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    Silk Elephant

    4.2 (94 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    SILK ELEPHANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Silk Elephant

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    Veggie Deluxe (GF)(V) with chicken and cashews
    Rachel Z.

    Wow! This restaurant just became my new favorite place for Thai food! I ordered the Veggie Deluxe Stir Fry with chicken/cashews, and it was perfect! This place also has a very clean, fancy atmosphere while being budget friendly. I will definitely be back!

    Daniel E.

    I highly recommend Silk Elephant, as it was terrific Thai food with a fun atmosphere and solid customer service. They portray themselves as a "noodles 'n rice" establishment, but they're much more than that. It is a fantastic menu with tasty options we explored with colossal success. Our table of four loved each of their food choices. One raved about her Avocado dish, which looked great from the other side of the table and is likely to be a future selection for me, while another loved her curry dish. My Pad See Ew dinner with chicken was spectacular. It was a yummy big dish with egg noodles, spices, and delicious chicken. I asked for "medium" spicing, and they got it right. I might get it even hotter next time.

    Sweet Chili Noodle with tofu
    Allyson P.

    The food has great flavor! The portions were huge though. I'll have leftovers for a couple days. I had the sweet chili tofu with med spice. It had a little kick if you don't like spicy food I would definitely recommend getting less spice to it. But it had great flavor and I would definitely eat here again. The service was great, several people checked on us multiple times and were quick grab anything we requested.

    Beef Yellow Curry (GF)
    Jessica R.

    I'm actually grateful that this place isn't closer to my home, because it was freaking fantastic and I could totally see myself eating here several times a week! Lunch prices are reasonable, with plentiful portions. But, even more so, the food itself was just delicious. There were about eight different entrées that I wanted to order, but I narrowed it down to two. Kua Kai + beef: chewy flat noodle (and I love chewy noodles)! A little wider than a pad Thai noodle, and I prefer wider noodle so I'm glad I opted for this one. Excellent flavor w/ bean sprouts, scrambled eggs, everything was delicious. I should have ordered slightly spicier, next time I'll know. Yellow Curry: this was a great curry, slightly more gingery than I prefer. But I do love a good yellow, soupy curry (not too thick). Orange chicken: I did not try this, but my friend says it was delicious. For three lunches, our total was $45, which I think is a pretty good deal anymore! I would definitely recommend this place, and I have every intention of going back and trying more things on the menu!

    Mini Crab Cake (5)
    Rosie N.

    Food was great! And the patio section where we sat was clean and well maintained. They don't have a lot of patio seating (5-6 tables) but it was well shaded with the umbrellas. What we got for food: -Silk Tea: a blend of Thai tea and their lemonade was an interesting but good drink. It reminds me of plum juice. It's tart, sweet, and a bit of spice. -Mini Crab Cakes: great little bites. Full of crab flavor and very little breading just how it is supposed to be. The spicy Mayo dip was actually spicy and creamy. -Kao Soi : creamy, spicy, nutty, and savory. It was a perfect blend of creamy curry that wasn't overpowered with coconut. -Coconut Curry Noodle: spicy, coconuty, sweet, slightly creamy, and added the lime which gave it that tart tang it needed. Noodles in both dishes were cooked perfect to aldente to slightly soft. Overall would come again, the service was great and the food was good. My only down was we called in to make sure if dogs can be on the patio. The person that answered the phone said yes. But when we got there they said it was not allowed. However since we already had our pup there they allowed her and us to stay as long as she was under the table or close to the fence line. Fortunately, she is well trained and stayed by my side laying down. But overall did not ruin our experience. Highly recommend to go and try them out.

    Inside
    Pauline R.

    This restaurant is such a vibe, very modern and kind of industrial with soft lighting. Service is great, and the food is ordered came out in less than 5 minutes it seemed. The Angry Elephant was great, the mushrooms were delicious, the bell peppers were slightly crunchy and absorbed the flavors well, and the chicken was tender. The rice was okay, some parts were mushy and soft, didn't seem freshly made. I would come back to try other things and to enjoy the vibes at night. Might skip out on the jasmine rice though.

    Panang Curry (GF)(V)
    Liesl S.

