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 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, Le Monde Cafe & Deli, 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, 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.
No. 7 Coffee House is a morning hangout where locals greet one another as they walk in and discuss the day’s events. They sip coffee with dining on maple pecan scones, muffins, and sausage quiche.
At lunchtime, locals gravitate to the coffee shop to market fresh sandwiches, salads, and wraps. The day I visited, the owner made homemade bierocks in the kitchen. Each day, the chalkboard displays a new menu special. Locals told me the Chicken Salad on Croissant sandwich is a must-have menu item.
Goff wants the mural’s vibrant colors to attract viewers who use it as an interactive backdrop to take selfies. I didn’t hesitate to take one with the sunflower’s petals in the background. The artist said she may not sign the mural because “it belongs to the town.”
Artist Majorie Hall Bicker painted a scene depicting moments in Wellington’s history around the corner from BeeHive Quilt Shop on 7th Street. Dedicated to the city in 2000, visiting the mural should be part of everyone’s visit to town.
PRO TIP: Keep your eyes peeled for ghost signs that appear faded on downtown buildings. The 120-year-old Jacob Engle Dry Goods sign at the corner of Washington Avenue and Lincoln Street was recently restored for Wellington’s 150th anniversary.
Another can’t-miss architectural wonder, The Pink House (114 S. Jefferson), is a sight for the eyes. Unlike any other residence in Wellington, the home is not open to visitors, but people often take photos with it in the background.
The park features picnic areas, playground equipment for the kiddos, a sand volleyball pit, and fishing areas. The well-maintained disc golf course includes concrete pads and wide fairways for beginner to moderately difficult play.
Outside, the historical tour continues with the Bronze Field Guns exhibit. The cannons were delivered upon the request of the Grand Army of the Republic James Post of Wellington in 1909. Delivered in 1915, they serve as a memorial.
PRO TIP: Visit the Wellington Chamber of Commerce to purchase branded merchandise, including ground coffee, t-shirts, holiday ornaments, and more.
Interestingly enough, the building itself is a historical treasure. Once known as Hatcher Hospital, Dr. A. R. Hatcher and his staff treated patients using state-of-the-art equipment in pristine conditions. The building was gifted to the Chisholm Trail Museum in 1965.
Of course, I was fascinated by the room designed to resemble a vintage soda fountain complete with a vinyl booth, ice cream dishes, and the “Let’s Sell Ice Cream” book once used at the Chief Drug Soda Fountain until 1986.
At age 85, Perry enthusiastically gives guided tours of the museum, pointing out items he curated or gifted to him, like the two-sided depot bench and original Santa Fe merchandise featuring the company mascot, Chico. A clock wall displays timepieces that were inspected for the correct time to ensure trains arrived on schedule.
Aside from the impressive collection, it’s possible that Perry’s love of all things railroad will rub off on you. Not only did I learn about railroad employees’ work, but I also had a better appreciation for the industry that helped develop so many Kansas towns, including Wellington.
At 
Besides beautiful apparel, Bay & Brielle Co.’s accessories are on par with the latest trends. A collection of seasonal shoes, hats, and colorful handbags make completing an outfit a cinch.
Most of the inventory caters to shoppers looking for a refined rustic or farmhouse deco style. A corner of the store even carries nursery decor and toys for parents or grandparents looking for something new. Shopping at Salty Creek Decor is an interior designer’s dream and is sure to inspire.
I tried something out of my comfort zone and sampled the highly recommended fresh pork rinds with pepper jack cheese and spinach queso, which I devoured. The rinds arrived at the table, crackling fresh from the fryer.
My server recommended that I save room for dessert, and even though I was full, I couldn’t turn down caramel churros with vanilla ice cream drizzled with honey and chocolate. 100% delicious.
Wellington is a wonderful place to spend a day exploring some of the top attractions in south-central Kansas. A short drive from Wichita, I was delighted to meet residents who made me feel welcome, and there were unlimited places to explore. I know you’ll fall in love with it, too.
