It’s thrilling to find an authentic Thai place, an authentic Mediterranean place, an authentic taqueria—food beyond American fare or imitation. Luckily, there’s no shortage of international cuisine in Kansas City, so our staff listed its go-to spots.
Photos via Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop, Taco Naco, and Jerusalem Café
When it comes to authentic international cuisine in Kansas City, I can never pick just one favorite—it really depends on what mood I’m in.
For street-style tacos with bold flavors, Taco Naco is my go-to; their birria tacos with consommé for dipping are a must-try. If I’m craving Thai, Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop hits the spot every time with its flavorful curries, noodles, and that perfect balance of heat and spice—try the Pad Kee Mao if you like a little kick. And when I want warm spices and a cozy spot, Jerusalem Café never disappoints with its rich hummus, shawarma, and mint tea. Each place feels like a passport stamp without leaving KC, and that’s what makes them so special.
Photo via Café Provence
When I want to be transported to Paris without leaving Prairie Village, I love going to one of my favorite French restaurants, Café Provence! The food is consistently delicious and the atmosphere cozy and welcoming. My favorite dish is the fillet with the most amazing red wine sauce. A pro move is to dip the French bread in the sauce, which somehow is better than their already fabulous butter. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you will love all the desserts. We are lucky to have a gem of a restaurant like this in Kansas City.
I first discovered tea eggs in the café at 888 International Market & Café in Overland Park. These hard-boiled eggs are cracked and simmered in a fragrant broth of tea, soy sauce, and spices like star anise and cinnamon. I’d never seen them before, but they quickly became a favorite.
As the eggs simmer, the marinade seeps through the cracks in the shell, leaving behind a beautiful marbled pattern once peeled. I like serving them with plain rice and sautéed broccoli—the rice balances the eggs’ savory depth, making it an easy, satisfying weeknight meal.
Photo via Meddys
For me, it’s Meddys, a Mediterranean restaurant that started in Wichita and spread to Kansas City. (The founder, Alex Harb, is from Lebanon.) The covered patio at the Prairie Village location is almost totally enclosed by trees, which provides a cool escape during a busy Sunday morning. My favorite order at Meddys is simple: the hummus and pita. Soft bread, rich flavor. Get some with a Succulent Chicken Shawarma (another banger), and take some home.
Photo via La Bodega
La Bodega is my go-to for authentic Spanish flavors, whether it’s lunch or happy hour. The papas fritas con ajo—roasted potatoes with a garlic-cumin aioli—are always a must, and the pintxo de pollo y chorizo, a tender chicken and chorizo skewer with more garlic aioli for dipping, is another favorite. With its lively atmosphere and shareable plates, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and savor something different.
Tags:
Alex Harb, Café provence, Hummus and Pita, International Market & Café, Jerusalem Café, La Bodega, Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop, Meddys, Pad Kee Mao, papas fritas con ajo, pintxo de pollo y chorizo, Taco Naco, tea eggs
Dining and Cooking