Updated September 2025
When you think of Kansas foods, what comes to mind? Most likely, Midwest comfort meals are heavy on meat and potatoes; however, Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, is known for three distinctive cultural food influences: Lebanese, Mexican, and Vietnamese.
The city is home to over 1,200 locally-owned eateries, many of which cater to diners seeking cuisine represented by each culture.
Incorporated in 1870, Wichita was a cattle drive destination where beef was king. Immigrant workers, hoping to escape economic hardship in their home countries, migrated to Wichita, taking jobs at meatpacking plants and railroad companies.
While the stockyards no longer exist, generations of families remain deeply rooted in the area, and each cultural community is well-represented throughout the city by its restaurants.
Wichitans, like me, are passionate about local cuisine. If you ask someone which restaurant serves the best hummus, tacos, or pho, prepare for energetic responses. Many of the below mentioned restaurants are ones that I’ve frequented since a young age.
LEBANESE FOOD TOUR
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
The entrepreneurial spirit of the Lebanese community is undeniable, apparent by its long list of restaurants. St. George and St. Mary Orthodox churches also attract hundreds of eaters to benefit dinners and bazaars featuring authentic food.
First-time visitors to Wichita would be remiss if they didn’t make their way to one of the dozens of eateries such as Cafe Maurice, MIF Deli, N&J Café & Bakery, Bella Luna Café, RAHA Mediterranean, or Meddys.
Diners should include creamy chickpea hummus served with soft pita bread or manoosh, a crispy flatbread coated with za’atar consisting of dried herbs and sesame seeds, in their dining tour.
For starters, appetizers like rolled grape leaves or deep-fried kibbeh balls made from seasoned ground beef onion, pine nuts, and spices typically appear on menus. At dinnertime, meat eaters will appreciate traditional slow-roasted shawarma or lamb shanks, often paired with the country’s most famous salad, fattoush.
MUST-VISIT MARKETS & BAKERIES
N & J Global Market and Asia Bazaar Grocery supply staple groceries for foodies who want to cook Middle Eastern recipes at home. Fans of kibbeh nayeh, the national dish of Lebanon, shop at Yaacoub Meat Market. Bagatelle Bakery customers order artistic cakes for special occasions – Strawberry Chantilly Cream is a widely regarded selection.
MEXICAN FOOD TOUR
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
The cultural food tour continues to the city’s industrial North End, also referred to as the Nomar District. Here, the Mexican American community’s restaurant scene consists of taco trucks and mom-and-pop owned restaurants nestled amongst buildings adorned with vibrant murals. Retail store windows display shimmering quinceañera dresses and paleterías, Hispanic snack shops, advertise ice cream and popsicles.
The neighborhood’s food truck scene is the real deal, which could easily be a micro food tour. A concentration of vendors dot the urban landscape. The smell of grilled carne asada emits from trucks Rico’s Tacos El Torito, Taqueria El Vago, and Chucherias Y Mas.
The oldest family-fun Mexican restaurant in the city, Connie’s Mexico Cafe, has anchored the neighborhood since 1963, serving neighborhood workers and hungry patrons Mexican American meals. Grilled chicken is in high demand around the corner at Pollo Dorado. Diners seeking mega burritos or carnitas are in luck at Taqueria El Fogon, Birrieria Raymundo, and Mi Lindo Michoacan.
But it’s not all platter-sized meals and street tacos. Refreshing Aqua frescas drinks and cóctel de fruit, sliced fruit salads with jícama and cucumber, dominate the menu board at Las Delicias ICT.
MUST-VISIT MARKETS & BAKERIES
A staple on the Mexican food scene, Juarez Bakery, is where shoppers can indulge in freshly baked pastries like churros and sweet conchas while shopping for essential groceries. Beyond the neighborhood, El Rio Bravo Supermarket is a full-service grocery store supplying shoppers with butchered meat and inexpensive produce. Warm flour and corn tortillas are made daily at Tortilleria La Tradition Inc. and sourced by local restaurants.
A free festival, Tacos & Tequilas, kicks off summer at Wichita Boathouse where attendees shop food trucks and play yard games to the backdrop of mariachi music.
