Welcome to Rolling Wok Cafe
Rolling Wok Cafe is a hidden gem located at 1534 E Grand Ave E, Des Moines, IA. This locally owned Thai establishment is celebrated for its authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, where dishes like the flavorful pork or beef ladna shine in their culinary prowess. Diners rave about the panang curry, known for its unique presentation and abundance of fresh vegetables, complemented by generous seafood portions. The cozy ambiance and attentive service create a welcoming atmosphere. From delectable shrimp spring rolls to the renowned chicken pho, each dish promises a delightful experience, making it a standout favorite among food enthusiasts in the area.
Rolling Wok Cafe: Reviews & Ratings
I had panang curry at this restaurant.it was different than other restaurants as most come out as a liquid yellow soup.. this was in a flat dish and was heavy in vegetables.. far more fresh vegetables than at any other restaurant that I have been. I added seafood to it and had an acceptable portion of protein. price was about equivalent to other asian restaurants in the area.
Great locally owned Thai restaurant gem! Their pork or beef ladna is insanely flavorful and delicious! They also have great pho, lao sausage, papaya salad combo and authentic style khao poon! Everything here is flavorful and tasty! Great value and authentic SE Asian cuisines! Clean and cozy restaurant. Service is always attentive and cheerful & friendly! They do a great job for how busy they can get, especially during lunch hour. Highly recommend!
I walked into this place for the first time tonight, a little apprehensive since I am not familiar with the cuisine and not wanting to bother anyone with too many questions. Jasper greeted me right away and set me up at a table, and was very attentive, helpful and personable. He answered my questions and checked if certain ingredients were okay before placing the order. I had shrimp spring rolls and Pho Special, and everything was absolutely perfect. Between the serving sizes, temperature and amazing flavors, I was overall extremely impressed with this establishment. I will 100% be back!!!!
Yum yum yum...definitely in our Top 3 Asain restaurants in Des Moines. Heavenly beef, khoa piek soup, combination spring rolls, angry catfish and pho are all top dishes
I've been ordering the chicken pho here for a few years now. Off the charts. Best in Des Moines, if I can be so bold. At the rate I'm ordering from this establishment, pretty soon I'll have to be rolling in as I'll be too fat to wok. Keep up the good work.
They are authentic and local owned serving up all kinds of oriental foods. My go to is the Pho. I ask for mine without the rice noodles only to make it no carb. They even do carry out.
Good food. Staff were friendly. It's pricier than I remember. The food was delicious, but the portion was rather small. It's lunch but after the meal I was still hungry. They used to have big servings, but it's been awhile since I've been back. However, I recommend it for the friendly staff and clean eaterie.
I ordered angry catfish with 3 flavor sauce and papaya salad with chicken wings combo. (Both items at level 4 spicy). They forgot my sticky rice but everything else was present. The flavorings is on point with the fish and chicken both extra crispy. The papaya has the expected funky scent but is not off-putting. Everything was delicious. Prices were lightly higher than expectation, but I think it aligns with the current environment so I can’t complain too much.
Location
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1534 E Grand Ave E, Des Moines, IA 50316, United States Hotline: +1 515-266-3787
Welcome to Rolling Wok Cafe, a delightful culinary haven located at 1534 E Grand Ave E, Des Moines, IA. This warm and inviting restaurant specializes in authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, with a standout focus on Thai flavors. As a burgeoning gem in the Des Moines dining scene, Rolling Wok Cafe has quickly won the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
A true highlight of the menu, as noted by satisfied diners, is the Panang Curry. However, what sets it apart is its unique presentation — served in a flat dish, brimming with fresh vegetables, rather than the typical soupy consistency. The thoughtful addition of seafood enhances its richness, creating a satisfying experience that feels both comforting and refined.
Another fan favorite is the ladna, a savory dish featuring pork or beef that customers have described as "insanely flavorful." The pho served here also garners high praise, alongside delectable offerings like lao sausage and papaya salad. Reviewers emphasize that everything is prepared with an authentic touch that is hard to find elsewhere.
But it's not just the food that shines at Rolling Wok Cafe. The service is consistently attentive and personable, creating an atmosphere that feels both friendly and welcoming. Many guests, like Kristofer Zech, commended the staff for their helpfulness in navigating the menu, making each visit feel like a personalized experience.
Whether you're indulging in the richly flavored khoa piek soup, the addictive combination spring rolls, or the celebrated angry catfish, you are guaranteed a meal that balances flavor, freshness, and authenticity. It's no wonder that customers like Levi Nikkel claim to have found their top choice for pho in all of Des Moines.
In summary, if you're searching for a place that offers an array of flavorful, authentic Southeast Asian dishes in a cozy setting, Rolling Wok Cafe stands out as a must-visit. With reasonable prices and generous portions, this restaurant promises great value alongside culinary delights that will have you coming back for more.
To experience this gem for yourself, don't hesitate to call them at +1 515-266-3787 and savor the flavors that Rolling Wok Cafe has to offer!