    Took myself on a lunch date to Silk Elephant and it was fabulous! The service is always so friendly, and the food was fast and incredibly fresh! I loved every bite and will be back soon with the whole family!

    Michael P.

    Ate here recently and was very impressed. Had mixed veggies with chicken and the potstickers. Both were very good! The service was good and prices reasonable. Give it a try if in the area!

    Massaman Curry (GF)
    Sarah P.

    Super menu with extensive noodle and curry options. Our Massaman curry and asparagus stir fry were both fresh, tasty, and beautifully served. The service was excellent, and we were comfy in the capacious outdoor seating. The ambiance inside was awesome with jazz and cool lighting. Overall just a stellar choice.

    Side of fried rice and egg rolls
    Andrea W.

    I love seeing new restaurants open in Ankeny, so we were excited to try out Silk Elephant- we have actually been here twice now. We enjoy the atmosphere a lot, it is beautifully decorated and the aesthetic is there for sure- if you appreciate good design you will appreciate the interior. Now onto the food, love the authentic Asian flair of this place. The first time I went I had the garlic noodles, and this time side of fried rice and egg rolls. Their apps are wonderful as well- I could make a whole meal from just their different apps. The kids menu although small has a mix of Asian food and traditional chicken nuggets. The kids portions are huge for what they are- see image. The flavor of the food is pretty top notch and their overall menu is extensive, and the portions sizes are pretty huge. My only reason for 4 stars is both times we've been here we've had to flag down our waiters for water refills, and asking for more napkins and condiments- they haven't regularly come back to the table to check on us after delivering food. The food is good and I will continue to go back for sure- but just making a note that service after food is delivered can be sparse.

    Yellow Curry w/Tofu

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    1 month ago

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    3 months ago

    Stopped in for lunch. Really nice atmosphere. Very clean. Servers were anxious to close. Food was good. We would go back.

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    2 years ago

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    2 months ago

    Children's meals are double what they should be. Could be half the size and half the price.

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    5 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Love their food and very fast service for take out. Once of the best spots in town. Must try to Curry!

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Amazing spicy sweet and sour pork. Good rice. Good seating. Weird but still comfortable chairs

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    The food was delicious. They were quick, friendly and gave great recommendations. The place was clean and inviting.

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    It was fine; fast service, nice place but kind of lacking in flavor if you are looking for authentic flavors

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    3 years ago

    I order from Silk Elephant almost weekly. Love their noodle and curry items. Food preparation is speedy and staff is always friendly.

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    Wasabi-Ankeny

    Wasabi-Ankeny

    4.1(121 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    I have been here multiple times and never had an issue - but what a disappointment to book for a…read morefirst date night with a sitter. We had a 5:30 reservation & major disappointment from the kitchen & arrival of food. We waited 41 minutes for our appetizers to arrive. My sushi wasn't cold - which made me feel like it was waiting out for a moment. I will say outside of that my husbands Mongolian beef was delightful. We never received the appetizer we ordered. I ordered the Marilyn Monroe & angry dragon - I would recommend both. To give an example of their timeline - the table next to us got their appetizer within being seated 11 minutes into their arrival & those to the right of us got their entire at the 20 minute mark (average server timeline). The reason given that our order was taking time, was they behind a lot of to go orders. Again, not devastated but for sure not recommending to any friends anytime soon. Also when compensated for this - they didn't charge us for the appetizer we didn't receive (thank goodness?). And then discounted a drink & sake bomb. Honestly as someone who's served for 11+ year an entree at any other location would've been the appropriate gesture. But hey, those combined were around the equivalent of one of my rolls, so sure.

    The food was great across the board. The ramen was rich and comforting, the noodles were cooked…read morejust right, and the soft-boiled egg was perfect. Everything tasted fresh and well put together, not rushed or sloppy. Service was friendly and quick, and the atmosphere was relaxed, easy place to sit back and enjoy your meal without feeling crowded or hurried. Whether you're in the mood for sushi or a warm bowl of ramen, this spot delivers. Definitely coming back the next time I'm craving Japanese food in Ankeny.

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    Wasabi-Ankeny
    Wasabi-Ankeny - Gyudon dish with thinly sliced beef, rice and veggies, topped with an over-easy egg.

