Where to find international foods in Indianapolis, IN
Benyue Restaurant reopened in its new Castleton spot in early 2023. | Photo by @rdklove
While we love the food scene in the Circle City, we want you to know that it’s okay to get a little bit tired of tenderloin sandwiches + beer.
That’s why we’re rounding up eight places to find international foods in the 317.
Canal Bistro, 6349 Guilford Ave.
This family-owned and operated bistro along the Broad Ripple canal brings the sights, smells, and flavors of the Mediterranean to Indy. Pro tip: The patio is dog friendly, so stop by before or after walking the Monon.
Petra Cafe, 610 Mass Ave.
This is a great stop on Mass Avenue for an array of Middle Eastern plates & pitas in a relaxed and casual setting.
Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe, 935 S. East St.
This cozy restaurant between Fletcher Place and Bates-Hendricks is Indy’s first restaurant to feature a variety of authentic hand-crafted Turkish Mediterranean appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts.
Delicious Turkish food is within walking distance of Fletcher Place.
Benyue Restaurant, 6020 82nd St.
Formerly known as Lucky Lou, this is the only dim sum spot in Indy. It features handcrafted dumplings and regional Chinese cuisines. Pro tip: It serves dim sum until 2 p.m. daily and reservations are recommended.
The Jollof Buka, 2501 W. Washington St.
This authentic African restaurant and hookah lounge serves a variety of dishes such as Indomie noodles, Gbegiri + Ewedu, whole fish, and Egusi soup.
Antojitos Carmen Restaurant + Taqueria, 1526 W. Washington St.
Many say this is about as authentic as it gets when it comes to Mexican food in Indy. Try the tacos, gorditas, housemade salsas, and horchata.
Kimu Restaurant, 1280 U.S. Hwy 31 N., Greenwood
This laid-back restaurant offers traditional Burmese dishes and other Pan-Asian plates.
Siam Star Asian Express, 890 E. 116th St., Ste. 155, Carmel
This is the place to go for authentic Thai food and boba tea carry-out. Pro tip: Make room for dessert — the pastries are all made fresh by the owners.
We know this is not a complete list.Let us know where your favorite international spots are — and they might be featured in a future newsletter.
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 16
Original Farmers’ Market | Wednesday, Aug. 16-Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Indianapolis City Market, 222 E. Market St., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | From fruits and vegetables to meats and cheeses — you can find in-season, fresh foods from locals.
Thursday, Aug. 17
Game Night: Battle Room | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 6 p.m. | The AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis | Free | Get ready for a one-of-a-kind event where you’ll face off against your friends + family and be a part of your favorite game shows like Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, and Minute to Win It.
Friday, Aug. 18
Bikes, Brews, and BBQ | Friday, Aug. 18 | 6-10 p.m. | Centerpoint Brewing Company, 1125 E. Brookside Ave, Indianapolis | $50 | Enjoy a laid-back cruise along the Monon, starting and finishing at the Brookside location with a stopover in Broad Ripple for food and drinks.
IndyFringe Festival: DIVA FEVA! | Friday, Aug. 18 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Athenaeum - Basile Theatre, 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis | $20 | Join Dance Kaleidoscope + IndyFringe Festival for a fun evening filled with disco, R&B, pop, and hip-hop.
Saturday, Aug. 19
Meet Me at the Market | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Fountain Square Plaza, 1101 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Explore a rotating vendor list every Third Saturday featuring art, food, and vintage goods.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 7 p.m. | Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis | $39-$998 | Cheer on the Colts + kickoff the preseason during the first home game.
Mayor Joe Hogsett announced his proposed 2024 budget — totaling $1.5 billion — and if passed, it will be the largest budget in the city’s history. It puts focus on public safety, anti-violence initiatives, infrastructure, and neighborhood improvements. Read more about the budget breakdown. (WRTV)
Traffic
In an effort to deter drivers from parking in bike lanes, crosswalks, and in front of fire hydrants, city leaders are voting on an amendment that would give Park Indy an incentive to issue tickets to lawbreakers. Mayor Hogsett announced the measure, along with the plan to install 25 flashing lights at school crossings. (IBJ)
Opening
The Hangar, co-located with The HandleBar, is celebrating the grand opening of its new 7,500-sqft space with a full bar, kitchen, and unique activities — including indoor golf simulators, crafting + cocktail classes, and tandem electric bike rentals. Check it out this weekend for 20% off all food, gift certificates, and T-shirts.
Development
Plans for The Whispering Shelf’s new storefront in Lockerbie Square are awaiting approval. The business underwent re-zoning + has submitted an application to the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission for its location. You can show your support during a hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the City County Building, room 260.
Development
✂️ Ready to cut the ribbon
Bicentennial Unity Plaza getting ready to cut the ribbon downtown
Pacers Sports & Entertainment will manage the plaza. | Photo via Gainbridge Fieldhouse
We’ve told you all about the Bicentennial Unity Plaza development outside of Gainbridge Fieldhouse — and now, it’s finally getting ready to cut the ribbon and open to the public.
A community basketball court that will be converted into a seasonal ice rink
Community activities + public performances
Public restrooms for daytime use + when the ice rink is open
The new plaza will officially open on Thursday, Aug. 24 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. to kick off a weekend of activities.
Mark your calendar + join in on the celebration with this schedule of events:
Thursday, Aug. 24 | Ribbon Cutting Celebration from 10 to 11 a.m. + Indiana Fever Pre-Game Party from 5 to 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 25 | Happy Hour on the Plaza from 5 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 26 | Indy Night Market on the Plaza from 5 to 10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 27 | Love of the Game from 1 to 5 p.m.
Shop
Drink
Start your morning off right with Matcha Nude. This matcha powder is made with premium-grade organic, non-GMO ingredients, perfect for a tasty, energizing drink.
Travel
It’s Going’s biggest sale of the year. Buy an Elite membership and finally get notified when first + business class flights are 40-90% off. The sale ends Thursday, Aug. 31.
Read
The latest Kindle model — the Kindle Paperwhite — boasts a glare-free display, warm light options for night, and is waterproof from the beach to the bath.
Wellness
Four Sigmatic’s organic protein powder is the ultimate smoothie booster. It contains 18 grams of protein and 1500 milligrams of adaptogens per serving — nourishing your mind + body.
Over the past year, I’ve been really focusing on trying to get out of my food bubble and explore more authentic cultural foods. I’ve tried most of the spots on this list — and I have to say I’m craving the white chocolate mousse cake from Siam Star after writing this. It’s so good.
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