BONUS! Read my blog post, Spice Up Your Life: Mexican Restaurants Worth Trying in Kansas
VIETNAMESE FOOD TOUR
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
Vietnamese restaurants add cultural diversity throughout various Wichita neighborhoods, concentrating on the south side. Highly celebrated events throughout the year draw thousands of food connoisseurs. In February, Lunar New Year celebrations highlight food culture. October attracts folks to All Saints Catholic Church’s Vietnamese Fall Festival and the annual Wichita Asian Festival. Asian Night Market, a bazaar-themed event, allows chefs to showcase their best dishes in May.
Count on pho and bành mí sandwiches to appear on menus. Pho, steaming hot bowls of aromatic bone broth are served with marinated meat and typically topped with raw herbs, sprouts, and chilies. Sliced cold cuts or pork loaf stacked with cucumber, cilantro, and tomato sandwiched between crusty French bread to create traditional bành mí sandwiches.
While the list of Vietnamese restaurants for a culinary tour is nearly endless, sought-after spots serving pho include Saigon, Little Saigon, Pho Kim, Pho Cuong, Thoa’s Bistro, Pho KC, Pho One 8, and Kim’s Noodle Bar. When bành mí cravings set in, Kimlan Sandwiches serves customers 15 variations.
MUST-VISIT MARKETS & BAKERIES
Wichita doesn’t lack for Asian markets. At Kim Son Asian Market, Grace Market, Thai Binh Supermarket, and Dong Huong, imported seafood and meats, exotic produce, and aisles of dry noodles and condiments keep shoppers returning for more, and reach-in warming bins house trays of French-influenced baguette loaves used to prepare bành mí. Mino Bakery’s cream cheese and fruit-filled buns are must-haves.
The city is a mecca for delicious restaurant food and a tour-worthy destination for iconic landmarks. Wichita is not a city in a Midwest flyover state. It’s more than that.
It’s a place where people choose to live and honor culture in all its forms – especially cuisine.
For more about things to see and do in Wichita, consider purchasing my books 100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die or Secret Wichita: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.
Fortunately, these museums document the story of those who chose Kansas as their home. Museum-goers can time-travel back in history, imagining what life must have been like for its early residents, visiting one museum at a time.
Relax in privacy. Enjoy a meal with the comforts of home. Sit on the patio. Experience the destination on your terms.
I stayed in the 
The plush accommodations surpassed anything I could have imagined. It was as if I was a posh member of royalty staying in a castle.
Reserve a suite at 
Built in 1910, the renovated loft space beautifully showcases the historic building’s architecture, from its brick-exposed walls to the original wood floors. The 1,600 square foot, two-bedroom, one bath loft sleeps four guests.
You’ll appreciate the private parking with front door or back door self-entry keypad access. Once inside, it feels like home with amenities such as a washer and dryer, full kitchen, streaming television channels, Bluetooth compatible speakers, and high-speed WiFi.
The bathroom, designed with his-and-hers sinks, is spacious and includes in-shower products. Plush body-size towels and a motion detector for the overhead light are added touches you don’t always find in a vacation rental.
Pro Tip: Shop the loft owner’s store, 
I was impressed with the accommodations, so I immediately called home to tell others about them. The owners did a meticulous job restoring the two-story space, which includes original wood floors and crown molding, and each room contains framed antique photographs of downtown Seneca.
Guests climb a tall set of stairs using a self-entry keypad entrance before entering the loft’s entrance. A modernized, open kitchen/living concept includes tall windows facing Main Street. A full-size laundry room with supplies is located off the kitchen.
I had my choice of two large bedrooms and settled on the one pictured below, featuring a queen bed with jersey-knit duvet bedding. Each bedroom included a dresser drawer for personal items and a flatscreen Roku TV.
The tall white columns, brick architecture, and sheer size capture the attention of passersby. I was the first guest to check in on the day of my overnight stay, so I was able to peek inside each of the themed bedrooms and tour the home’s main level.