    Gyudon dish with thinly sliced beef, rice and veggies, topped with an over-easy egg.

    Wasabi-Ankeny - Green Salad

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    Green Salad

    The Eggroll Ladies - Pork eggroll with plenty of meat

    The Eggroll Ladies

    4.5(38 reviews)
    7.7 mi

    I saw that the brick and mortar location hours lessened but that doesn't stop the dedicated fans…read more I finally got a chance to try them. It was almost closing time on a Friday evening We were cutting it close to closing so we rushed over. Just a cute little place on the strip mall under the giant flag on 6th. There was not waiting in this cute little place. Its bright with a very kind and friendly young man at the counter. He was super sweet It smells great in here as we strolled up to the counter. I was craving a Spring Roll. I also ordered a small sampler which included 2 egg rolls and 2 Rangoon. My girlfriend and I ordered the last of the fried rice for the day. We got our order to go and took it back home. The spring roll was divine! The crab Rangoon and rolls were also good! The rice, was "end of day rice" . I would 100% go back and get more earlier in the evening. I highly recommend and will be back for more delicious spring rolls and try other thing. I hope to catch the truck out one of these days and dine that way as well.

    My first trip to the Ankeny Farmer's Market involved stopping at The Eggroll Ladies' truck, and I'm…read moreglad I did! It was a delicious pork egg roll served hot after being cooked. They give you a pager to indicate when the food is done. I liked the pricing, and the staffer was a nice person who explained the process to this first-timer. You cannot beat the setting at the Farmer's Market, as there were many tables and areas to sit and enjoy the eggroll!

    Photos
    The Eggroll Ladies - Vegan crab rangoon, eggroll fresh from the air fryer

    Vegan crab rangoon, eggroll fresh from the air fryer

    The Eggroll Ladies - Vegan crab rangoons

    Vegan crab rangoons

    The Eggroll Ladies

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    HuHot Mongolian Grill

    HuHot Mongolian Grill

    3.6(79 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    December 23 for lunch.thos place is crazy busy. their line from the sauce bar doesn't exactly make…read moreit smooth to get to the grill. there were about 5 people at the grill and ive never had huhot grill take so long. I eat at the. wdm one quite a bit , and this was so slow. our server was nice. food was good as usual. I'll try to stick to the WDM location though.

    It has been a minute since we visited last. It was a Friday evening right at about 6pm. We were…read moreable to walk right in and be seated immediately. The noise level was high as there was a good amount of people here today and they were making lots of noise at the grill. There is a small bar when you come in and you can sit and watch the TV up at the bar or be seated at many of the other spots open. Even though the grill was hopping there were a good number of open tables. As I reported before, 5 stars for the waitress. She was quick, attentive and helpful with any questions. It really speaks volumes for the staff to continuously have good reviews. I wasn't hungry enough to have the buffet and didn't think I would eat my fill of what it cost. We decided to get the Taste of Bounty Appetizer sampler. You get 3 of each of their fried appetizers. There is crab rangoon, wantons and rolls. The sampler was good. All items were fried and served with a sweet and sour sauce. I also ordered a house salad to have with the appetizer. The waitress really talked up the made in house ranch so I took the bait. The salad was just iceberg chunks, couple cucumber slices, tomatoes and croutons. The ranch was really good. She also brought a bowl of white rice to go with the buffet purchase, but you really don't need it with all the other filler options up there. I slowly enjoyed my food while my husband got his moneys worth at the buffet. Lots of hungry people this visit. Hubby did a different flavor each time he went up there. He mixes it up as much as he can. If you think you will eat your fill through the line its not a bad deal. The options outside the buffet are limited. GF and allergy friendly.

