Vendor Spotlights: Savor the Flavor at the World Food & Music Festival

The World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union is one of the most anticipated summer events in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). From August 22-24, Western Gateway Park will become a global gathering place filled with the smells, sounds and flavors from around the world.

Over 50 food vendors representing 25 countries will serve authentic recipes inspired by their cultural heritage and culinary passion. Between bites, festivalgoers can enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, cultural activities and more, making it a true feast for the senses. Learn more about a few of the vendors participating at this year's festival.

Lao Flavors (Laos)

Lao Flavors started from a deep passion for Laotian cuisine and a desire to share the vibrant flavors of Laos with everyone. Participating in the World Food & Music Festival is especially meaningful, as it allows Lao Flavors to celebrate cultural diversity and introduce authentic Laotian foods and drinks to a wider audience.

Visitors can expect a taste of Laos in every bite and sip, from sugarcane drinks and papaya salad with sticky rice to pork satay and chicken wings, all created to showcase the bold, unique flavors of Laotian cuisine.

Kaaswagen (Netherlands)

Diane and Bob Mitchell have been married for 41 years, raised nine children and are proud grandparents to 12 grandchildren. About three years ago, Bob was considering retiring from Vermeer after 18 years as a welder. During a retirement meeting, Dale and Mary Andringa offered advice that stuck with them: “Retire to something instead of retiring from something.” The couple had been toying with the idea of starting a food truck and that advice pushed them to take the leap.

They envisioned a family-friendly truck serving comfort food and designed to stand out—and Kaaswagen was born. Their signature item is made-from-scratch Mac & Cheese, served plain as the Goudaman, dressed up with Pella Bologna and Dried Beef (The Hungry Dutchman) or topped with BBQ meat. Other offerings include fried cheese curds with Wisconsin white cheddar, Jalapeño Poppers and pretzel bites with their signature cheese sauce. Their bright red truck, covered in cheese and featuring a smiling cow mascot named Kaasy on three sides, is hard to miss. People often honk and wave as the Mitchells drive to events.

Being part of this year’s World Food & Music Festival is a major milestone. Since launching in 2022, the Mitchells have steadily grown their business and felt ready for a large-scale event. With family helping on the truck, they’re excited to share their food (and their story) with festivalgoers. Their goal is simple: bring smiles with every bite and show others that it’s never too late to chase a dream. For them, this chapter is about doing something meaningful together after decades of raising a family.

Reyes Tamales (Mexico)

Reyes Tamales LLC has been a licensed food business since May 2024. Owner Arturo Reyes brings over 20 years of kitchen experience to the company. Reyes Tamales began by selling tamales by the dozen and gradually expanded into small farmers’ markets, eventually establishing a full-time presence at the Downtown Farmers’ Market and Beaverdale Farmers’ Market. Since then, the business has frequently catered events and continues to take preorders to satisfy a wide range of customers craving delicious tamales.

Reyes Tamales takes pride in sharing culture through food. The opportunity to contribute to the diversity of the World Food & Music Festival allows them to showcase their heritage and passion for cuisine. By selling at The Festival, Reyes Tamales not only shares flavorful food but also represents their cultural heritage in every bite.

They hope customers enjoy a unique experience with every tamale, offering a taste of their heritage in each ingredient. They say their secret ingredient is “love,” the main ingredient they enjoy seeing customers appreciate. Reyes Tamales wishes that every customer enjoys their tamales so much that they return for more and invite others, happily spreading love through food.

Whip Delight (United States)

Whip Delight all began with a love story—and a lot of Dole Whip. Whip Delight is a vintage-inspired dessert trailer serving up tropical treats with a side of sunshine! Specializing in the world-famous Dole Soft Serve®—the same creamy, dreamy treat you’ll find in Hawaii and at Disney—Whip Delight brings a taste of paradise to the heart of Iowa. With a charming retro camper and island vibes, Whip Delight is all about spreading aloha one swirl at a time.

Back in 2022, husband-and-wife duo Matt and Hollie Imming took a romantic Valentine’s getaway to Hawaii. During their trip, they visited the famous Dole Plantation where they tried their very first Dole Whip—and they were instantly hooked (one every night for 12 nights hooked).

When they got back to Iowa, they couldn't find anything that came close to that tropical magic—not even with their best attempts using a Ninja blender. One day on a walk, Matt jokingly said, "We should just start a dessert truck and sell it ourselves!" Hollie’s first reaction? “That sounds absolutely hideous!” But three-quarters of a mile later, her marketing brain kicked in. She had a vision: a vintage camper, Hawaiian vibes and a swirl of sunshine in every cup.

Just two weeks later, they found a vintage trailer, gutted it and turned it into the very first Whip Delight dessert trailer. Now in their third season of business, they’re loving every minute of bringing smiles to the Des Moines metro and beyond. Whip Delight is all about creating an experience—not just a transaction. Customers are greeted with an “Aloha” and sent off with a “Mahalo,” leaving with a swirl that’s dairy-free, lactose-free, gluten-free, vegan and 100% delicious.

Beyond the treats, Matt and Hollie are proud to be active in the communities they serve, giving back to nearly a dozen causes each season. From a sweet vacation moment to a full-blown business built on aloha spirit—Whip Delight is proof that a good dessert can change a life.

Being part of the World Food & Music Festival is such an exciting opportunity for Whip Delight. This will be their third season as a vendor, and they love celebrating the incredible diversity of cultures through food, music and community. It’s a chance to share their tropical treats with new faces while reconnecting with the amazing customers who already know and love them. They’re proud to represent their small business in such a vibrant, welcoming space—and are always ready with a big “Aloha!” for everyone who stops by.

Whether someone is enjoying their soft serves, Whip Shakes or Whip Pops, Whip Delight hopes they walk away with a smile—and maybe even a sweet sense of nostalgia. They love being able to offer delicious options for those with dietary sensitivities who often struggle to find fun, flavorful treats. More than anything, they hope their tropical flavors transport people to a happy place—whether it’s a magical memory at Disney or a relaxing vacation in Hawaii. It’s all about creating joyful moments, one swirl at a time!

Chocolaterie Stam (Netherlands)

Chocolaterie Stam started in 1913 with a passion for creating high-quality, handcrafted chocolates and confections. The business focuses on using the finest ingredients and traditional techniques to produce unique and delicious treats.

Participating in the World Food & Music Festival is a wonderful opportunity for Chocolaterie Stam to connect with a wider audience and share its love for chocolate with the community. The team hopes that when people try their chocolates and gelato, they not only enjoy the rich flavors and textures but also appreciate the dedication and artistry that go into each piece. Their goal is to transport guests to Europe without a passport!

Beyond the incredible food, the 2025 World Food & Music Festival features culinary discovery experiences, interactive cultural activities, a People’s Choice Contest for the top food vendor and a special naturalization ceremony supported by the U.S. District Court.

Plan your visit and check the full schedule and entertainment lineup. Find directions, parking information and a complete vendor list at dsmpartnership.com/worldfoodandmusicfestival.