Guide to attractions of Albuquerque: Ethnic food and Cultural Centers

June 10, 11:31 AMAlbuquerque Travel ExaminerNeala Schwartzberg

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  National Hispanic Cultural Center

Whether you’re a ABQer showing a visitor around the city, or a visitor looking for a guide to the sights, here’s my suggested itinerary.

Day Three: It seems every article talks about Albuquerque’s three main cultural groups. In fact, the city is home to vibrant Hispanic, native American, and Anglo cultures. Plus there’s a growing Asian population which is also infusing the city with a new flavor.

Exploring multi-cultural Albuquerque for me takes the form of food. But there are also two excellent cultural centers. Both offer restaurants because, sharing food is an important form of sharing culture.

Cultural Centers

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center This is a true cultural experience. Start with their exhibits created by the 19 New Mexican pueblos and First Nations.  Although the exhibits focus on crafts and pottery, you’ll also see history through their eyes.  There are galleries that highlight native artists with themed and curated shows. Plus a gift gallery of even more native creations that are available for purchase. There’s a full program of native dance, music, films, and demonstrations. Make sure to enjoy the Pueblo Harvest Café. It’s native fusion cuisine deliciously sums up Albuquerque.

National Hispanic Cultural Center Music, dance, art – the National Hispanic Cultural Center truly lives up to its name with a full program. The gallery highlights Hispanic artists with special shows, as well as lectures and talks. There are regular dance performances, lectures, and special free programs. Their charming restaurant La Fonda del Bosque offers breakfast and lunch, and a special brunch on Sundays. Admission to the center is free on Sundays making it a particularly good time to explore.

Ethnic Markets

Talin World Market is easily my favorite place to shop for ethnic ingredients, particularly Asian. Their produce is fresh and includes hard to find items. I regularly buy their baby bok choy and water chestnuts as well as several different kinds of sprouts. Their selection of seasonings and spices is extraordinary. And it’s just pure culinary fun to explore their food-stuffed aisles.

Café Istanbul (505 - 294-9900) is a grocery store and café, specializing in Middle-Eastern food, both on their menu, and on their shelves. The selection is small, but authentic, and their food is delicious. It’s the best place in the city for Mediterranean dishes. Their hummus, baklava, and their falafel are outstanding. What’s particularly interesting is that their foods are halal (conforming to Islamic law – like kosher conform to Jewish law) but their clientele spans the religions.

Pro's Ranch Markets is actually a small chain that started in southern California and has opened on the west side of Albuquerque. It’s a fiesta of food, and piped in Mexican music that will have you dancing into the market. Specializing in Hispanic foods, both the ingredients, and a cafeteria for already cooked. There’s all the departments you’d find in a supermarket, but with Hispanic emphasis. You can find pork tamale meat, cones of cane sugar, and other things you didn't know you wanted to buy.

Restaurants

Albuquerque has a delicious selection of ethnic restaurants.

In addition to Café Istanbul, and the eateries inside Pro’s Ranch, Hispanic Cultural Center, and Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, there are restaurants throughout the city.

When I go out to dinner, my choice for true Beijing Chinese is Chopstix. We tried it originally because it was reported to be Jackie Chan’s favorite restaurant. And we go back because Chan certainly knows great food. We order from the more authentic side of the menu and specials taped on the wall and relish the flavors, but there are more Americanized dishes as well.

For Vietnamese, one of my favorite cuisines, there are excellent choices throughout the city, but Café Trang  has become my favorite. Freshly prepared and excellent. Since it’s across the parking lot from Talin World Market, you can easily visit both places.

Of course for Mexican/New Mexican, we head to Papa Felipe. Family owned with great food and good prices.

For more on restaurants in Albuquerque visit the Albuquerque Lunch Examiner

For More Information visit Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau at ItsATrip.org