To reserve a room at Gufler Mansion Bed & Breakfast for a single night or overnight stay, visit the 
They prioritize guest comfort (I slept like a baby for the first time in weeks), and the inn is impeccably designed with a nod to a Norwegian aesthetic.
In the evening, I lounged in the Wine Shelter, sipping a complimentary glass of white wine. At breakfast, I sat at a sun-drenched table savoring a Swedish platter, which included vegetables, farmers’ cheese, and pickled herring.
Do yourself a favor and 
The vacation rental is ideal for adult couples or a family who wants to unwind in comfortable accommodations. The owner felt inspired to bring life back to an old building, and she did a remarkable job maintaining its historic character while adding modern-day amenities.
NOTE: This is an upstairs loft space, so guests must be comfortable carrying their bags up nearly 30 steps to the second floor. Shoes must be taken off and kept in the hallway prior to entry.
Upon arrival, I walked the downstairs parlor and adjacent dining room, admiring the owner’s meticulous restoration of turn-of-the-century woodwork.
The dining room’s tablescape was beautifully set with an artful arrangement of seasonal plates, flatware, and decorations. The owner prides herself on updating the table decorations often.
Original stained glass windows drew my eye to an ascending staircase, where private guest rooms awaited – each one named after a Bible verse. My queen bedroom, including a twin bed and private bathroom, was painted lavender and decorated with Victorian decorative touches, including handkerchiefs and florals.
After a restful night’s sleep, I joined other guests in the dining room for breakfast. The meal started with juice and coffee before a Monte Cristo-style croissant breakfast sandwich served with homemade jam was served.
A restored 1908 country home turned 
A short drive from dining, shopping, and museums in Winterset, it was perfect for us. We watched the movie The Bridges Over Madison County at night while drinking champagne in a room surrounded by antiques and framed artwork.
The creak of the original wood floors. The sunset view from the porch. I loved our stay, as will you.
A blanket and velvety pillows gave the living room space a homey feel, which was delightful.
The bedroom included a pillowy-soft, queen-sized bed. Flanked by two reading lights and an end table, it was a great place to kick back and enjoy a book or admire nature from the sliding glass door view.
Although the house was sandwiched between two more significant properties, it feels secluded because of its deep front yard and leading walkway. The neighborhood is well-kept and safe. We never heard the sound of traffic or neighborhood activity.
Consider reserving the 
It’s easy to see why the home is listed as a Guest Favorite on the vacation rental website. One of only a few historic homes on a cul-de-sac, the two-story house is part of a duplex located only four blocks from downtown.
The full kitchen was equipped with anything I needed to cook a meal, plus the coffee station included several options of ground Starbucks coffee and tea. Because my itinerary included in-town restaurants, I used the spacious dining room table to plug in the laptop and get some work done.
We were pleased with the home’s comfortable amenities, including high-speed WiFi, laundry facilities (robes provided!), a walk-in shower with toiletries, and a full kitchen (breakfast pastries and French press coffee, anyone?).
Families will appreciate the home’s spaciousness and proximity to the park across the street. It’s a safe, lovely neighborhood. 
The interior was decorated in neutral tones. Restored hardwood floors creaked as I toured the accommodations. The open living room space easily included enough seating to accommodate several guests. Original chalkboards carved with the initials of rambunctious students flanked two sides of the room.
Two bedrooms with plush queen-sized beds with end tables and armoires welcomed me. Which one would I choose? The rooms were equally inviting. The full bathroom with a modern shower included the amenities of home plus a basket of toiletries.
Although The Schoolhouse Inn did not have a kitchen, I had access to a small refrigerator and freezer, Keurig coffeemaker, and microwave. The refrigerator was filled with bottled water and soda products. Complimentary drinks and snacks made the stay unexpectedly comfortable.
This list merely scratches the surface of unique attractions worth pulling over to see. In fact, I’ve yet to add twine to the 
With over 200 new restaurants opening in the last two years, finding an up-and-coming restaurant to enjoy is easy. But if you want to dine like a local, refer to my pocket guide of must-visit restaurants when visiting Music City.
