Have you wondered what food from Bhutan, Ireland, or Ukraine tastes like? If this sounds like you, then visit the Global Cafe!
This restaurant is one of many in the Crosstown Concourse, yet its concept stands out from the others. Here, immigrant and refugee chefs share their culinary heritage with diners in Memphis.
The Global Cafe complements the Concourse, offering a vibrant space rich with art, community, and innovation. The multicultural cuisine is an ideal selection after exploring the mixed-space facility.
A case in point is the diverse menu featuring flavors from Nepal, Sudan, Venezuela, Kenya, and Mexico. While there are adventurous entrees, classics like street tacos make the menu suitable for even the pickiest eaters.
Its central location places it close to popular sightseeing destinations, including the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, the Memphis Zoo, and Overton Park. Such convenience makes it easy to swing by for a globally inspired meal.
So, visit Global Cafe and take your palate on a world tour without leaving Memphis or needing a passport.
Vibe
The exterior of the 94-year-old former Sears Crosstown is home to many art galleries, apartments, music venues, and restaurants. While the structure is massive, Global Cafe is easy to spot with its signature signage above the entrance.
Inside, the restaurant's decor is contemporary with industrial touches. But don't associate such descriptors as being cold. The space is cozy, with clean lines, inviting colors, and thoughtful details.
Above the serving area are national flags representing the chefs' homelands. The colors add to the festive mood while connecting one's heart and palate with these talented immigrants and refugees.
Diners can enjoy their meals in the spacious main room or opt for the bar for a more casual vibe. When the weather is pleasant, the outdoor seating combines fresh air with the buzz of Crosstown Concourse. Such versatility ensures that Global Cafe enhances any Memphis vacation.
Global Cafe: Menu & Drinks
As you might expect, the menu is diverse, and with our limited space, we can't list all the standouts. Instead, we'll highlight favorites to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting.
International diversity is first discovered in the appetizers. From chips and homemade salsa to falafel, hummus, empanadas, and sambusa, the flavors are your passport to adventure.
Moving to the entrees, the options broaden like the Amazon River. A Kenyan standout is the Kuku Paka, featuring two spicy drumsticks with rice and a coconut curry sauce.
Next up on your global tour is the Dama with Rous, a Sudanese specialty. This delicacy showcases tender beef in a tomato and jalapeño sauce on a bed of rice. It is a masterpiece of unique flavors and textures.
From Nepal is Thukpa Soup. The rich broth is brimming with carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, and noodles. Choose either chicken or steak, and you have an appetite-pleasing meal.
Heading to South America, you'll discover the Venezuelan empanadas, fried to perfection with an array of savory fillings that reflect authentic recipes. The Plantain Soup is a Colombian comfort stew featuring chicken, yucca root, potatoes, green plantains, and carrots with rice and avocado.
If you're not feeling adventurous, there are fajitas, quesadillas, street tacos, and seasoned fried chicken, to list a few.
When you need to quench your thirst, your options are equally distinct and delightful. From soft drinks to Sudanese mint limeade, sugar cane lemonade, and hibiscus tea, there's the perfect drink to complement your meal.
Adult beverages abound, with wine, beer, and specialty cocktails. A cool and thirst-quenching option is the Syrian Sangria, made with red wine, hibiscus tea, muddled oranges, lime, and cherries.
Dining at the Global Cafe will transport your taste buds to the world's unique port of call. With adventurous flavors and a heartwarming mission, this dining spot is a must when visiting Bluff City.
