Best Asian Restaurants in Des Moines for Fall 2026
Fall in Des Moines means cooler evenings perfect for steaming bowls of ramen, sizzling Korean BBQ, and warming pho. The city's Asian restaurant scene has grown impressively, offering everything from authentic Vietnamese banh mi to creative sushi rolls. Whether you're craving comfort food on a crisp October night or celebrating the harvest season with friends, Des Moines delivers exceptional Asian cuisine across every neighborhood.
Our Favorite Asian Spots for Fall in Des Moines
A Dong Restaurant
This East Side institution serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine that hits differently when temperatures drop. Their pho is legendary among locals, with rich bone broth simmered for hours and generous portions of fresh herbs. The banh mi sandwiches are equally impressive, with perfectly crispy baguettes and flavorful fillings.
The pho (#1 with rare steak and brisket) is exactly what you need on a chilly Des Moines fall evening.
Order the Vietnamese iced coffee even in fall—it's strong enough to warm you from the inside out.
Miyabi 9
Located in West Des Moines near Jordan Creek, this Japanese steakhouse combines hibachi entertainment with quality sushi. The fall season brings special rolls featuring seasonal ingredients, and the cozy booths are perfect for group celebrations. Their hibachi chefs put on a show while preparing perfectly seared steak and shrimp.
The combination of warm hibachi grills and entertaining chefs makes this ideal for fall birthday celebrations or date nights.
Sit at the sushi bar on weeknights for a quieter experience and chat with the sushi chefs about daily specials.
Tasty Tacos & Asian Fusion Spots
Des Moines has several family-run Asian restaurants in strip malls along University Avenue and in Ankeny that serve exceptional Thai curries, pad thai, and stir-fries. These unassuming spots often have the most authentic flavors, with customizable spice levels and generous portions. Fall is perfect for their warming curries—red, green, and massaman varieties.
These neighborhood gems offer the best value and most authentic flavors without the downtown markup.
Ask for Thai spicy level only if you genuinely love heat—Iowa spicy and Thai spicy are very different things.
Wasabi Tao
Downtown's go-to for creative sushi and Pan-Asian small plates, located in the East Village near the Des Moines Social Club. The atmosphere is upscale-casual with a great cocktail program that includes Asian-inspired drinks. Their fall menu often features heartier rolls and warm sake options perfect for the season.
The location makes it perfect for pre-show dining before events at the Civic Center or Hoyt Sherman.
Happy hour runs until 6pm with discounted rolls and appetizers—arrive early to snag a table without reservations.
Korean BBQ & Hot Pot Restaurants
Des Moines has welcomed authentic Korean restaurants, particularly in the Urbandale and Johnston areas, offering tabletop BBQ and bubbling hot pots. These interactive dining experiences are perfect for fall gatherings, with sizzling meats and warming broths. The banchan (side dishes) alone are worth the visit, with kimchi, pickled vegetables, and savory pancakes.
The communal cooking experience and warming broths make Korean BBQ ideal for crisp autumn evenings with friends.
Wear clothes you don't mind smelling like BBQ smoke—the experience is worth it, but the aroma lingers.
Ramen & Noodle Houses
Several spots around Des Moines now specialize in authentic ramen with rich tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu broths. These bowls feature perfectly cooked noodles, soft-boiled eggs, and toppings like chashu pork and bamboo shoots. Fall is prime ramen season when a steaming bowl feels like a warm hug after a day at the farmers market.
Nothing beats slurping hot ramen on a cold October evening when the leaves are falling around Drake or Beaverdale.
Most ramen spots don't take reservations and have limited seating—arrive right when they open or expect a wait on weekends.
Chinese Restaurants in West Des Moines
The West Des Moines corridor along Grand Avenue features several excellent Chinese restaurants serving everything from dim sum to Szechuan specialties. These establishments range from fast-casual to full-service dining, with many offering authentic regional dishes beyond the typical American-Chinese menu. Fall brings heartier dishes like hot pot and braised meats.
The variety spans multiple Chinese regional cuisines, giving you options from Cantonese dim sum to spicy Szechuan dishes.
Check out the Chinese-language menu or ask servers for recommendations—that's often where the most authentic dishes hide.
Bubble Tea & Asian Cafes
Des Moines has embraced bubble tea culture with several cafes offering Taiwanese-style drinks, Asian snacks, and light meals. These spots are perfect for a fall afternoon pick-me-up, with warm milk teas, taro drinks, and seasonal flavors. Many also serve Asian street food like bao buns, popcorn chicken, and rice bowls.
These cafes offer a casual, Instagram-worthy experience that's perfect for studying or catching up with friends on fall afternoons.
Try a hot milk tea with boba in fall instead of the usual iced version—it's surprisingly comforting on chilly days.
Insider Tips for Asian Dining in Des Moines This Fall
Parking around East Village and Downtown can be tricky during fall events like the Des Moines Arts Festival aftermath or Iowa State football Saturdays—use the Court Avenue ramp or arrive before 5:30pm for street parking.
Many family-run Asian restaurants in Des Moines close between lunch and dinner service (typically 2-4:30pm), so call ahead or check hours before making the trip, especially to spots along University Avenue.
Fall is farmers market season at Downtown Farmers Market (through October), making Saturday mornings perfect for grabbing pho or banh mi afterward—several Vietnamese spots open early specifically for the post-market crowd.
BYOB is common at smaller Asian restaurants in strip malls around Ankeny and Urbandale, with no corkage fees—stop at a nearby liquor store for beer or wine to pair with your meal and save significantly.
Iowa State football games (home games in Ames, 45 minutes north) impact Des Moines restaurant traffic—avoid Saturday evenings in fall if you want a quieter dining experience, or embrace the energy if you enjoy the buzz.
Many Asian restaurants in Des Moines offer lunch specials that are 30-40% cheaper than dinner prices for the same dishes—perfect for sampling multiple spots without breaking the budget during fall lunch breaks.
Your Questions About Asian Food in Des Moines This Fall
Experiencing Des Moines This Fall
Fall in Des Moines brings crisp mornings with temperatures ranging from the 40s to 60s, perfect weather for exploring before settling into a warm restaurant. The Downtown Farmers Market runs through October, offering local produce that pairs beautifully with post-market pho or banh mi. October brings spectacular foliage around Gray's Lake and Water Works Park, making it ideal for a walk before dinner. The Iowa State Fair afterglow lingers into September, and football season energizes the city with Cyclones and Hawkeyes fans passing through. Fall festivals like the World Food & Music Festival celebrate Des Moines' growing diversity, including Asian cuisines. By November, temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s, making hot pot, ramen, and Korean BBQ especially appealing. The season also brings Halloween festivities in the East Village and Valley Junction, plus early holiday shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center near many West Des Moines Asian restaurants. Layer up for outdoor activities, then warm up with steaming bowls of comfort food at Des Moines' excellent Asian restaurants.