Taste the World: 10 New Vendors to Try at This Year’s World Food & Music Festival

The World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union is back this year from August 22–24 at Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), and it's bringing even more flavor to the table. Among the more than 50 vendors representing 25 countries, 10 new food vendors will make their debut at The Festival, offering unique global tastes and $2 taste items that are perfect for adventurous palates.

Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery

India
Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery brings authentic South Asian flair with Fried Rice, Noodles, Samosas, Combo Plates and Chicken Biryani. Their $2 taste item is the crispy, savory Samosa — a crowd favorite.

Tikka Talk USA

India
Tikka Talk USA delivers a variety of bold Indian street bites like Chicken Tikka Masala Bowls, Tikka Wraps, Chicken 65, Paneer Burgers and Dum Biryani. Don’t miss the $2 Chicken 65 sample — a spicy, tangy delight.

I Love Grill & Lemonade – Cheese Wheel Pasta

Italy
I Love Grill & Lemonade – Cheese Wheel Pasta is serving up rich, creamy Fettuccine Alfredo varieties including Bacon, Ham and Green Onion, along with classic Cannoli for dessert. The $2 taste item? Spaghetti Alfredo Pasta — simple and delicious.

Flame

Mexico
Flame is heating things up with Asada, Birria and Mango Shrimp Tacos, Fruit Cups and refreshing Agua Frescas. Try the flavorful $2 Al Pastor Taco for a quick bite of authentic Mexican cuisine.

Monarca Gourmet Paletas

Mexico
Monarca Gourmet Paletas will cool you down with Ice Cream and Fruit Paletas in flavors like Oreo, Mango and Lime. Their $2 Hot Chocolate Abuelita Mini Paleta offers a sweet nod to traditional flavors.

Reyes Tamales

Mexico
Reyes Tamales presents a tamal lover’s dream, offering Traditional Pork, Chicken Verde, Vegetable Picadillo and Black Bean Jalapeño Tamales, as well as Vegan Al Pastor Quesadillas. Sample a Bite-Size Tamal for $2 and discover your new favorite.

Kaaswagen

Netherlands
Kaaswagen is putting a European spin on comfort food with Goudaman and Hungry Dutchman Mac and Cheese, Dutch Deli Sandwiches, Fried Cheese Curds, Pretzel Bites, Jalapeño Poppers and Dutch Letter Sticks. Their $2 offering, Goudaman Mac and Cheese, is rich and satisfying.

Mai’s Noodle Express

Thailand
Mai’s Noodle Express serves up Stir-Fried Yakisoba Noodles, Teriyaki Chicken, Fried Rice, Crab Rangoon, and Egg Rolls. The $2 Stir-Fried Yakisoba Noodles are perfect for fans of savory, noodle-based dishes.

+58 Venezuelan Food

Venezuela
+58 Venezuelan Food introduces guests to traditional Empanadas filled with Pabellón, Mechada, Pollo and Queso, plus Tequeños and tropical beverages like Papelón con Limón and Parchita. Their $2 Half-Size Queso Empanada is crispy, cheesy and perfectly snackable.

Pho All Seasons

Vietnam
Pho All Seasons offers a wide variety including Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoon, Bao Buns, Pork on a Stick, Birria Pupusas, Sesame Balls and Pot Stickers. The $2 taste item, an Egg Roll, is the ideal handheld snack to start or end your culinary tour.

All vendors will be located throughout the festival grounds and will offer both signature dishes and special $2 taste items, making it easy for attendees to sample flavors from around the world. Come hungry and get ready to explore a global menu — all without leaving Downtown DSM!

In addition to the incredible food, the 2025 World Food & Music Festival will feature culinary discovery experiences, interactive cultural activities, adventure tents with authentic tastes from countries across the map, a People’s Choice Contest for the top food vendor and a special naturalization ceremony supported by the U.S. District Court. Check out the full schedule and entertainment lineup to plan your visit — you won’t want to miss headliners like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Son Peruchos!

Find directions, parking details and a full list of food vendors at dsmpartnership.com/worldfoodandmusicfestival.