cheese and other culinary gems since 2006. The owner is always there to greet guests, stir a pot or check on the peach cobbler and for less than $10 you can get a sampler platter that's fit for a king or a soul food novice.
Mexican- Mariana's Tacos on 13th and University serves up gorditas, empanadas, and sopes from scratch. You can be adventurous and get the beef tongue, or more familiar but just as tasty chicken, pork, beef or veggies all for about $8 and you'll come away with a belly full of happiness and some change in your pockets.
Gorditas
Chinese- Kwong Tung on 27th and Ingersoll still serves a lunch special for under $5! This family-run restaurant has been around for almost 4 generations and still serves up some of the best egg foo young in the city. Stop in on Sunday mornings for their dim sum specials.
Italian- Tumea & Sons on SE 1st Street has the best homemade creamy parmesan dressing I've ever had. Make sure to order it on the side so you can dip your bread in it long after you empty your salad plate. Don't miss their made-to-order pasta lunch specials that are more than satisfying and can easily be divided into two meals for about $6- including the salad and stellar dressing! Go there on a warm summer day and you might be lucky enough to get in on a game of bocce ball!
Japanese- Appare on 86th St. in Urbandale serves bento (box) lunches filled with warm food and sushi for about $8 that fill you up and offers a mix of rich, savory, salty, sweet, crunchy and light foods all in their own little compartments. Stop by Tuesday and Wednesday nights for deals on buy one get one free sushi rolls and hibachi dinners. apparesteakhouse.com
Bento Box Lunch
I'm sure there are more culinary deals around the metro that I'm forgetting so if you know of some, please share!
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