If you’ve not enjoyed tamale, you can expect shredded chicken, pork, or beef in sauce wrapped in masa inside a corn husk. The dish represents traditional food brought to the states by Mexican immigrant populations. Masa is a soft dough made from ground corn with a slightly sweet yet savory flavor.
I ordered a Dirty Horchata served hot to accompany my meal. A cinnamon vanilla rice drink with a double espresso was served in a vibrant handmade coffee cup. The cafe’s interior is visually stunning as it is filled with colorful pottery from Mexico. All of it is marked for sale, so keep your eyes peeled for a gem to take home with you.
When our bus stopped at the 
We drove to a historic two-story stone building near railroad tracks and a baseball field, which has served as the headquarters for 
The nondescript building was constructed because the community needed a place where Latinos could gather without discrimination. In the early 1900s, it served as a Methodist mission and school. Years later, the outside of the building contrasts greatly with the interior’s design which features a sports bar where locals gather to enjoy game day.
It’s a hidden gem, or the kind of restaurant locals know and dare not tell others about, because their go-to places become crowded. Bring your appetite and prepare to be wowed by fresh seafood dishes like Shrimp Chipotle, Fire Grilled Trout, and Seafood Paella. They didn’t win Best Seafood and Best Mexican Food by Feast magazine for nothing.
It’s one of the most festive celebrations I’ve attended. Vendors line both sides of Central Avenue, offering the best gifts and authentic Mexican food dinners. The smell of freshly grilled meat lingers in the air.Walking the route, you encounter live bands performing Latin pop and regional Mexican music in front of small groups of onlookers. Women dressed as Catrinas wear makeup resembling skeletons ad flowing gowns with hats or elaborate headdresses.
I was asked if I wanted to ride in the parade inside a decorated bus with authentic music (see pictured). “Yes, of course!” We threw candy to eager children from the bus and waved at families. Dancers led our path down the street. Everyone was in good spirits laughing, eating authentic food, dancing, and singing. The festival is one you don’t want to miss.
Take a moment to downtown 
The woman behind the counter the added two donuts to my to-go bag and thanked me for coming into the bakery for the first time. She (and the owner) had worked since 8pm the night before to prepare donuts. Wow!
My 
The rest of the hotel’s amenities were equally as nice. Every morning, guests enjoy a full complimentary breakfast adjacent to the lobby. For those not staying for a morning meal, a self-serve coffee bar is available just beyond the spacious lobby.
Although the hotel had an indoor pool and fitness equipment on-site, I opted to get my exercise by walking directly across the street to The Legends Outlets for a little retail therapy. If you choose to stay at the hotel, I know you’ll find it impressive. To search for available rooms and rates, visit 
Visitors can also enjoy outdoor sculptures and public art displays at almost every turn. As you wind your way around the complex, you’ll notice that each one pays homage to legendary Kansans who made their mark in history. The courtyards and corridor showcase the stories of Amelia Earhart, Clyde Cessna, and Buster Keaton.
In fact, if you happen to have someone in your group that doesn’t prefer shopping, they can easily be entertained by walking the grounds and learning about the movers and shakers who made Kansas what it is today. A yellow brick road gives a nod to the Wizard of Oz while native grasses surround towering sculptures.
At Christmas time, the annual lighting of the holiday tree in the center of the courtyard brings hundreds to the area. Families can follow the event with a movie night at AMC Theatre Legends 14. The movie theatre includes 14 screens and one of them is four stories tall with a VIP balcony lounge. Later, the family can head to Santa’s Mail Station to drop the kids’ letters to the North Pole.
Aside from racks and shelves filled with the latest outdoor gear, the retail store is filled with taxidermy including the world’s largest collection of trophy mule deer.
The second floor of the retail store is where deal hounds need to shop. Clothing and shoes labeled with end-of-the-year deep discounts on outdoor equipment are found in the Blowout Sale Room. If you’re looking for a new coat, pair of boots, or flannel shirt that is slightly out of season, you’ll find it here.
