Dish & Drink KC: Downtown stops at Hung Vuong Market and Veil Cafe
Dish & Drink KC logo by Theodore Rosen
Tucked into Kansas City’s River Market neighborhood, Hung Vuong Market has long been a destination for cooks looking to expand their pantry. The large Asian grocery store is equal parts neighborhood staple and culinary treasure hunt, offering a wide selection of dry goods, fresh produce, meats, and specialty ingredients that are difficult to find elsewhere in the city.
Photo by Tiffany Watts
Consider this your sneak peek; the shelves are stocked with sauces, noodles, spices, and snacks from across East and Southeast Asia, while refrigerators hold everything from fresh tofu to specialty cuts of meat prepared for traditional dishes. The produce section, one of the market’s biggest draws, has bins overflowing with fresh herbs, leafy greens, and vegetables that rarely appear in conventional Midwest grocery stores. The seafood and meat counters reinforce the market’s reputation as a place where freshness and variety come first.
In other words, if you consider yourself to be somewhat of a foodie or connoisseur in your home kitchen, Hung Vuong Market is the kind of place that offers inspiration and invites experimentation. However, if you’re like me and you cook to survive, you’ll find tons of quality options here to fill your fridge and your belly.
Photo by Tiffany Watts
Tons of Kansas Citians, myself included, grew up shopping here, and in a neighborhood known for its farmers market and global food scene, it continues to serve as one of River Market’s quiet anchors. Like any longtime neighborhood business rooted in culture and community, it is a place worth approaching with curiosity and respect for the people who have made it a staple for so many years. If you find yourself in the neighborhood, this is one stop worth adding to your list.
Hung Vuong Market is located at 303 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106.
Photo by Tiffany Watts
Downtown Kansas City’s coffee scene continues to grow, and Veil Cafe arrives as one of the latest spots hoping to make its mark. At first glance, the menu leans simple and traditional, but a closer look reveals a rotating lineup of specials that adds a playful layer to the experience.
On my visit, I ordered a hot latte with agave and light oat milk, hoping for something more espresso-forward than sweet. At $6, it delivered exactly that. The balance allowed the espresso to lead while still offering just enough softness from the oat milk, making it an easy choice for anyone who prefers their coffee bold but approachable.
Photo by Tiffany Watts
While the core menu stays classic, the specials sheet near the register is where things get interesting. Drinks like the Blush, made with matcha or hojicha and housemade strawberry purée, or the Mixed Signals, an iced americano topped with strawberry cold foam, show their more creative side. The specials rotate monthly, giving regulars a reason to stop back in and see what’s new.
The space itself adds to the experience. Veil Cafe strikes a balance between modern and comfortable, with a layout that flows naturally whether you’re stopping in for a quick drink or settling in to work for a while.
Finding it, however, might take a moment if your GPS drops you on Broadway at the front of the building. I suggest parking and walking around to the back. Once you turn left, the cafe reveals itself. Unveiled, you could say.
Veil Cafe is located at 800 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64105.
