From ramen to pho to all kinds of stir fry, sometimes a visit to a noodle house is just what you’re craving. These Iowa restaurants range from Vietnamese to Japanese, and each of them serve up a delicious bowl of noodles. Here are our 7 favorites!
Featuring both ramen recipes and gourmet sushi on the menu, a lot of flavors can be explored at Red Ginger of Coralville. With six different ramen recipes on the menu, including Roast Pork Belly and Chicken Katsu, it’s easy to focus on these flavors upon any visit. It is recommended to branch out towards other dishes at this first-class eatery though, including the Japanese noodle selection, fresh appetizers made to order and exclusive entrees featuring the house-made teriyaki sauce.
For more pho in Cedar Rapids, Pho Mai Restaurant is the number one spot for this culturally inspired entree. The entire menu is a showcase of delicious, authentic Vietnamese food, and while all options live up to high standards, the real highlights include the many varieties of pho available. Shrimp, steak or chicken breast, every pho bowl on the menu will have you loving it until the last drop.
Amazing and delicious are the keywords at Hana Ramen Sushi of West Des Moines, and with just one order of the menu, you can find that to be true yourself. Featuring sushi, appetizers and a wide list of signature ramen dishes, there is a lot to choose from at Hana Ramen Sushi, including all the different add-ons for your ramen entree. One recommended direction to head at Hana Ramen Sushi: The Pork Katsu Ramen.
A popular option for take-out in Ankeny, Pho 85 specializes in authentic and savory Vietnamese and Asian cuisines. Eating at the restaurant is fun too, and whichever way you order you can’t go wrong by sticking to some of Pho 85’s signature dishes. The Vermicelli Rice Noodle Bowls are always a good way to go, as are the Pho dishes offered, including brisket, tendon and meatball varieties.
Featuring some of the best lunch specials in Des Moines, and some of the best pho you’ll find in the state, Nut Pob can be found off Indianola Avenue and specializes in Thai and Lao cuisine. Favorites off the menu include chicken satay, fried noodles, Tom Yam and pho. Made to order and with an ability to kick some serious spice into action, with just one visit this local restaurant and it will be your go-to place for some serious flavor.
Featuring authentic and house-special Thai recipes bursting with flavor, Thai Kitchen of Ames delivers on fresh ingredients and inspired taste. With a long menu of chef’s specials and entrees including Thai curry, fried rice and plenty of appetizers, many of the signature dishes can be found with Thai Kitchen’s noodles. With traditional favorites like Pad Thai, it’s also recommended to go a little bolder with something like Pad See Eil or Nuer Sub Noodle.
You don’t have to travel out of the state to find delicious pho in Iowa, as made evident by many authentic establishments across the state such as California Pho of Davenport. Featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine made from the finest ingredients, California Pho is always a popular place come mealtime. A fan favorite and must-try is the Special Pho, featuring rare steak, brisket, flank, soft tendon and beef meatballs.