As I was exiting the salesroom, I heard a familiar sound “Ho ho ho, big guy! Do you like candy canes?” It was Santa! He was greeting children waiting in line with their parents to have their photo taken with the jolly fellow. Cabela’s is known for hosting events like this one, so be sure to check their 
I noticed dozens of table games including roulette and craps. Walking through the casino, it was easy to find a game to play. The 12-table Poker Room was bustling. Prefer video poker? Pull up a chair and inside your casino card to start a game.
With access to several bars and restaurants, casino players can satisfy their cravings for a delicious meal between gameplay. Final Cut Steakhouse’s menu offers fine dining selections and they promote meal deals during the holidays. What could be better than celebrating a jackpot with a steak dinner and a cocktail?
A friendly bartender greeted me and served up a heaping bowl of chips with salsa and an ice-cold Corona. The menu has more entree choices on it than you can imagine, and by the looks of the plates in front of diners around the restaurant, the portions were going to be massive.
When I have a food craving, there isn’t any denying it. I created a combination meal consisting of a chile relleño and a taco with rice and refried beans. I’ve ordered chile relleños in many places and I know a good one when I taste it. The cheese was delicious and the battered and fried pepper was perfectly crisp.
The restaurant’s setting was colorful and vibrant from the plates to the decor on the walls. TVs surrounded the bar area allowing patrons to watch the game at any time. About eight varieties of tequila bottles lined the back of the bar. The bartender stayed busy filling the margarita machine with fresh-made mix (he makes about 20 gallons a day!).
My recommendation is to bring someone with you to the tasting room and each purchase a different flight so you can sample all of the wines. When in doubt, choose the dry to semi-sweet flight. Bottles range from $17-$18 and fruit wine bottles are $16. View the current list of wines available 
Directly across the street, I spotted a gigantic mural depicting what appeared to be a laborer. Kansan Printer (901 N. 8th St.) is a mural highlighting a printer at a hand press to honor the workers of the Kansas City Kansan newspaper. The building it is painted on housed the newspaper plant for 80 years.
Before leaving the downtown area, I spied another beautiful mural worthy of a photo, Facing the Past, Looking Into the Future (751 Minnesota Ave.). It showcases the story of the modern and traditional Hmong culture by highlighting work, play, and celebration. The vibrant colors can’t be missed as you drive down Minnesota Avenue.
To view an online map of the Avenue of Murals Project and other street art finds including sculptures in the area, click 
The bbq joint is known for its ribs, serving perfectly charred but moist burnt ends, and a host of mouthwatering side dishes. They’ve been in the biz since the Pearce brothers began touring the barbecue competition circuit. The restaurant serves healthy portions of smoked meat to diners looking for authentic Kansas City bbq.
I took my place in line and waited about 20 minutes until it was my turn to order dinner. The outdoor seating area was filled with families, so I ordered a meat combo plate to go.
When in Kansas City, you simply must eat at 
Kansas City, Kansas is where you go when you want to eat like the locals. It’s also a mecca for destination shopping, mural hunting, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Rich with history dating back to when Lewis & Clark arrived at Kaw Point in 1804 to today’s vibrant community, Kansas City is an urban area that quickly wins you over.
Because it was National Margarita Day during our visit, I ordered a salty margarita made with Pepe Zevada Tequila Resposado. It was phenomenal! Later, I asked the bartender the same question I recommend all travelers ask, “If it were your shift meal, what would you order from the menu?” Having served in restaurants for years, I appreciate knowing what meal the staff wants, not necessarily the special for the evening of what the manager wants to be pushed to patrons. We dined at the dimly lit bar on savory chicken sandwiches and copious steak fries. The meals are huge.
CRAFT BEER SCENE
Craft Pride is a Texas-only beer bar with 54 taps, and its adjacent side room includes single cans and bottles of even more beer! To access the bonus beer room and patio, exit the main tasting room and follow the signs. While I appreciated learning more about the brews from the bartender, I wanted to spend the most time drinking leisurely and listening to bluegrass music outdoors.