Their award-winning barbecue is served with southern hospitality, and if you’re lucky, Carey might swing by your table for a casual chat during the meal. Menu favorites include heaping BBQ Nachos, Memphis Sushi, and Dry Rubbed Ribs, but opt for the shareable Combo Platter when in doubt.
PRO TIP: Leave room for banana pudding or a drool-worthy fried pie fresh from the oven. View 
The food was exceptionally prepared and presented during our group’s family-style private dinner service. The Pre-Show Dinner menu, served from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., features Italian-inspired dishes.
I joined others, tapping our feet to the sounds of live bluegrass music while indulging in various shareable appetizers. Skillet cornbread, deviled eggs, and crispy Brussels sprouts satisfied. The sandwiches, with a side salad, are a creative twist on burgers and chicken sandwiches.
PRO TIP: Arrive at 5:00 p.m. to enjoy weekly Happy Hour cocktail menu specials, beer discounts, and $5 snacks. View 
The menu features Southern comfort classics ranging from barbecue meals, oysters, sandwiches, and steaks. Sit back with a deck drink or ice-cold beer as the sun sets. Hot chicken seasoning ranges from Sissy (perfect for me!) to Hiroshima levels, thanks to added cayenne paste.
PRO TIP: The deck gets crowded, especially on show nights at The Opry. It stays open until 3:00 a.m. Monday-Friday for post-show celebrations. View 
Meals are artfully plated using traditional Japanese ingredients. Sesame, soy, and miso make recipe appearances. The bar menu showcases boozy and non-boozy drinks with names such as Viva Magenta (gin) and Matcha Limeade.
PRO TIP: Park in the rear of the building and walk up the back stairs. View 
Referred to as Camp Bobby, the pop-up holiday bar was decorated down to every detail. Live bands play during summer’s Backyard Sessions, and it’s a fantastic place to soak of downtown views or play yard games any time of year.
PRO TIP: View 
The cidery rolls out a new seasonal selection every three weeks, so consider adding it to a tasting flight of four pours.
PRO TIP: They love four-legged customers. Ask about monthly dog-friendly events. View 
We enjoyed tastings of four single-barrel bourbons of our choice during a group reservation. Their Small-Batch Cask Strength and Tennessee Single Barrel Whiskey, two of my preferred selections, went down like a warm hug.
PRO TIP: Are you feeling brave? Ask if you can sample Wooshine. View 
From upscale dining and laid-back cafés to shopping strolls and an underground cave tour, there is more than enough to experience in three days. Lincoln, aka The Star City, is your destination, no matter your travel personality.
The expansive lobby is filled with UNL sports artifacts and framed illustrations of notable Nebraskans like Warren Buffett. Comfy couch configurations and desk sets provide plenty of room to gather with friends before or after a day of exploring the city.
Where can you eat and drink at the hotel? 
While I didn’t have time to create a candle, I came home with a French Press soy candle that smells like fresh brewed coffee.
As I perused the store’s shelves, I noticed non-licorice candies available for sale as well. This is the ideal shopping destination if you want to build a gift basket for someone with a sweet tooth.
In business for over 20 years, Licorice International is likely unlike any candy store you’ve visited and one of the most interesting in the Midwest. Ask about homemade fudge and pecan rolls.
Kid clothing, art supplies, dolls, toys, they carry it. You won’t find typical big-box store toys at Paper Kite. They stock handmade toys and wearables created by local and regional artisans.
In search of a gift for my niece and nephew, an employee helped me search the store for the perfect sentiment. The store’s beautiful stationary and art prints made it hard not to leave without something for myself.
Opened in 2006, the inventory consists of on-trend fashions and everyday clothing. Tables display jewelry, handbags, and sneakers to complement outfits and create classic, timeless looks.
The owner refreshes inventory curating items at market to sell at the College View store and its Omaha sister store, 
I thought the variety of wearable classics was affordable compared to Lululemon or its competitors. The clearance racks at the back of the store are the place to look for deep discounts.
Items are grouped by function and design. Dried flowers and garlands adorned the garden room. A dark, moody room included man cave decor. An upstairs room catered to shoppers seeking stylish bedroom accents.
