Kids Can Eat Their Way Around the World in Des Moines

Kids Can Eat Their Way Around the World in Des Moines

Wouldn’t it be great if your kids thought sampling new food was fun and adventurous? Broaden your family’s culinary travels past Mexican and Italian and add some spice to your dining-out routine by sampling one of the many international restaurants in Des Moines.  Whether it be Vietnamese, Indian or Japanese, we’ve found that even the pickiest eater can discover a new favorite dish.  Here are five ethnic restaurants in Des Moines where kids are welcome and the food is fun. 

Flying Mango

4345 Hickman Road • Des Moines, IA 50310 • (515) 277-1830 • www.flyingmango.com

Make a trip to the Caribbean at Flying Mango.  A wide range of food is on the menu, from the Basa Pontchartrain (fish with a seafood gravy) to the Jerk Spiced Pulled Pork sandwich to a range of great sides such as Grits of the Day and red beans and rice, guaranteed to intrigue even the most cautious of young palates.

India Star

5514 Douglas Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50310 • (515) 279.2118 • www.indiastardm.com

When you and the kids are ready for some spice, India Star hits the spot for a taste of North Indian delicacies. Indian food is known for complex flavors in its vegetarian, Tandoori and Curry dishes.  A favorite meal is the Chicken Tikka Masala with Naan and a Mango Shake or Lassi (a mango flavored yogurt drink) for dessert.

Pho All Seasons

1311 E Euclid Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50316 • (515) 265-4222

Probably the most kid friendly food option on this list, Pho is a hearty soup that comes with noodles, veggies and a choice of meat.  The portions are large enough that you may want to consider sharing a serving with your pint sized foodie.  Kids also love the Bubble Teas served at Pho All Seasons.  I equate them to sucking gummy bears through a straw, but what do I know;)?!?

Olympic Flame

514 E Grand Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 243-4361 • olympicflamedesmoines.com

Opa! Create an unforgettable celebration as you break plates at Olympic Flame, a Greek restaurant in the East Village.  Kids will love the delicious, blazing appetizer, saganaki, also known as flaming cheese. And, don’t forget to end the meal with baklava.  As a bonus, if you go on Friday nights you can be entertained by belly dancers from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.

Sakura Sushi

1960 Grand Ave #11 • West Des Moines, IA 50265 • (515) 225-9999 • www.sakurasushiwdm.com

Kids love selecting their own single portions, with favorites including the California rolls and Tuna Rolls.  Better yet, go on Monday night for Sakura’s All You Can Eat, $19.99 Sushi Special.  If you don’t think your kids will eat sushi or sashimi, no worries they also serve up noodle dishes, soup and teriyaki entrees.

What are your family’s favorite international restaurants in Des Moines? Share the love in a comment below.