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    HuHot Mongolian Grill
    HuHot Mongolian Grill
    HuHot Mongolian Grill - Rice with order of the buffet

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    Rice with order of the buffet

    Hawker's Kitchen

    Hawker's Kitchen

    4.7(34 reviews)
    3.2 mi

    Hawker Kitchen brings authentic Malaysian street food flavors right into the heart of Des Moines,…read moreand it's a spot that feels both comforting and exciting if you're craving Southeast Asian dishes. Char Kueh Teow This dish stood out immediately which has a smoky wok hei flavor (the "breath of the wok") coated the flat rice noodles, giving them that deep caramelized edge that's hard to find outside of Malaysia. The prawns were plump and juicy, and the mix of soy, garlic, and chili gave just the right balance of savory and spicy. Fresh cucumbers and pickled vegetables on the side added a refreshing crunch, making each bite balanced and addictive. Laksa Rich, creamy, and fragrant, the laksa broth was a highlight. The curry coconut base carried layers of spice without being overwhelming, and every sip warmed you from the inside out. The noodles were cooked just right, with toppings that tied it together from seafood to herbs. It's the kind of bowl that makes you pause between spoonfuls just to savor the aroma. Satay The chicken satay had a lovely turmeric and lemongrass marinade, grilled to a slight char that locked in the smoky flavor. Tender on the inside with crispy edges, it paired perfectly with the bold, nutty, and slightly spicy peanut dipping sauce. The cucumber slices on the side helped cut through the richness, just like you'd get back at a hawker stall in Malaysia. Overall Hawker Kitchen is a gem for anyone looking for authentic Malaysian comfort food in Des Moines. Portions are generous, flavors are bold and true to their roots, and the variety on the menu makes it worth repeat visits. If you're new to Malaysian cuisine, start with the satay and char kueh teow; if you're a fan already, the laksa will feel like home.

    Another one that's been on my list for a bit... I was out in the Northern part of Ankeny this…read moremorning and knew Hawker's Kitchen was just around the corner from where I was. And "around the corner" right now is kind of subjective with the construction on Ankeny Boulevard... If I recall correctly Hawker's Kitchen opened later in 2024. October maybe? The food spans comfort staples from Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Japan, and Thailand among other regions of Southeast Asia. I'd browsed the online menu but still wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I walked in. It's located in a strip so there is plenty of parking. It's order and pay at the front counter. They have a digital menu board and a hard copy menu available if you want to use that. Take a seat and they bring your food to you when it's ready. Coke fountain drinks as well as the other available drinks on the menu. Seating is mostly low top tables and chairs with a few booth table chair combos along the wall. They bus your table when you're done eating. I noticed a couple outdoor tables too as I walked in... I arrived at about 1115 am today (Saturday) and the restaurant seemed immaculately clean. I ordered the following. I was told my wait would be around 10 min. I think it took a little less than that. One Curry Puff. Described on their menu as: "A crispy pastry filled with curried potatoes, onions, and seasoned meat. A popular snack in Southeast Asia known for its spicy-sweet flavor and golden-brown crust." Sausage with sticky rice. "Asian sausage with sticky rice. Common street food that one can find in Laos and Thailand." Roti John Sandwich. "A popular Malaysian and Singaporean street food sandwich that blends western and asian flavors. Filled with curried beef, eggs, mozzarella cheese, shredded cabbage & carrots with mayo and sweet chili sauce." I didn't need to order that much... Just the sandwich would have been fine for a lunch... But it was something new to try and one item wasn't going to be enough from a curiosity standpoint alone... This would be a great place to take a few friends and do a family style meal! Everything tasted wonderful! I loved the sauce that came with the sticky rice. The curried beef in the sandwich... Wow about says what I want to say about the beef. There is SO much more I want to try! The BBQ puffs, the shrimp pancakes, their beef bulgogi, mee siam, and char kuay teo beef... A nice selection of boba, teas, fizzes, and sweets. Thank God they have a rewards program and a discount when you sign up for it... Cause I'll be back! I'm not sure what is going on, but once again... The staff here was fantastic! Incredible service! I've had a really great run of eating out lately and being treated very well across the board. From everyone working the front to a gentleman who came out from the back, when he saw my Navy cap, to thank me for my service. I was greeted when I walked in. Any questions I had were answered patiently. I stopped by the front to say thank you when I left and everyone was so friendly... Then I headed on my way... A stellar visit with Hawker's Kitchen! https://hawkers-kitchen.com/

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    Hawker's Kitchen - Interior and seating.

    Interior and seating.

    Hawker's Kitchen
    Hawker's Kitchen

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    Silk Elephant - thai - Updated May 2026

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