Explore the World from your Own Backyard
Experience the world without ever packing your bags.
Photo by Anna Petrow
One of my favorite things about traveling is indulging in another culture’s cuisine. Some of the best meals I’ve enjoyed have been while exploring new places. However, for the past year and a half, Covid has put a damper on everyone’s jetsetting dreams. Travel has been iffy at best, and it’s hard to tell what the future holds for our dust-covered passports. While it’s impossible to recreate the pure magic of eating trofie al pesto on an Italian cliffside, or empanadas on the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, you can still transport yourself to another place through the love our local restaurants pour into their international menus.
This list barely scratches the surface of all the great restaurants offering worldly delights, but let this guide spark your inspiration for a global culinary tour - without ever stepping foot out of the metro.
Photo by Kelly Hollowell
Banksia | 4800 Main Street, Kansas City, MO and 105 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO
If you’re asking yourself, “what is Australian food?,” you’re not alone. I didn’t know much about Australian fare until I was introduced to Banksia. Think beef and red wine pie, kangaroo sausage rolls, and, yes, even Vegemite. Next time you’re dreaming of a trip down under, head to Banksia with your mates to try something new.
Photo by Anna Petrow
Cafe Provence | 3936 W 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS
Cafe Provence feels as if you’re tucked away in a cozy French bistro with none of the cares that you left outside the front door. Ordering is the hardest part because I guarantee you’ll want nearly everything on the menu, but c’est la vie! I suggest starting with l’escargot de bourgogne (snails in garlic butter) for the table, then ordering your own bowl of soupe a l’oignon (French onion soup) - you won’t want to share! - and finishing with the le flétan aux chanterelles (Alaskan halibut). Bon appetit!
Photo by Anna Petrow
Chai Shai | 651 E 59th St, Kansas City, MO
This Pakistani and Indian neighborhood gem is perfectly situated on the darling corner of 59th Street and Holmes. Sit on the patio and order a mango shake to balance out the warm embrace of the lamb daal and pakora (potato and chickpea fritters). The only thing more comforting than the food is the owner who takes great care to make sure guests are happy.
Photo by Kelly Hollowell
El Pulgarcito | 5921 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS
If you’ve never feasted on Salvadoran pupusas, put this on your list immediately. For those new to this dish, a pupusa is a corn flour tortilla stuffed with any combination of tasty ingredients - pork, steak, cheese, beans, spinach - you get the idea. Order two or three different options and top them off with the homemade curtido - a spicy slaw that adds the perfect crunch to your plate. Do they have a full menu of other amazing items you should try? Yes. Do I pretty much only order pupusas here because I love them so much? Also yes. I hope you love them as much as I do.
Eskcobar| 3415 Main St, Kansas City, MO
Forgoing a fork and eating Ethiopian food with your hands is not only acceptable, it’s customary! The traditional dishes here are served on injera, a spongy, fermented flatbread intended to be torn apart and used to pinch up perfect bites with your fingers. Eskcobar also serves many Caribbean dishes, so be sure to mix and match to your heart’s desire.
Waldo Thai | 8431 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO
Thailand has been on my bucket list for a long time, but I don’t see it happening any time soon. Lucky for me, Waldo Thai’s authentic northern Thai influences have brought the real deal to KC. The Wednesday small plate menu is a great way to try multiple dishes. The offerings change weekly, but recent options included Kow Phad Gapow Khai Dao (Fried jasmine rice, ground pork, serrano, holy basil, sweet peppers, fried egg) and Gaeng Tepoh (Pork rib tips, coconut sour curry, morning glory, makrut limes, tamarind, over jasmine rice). If an easy night at home is more your speed, check out their newly reinstated takeout family dinners - sure to please the whole crew.
