By Denise Neil, The Wichita Eagle, Kan.
Aug. 1–It has a reputation for being one of Wichita’s most dangerous intersections — a magnet for aggressive drivers and those prone to fender bending.
But 21st and Woodlawn might also be one of Wichita’s most delicious intersections, a magnet for those who love authentic ethnic food.
Over the past several years, the corner has become home to a number of locally owned eateries specializing in exotic fare.
Two Indian places. A Thai restaurant. A Cajun Shak. A branch of a popular local Mexican chain.
Following is a look at some of the restaurants you might sample the next time you buckle up and carefully navigate your way to 21st and Woodlawn.
Deshi Curry, 6249 E. 21st St., 316-651-5933. This small restaurant, owned by Zannatul Karim, opened about four years ago and specializes in food from all over the Indian subcontinent, including Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Among the specialties, said Karim, is a rice and meat dish called bariani and some spicier, more exotic dishes like grilled chicken tikka and mutton korma, a curry dish made with goat meat.
It’s open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Da Cajun Shak, 6249 E. 21st St., 316-260-1486. A few doors down from Deshi Curry is Da Cajun Shak, owned and run by a family of Louisiana transplants.
The whimsically decorated dining room offers a Zydeco soundtrack and a menu full of Cajun favorites such as etouffee, gumbo, jambalaya, fried okra and alligator bites.
It’s open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Siam Cuisine, 6249 E. 21st St., 316-652-0033.
Tucked around the corner in the same strip mall that houses Deshi Curry and Da Cajun Shak is Siam Cuisine, which specializes in Thai food.
Among the restaurant’s specialties are pad Thai — a popular noodle dish that is a good entry into Thai cuisine — and several curry dishes.
It’s open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily but closes at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Passage to India, 6140 E. 21st St., 316-691-8300. On the north side of 21st Street, Passage to India is in a strip mall that also includes the Loony Bin Comedy Club.
The restaurant, filled with wonderful aromas, serves a delicious lunch buffet stocked with creations featuring curries, lentils, chicken, beef and all the naan you can eat. The evening menu features an equally impressive array of everything from curry to tandoori chicken.
It’s open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5 to 9:30 p.m. daily except Mondays, when the restaurant is closed.
Felipe’s, 2241 N. Woodlawn, 316-652-0027. This Mexican restaurant has several locations around town, one of which sits in a new building on north Woodlawn.
Diners can choose from Mexican favorites such as enchiladas and tacos as well as a selection of massively huge burritos.
It’s open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays; and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays. It’s closed Mondays.
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