PRO TIP: Get a sneak peek at new inventory arrivals by viewing its 
I sipped a Maracuyá fruit drink between bites of a Confetti Blueberry Mini Loaf at an indoor cafe near the shop’s retail area. The smell of fresh baked goods permeated the air.
Reserve a table to enjoy elevated fresh, innovative cuisine with views of bustling downtown Lincoln. The interior’s grey walls and black accents are illuminated by pendant lighting, creating a monochromatic aesthetic.
The menu features recipes that incorporate seasonally available sustainable ingredients. We asked our server, Evan, to present us with a variety of entrees in a progressive style, starting with Pistachio-Peach-Prosciutto and followed by Fried Chicken Yogurt and Pickles.
The award-worthy meal continued with Smoky Mussels + Parmesan Broth, concluding with homemade fruit sorbet served with melon segments.
The restaurant, which also serves lunch and dinner, is led by owner and executive chef Eric Lemke, who incorporates farm-fresh ingredients into seasonal menu selections.
We couldn’t eat another bite. In fact, we took the leftovers home with us because leaving them behind would be a crime. Nevertheless, our helpful server showed us the dessert tray featuring an array of goodies made by a local baker, especially for the restaurant. Next time, I’ll order the two-tiered carrot cake, one of the most requested desserts.
We dropped by before embarking on the farmers’ market just before a line formed at the register. The drink menu, featuring single-origin coffee and loose-lea tea drinks, also includes made-to-order crepes and panini.
I enjoyed a chai tea latted seated from a 70s style upholstered couch under a wood beam and brick ceiling. A couple chatted at a nearby cafe table as people came and went on a busy Saturday morning.
People stroll brick streets in the Historic Haymarket District looking to buy something they didn’t know they needed until they saw it. A few shoppers are greeted with familiarity by vendors.
Fresh cut flowers, jewelry, bagged coffee, woodcut wall art. Each booth ignites a sense of discovery for something new at every glance.
If you’re feeling hungry while shopping, many food trucks offer nourishment from full meals to grab-and-go snacks. Preview what you can expect at an upcoming market via its 
The store is a sea of red. Mascot bobbleheads shake, and neon signs buzz as you walk by shelves of grill accessories, foam fingers, coolers, and more. Racks of t-shirts, available in sizes S to XXXL Tall, anchor the center of the showroom.
Ascend the stairs to the Tailgate Deck to comb through racks of casual ware ideal for rooting on your favorite Nebraska team.
Don’t worry—the store also celebrates the Game Day spirit by featuring scarlet red attire and fanny packs. Check out the sales racks in the back of the store for deep discounts.
Bring your camera to take photos with a backdrop of vibrant roses, flora, and public art. We witnessed people reading on park benches to the sound of the fountain’s falling water. In the distance, I spotted a giraffe feeding through the fence at the nearby 
The garden is free to explore and open to all ages. We watched as young children curiously discovered bronze statuary while other visitors admired blooming perennials.
We sat at a sunlit table indoors during lunch and enjoyed a Seared Salmon Nicoise salad and a Bistro Burger. The salad was impressive in size and flavor, and I’d order it again. The stacked burger was served with traditional toppings on a brioche bun with fries.
PRO TIP: Ask for a Brunch menu if dining Saturday-Sunday from 8:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Bar selections include a Piedmont Mimosa Pitcher for sharing amongst friends.
After entering a nondescript doorway, we flipped through a leather-bound book listing cocktails named after famous Nebraskans. Lively conversation at the bar ensued while we waited for our drinks: Malcolm Little and Johnny Carson.
You can expect the cocktail ingredients to match the interior’s vintage vibe. A seasonal menu features handcrafted cocktails with names like The Days Go By, Betty Rose, and Good Grief. I sipped a blanco tequila drink, Hot Donna, prepared with blackberry jalapeño syrup and lime saccharum while the sound of Barry White’s voice sang, “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” through the lounge’s speakers.
I chatted with the barista, Garrison, who told me the café doubles as a cocktail wine bar appealing to patrons who want to enjoy an evening libation.
The interior is decorated with color murals, a prelude to the outdoor park’s intriguing public art installations.
PRO TIP: Attend 
