Exploring multi-cultural Albuquerque takes the form of food and cultural institutions.

Cultural Centers

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
This is a true cultural experience. Start with their exhibits created by the 19 New Mexican pueblos and First Nations. Although the exhibits focus on crafts and pottery, you’ll also see history through their eyes. There are galleries that highlight native artists with themed and curated shows. Plus a gift gallery of even more native creations that are available for purchase. There’s a full program of native dance, music, films, and demonstrations. Make sure to enjoy the Pueblo Harvest Café. It’s native fusion cuisine deliciously sums up Albuquerque. For more information visit Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

National Hispanic Cultural Center
Music Dance, art – the National Hispanic Cultural Center truly lives up to its name with a full program. The gallery highlights Hispanic artists with special shows, as well as lectures and talks. There are regular dance performances, lectures, and special free programs. Their charming restaurant La Fonda del Bosque offers breakfast and lunch, and a special brunch on Sundays. Admission to the center is free on Sundays making it a particularly good time to explore. For more information visit National Hispanic Cultural Center

Ethnic Markets

Talin World Market
This is a local favorite place to shop for ethnic ingredients, particularly Asian. Their produce is fresh and includes hard to find items such as baby bok choy, water chestnuts, and different kinds of sprouts. Their selection of seasonings and spices is extraordinary. And it’s just pure culinary fun to explore their food-stuffed aisles. Talin World Market

Café Istanbul
A grocery store and café, it's the best place for Middle-Eastern food, both on their menu, and on their shelves. The selection is small, but authentic, and their food is delicious. It’s the best place in the city for Mediterranean dishes. Their hummus, baklava, and their falafel are outstanding. What’s particularly interesting is that their foods are halal (conforming to Islamic law – like kosher conform to Jewish law) but their clientele spans the religions. There's no website, so call (505) 294-9900 for more information.

Pro's Ranch Markets
A small chain that started in southern California, there's now a location on the west side of Albuquerque. It’s a fiesta of food, and piped in Mexican music that will have you dancing into the market. Specializing in Hispanic foods, both the ingredients, and a cafeteria for already cooked. There’s all the departments you’d find in a supermarket, but with Hispanic emphasis. You can find pork tamale meat, cones of cane sugar, and other things you didn't know you wanted to buy. More information at Pro's Ranch

Restaurants

Albuquerque has a delicious selection of ethnic restaurants.

In addition to Café Istanbul, and the eateries inside Pro’s Ranch, Hispanic Cultural Center, and Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, there are restaurants throughout the city.

For true Beijing Chinese, try Chopstix. We tried it originally because it was reported to be Jackie Chan’s favorite restaurant. And we go back because Chan certainly knows great food. We order from the more authentic side of the menu and specials taped on the wall and relish the flavors, but there are more Americanized dishes as well. Read more at Chopstix Restaurant in Albuquerque

For Vietnamese, one of my favorite cuisines, there are excellent choices throughout the city, but Café Trang has become my favorite. Freshly prepared and excellent. Since it’s across the parking lot from Talin World Market, you can easily visit both places. Read more about Cafe Trang

Of course for Mexican/New Mexican, we head to Papa Felipe's. Family owned with great food and good prices. There are certainly other excellent restaurants throughout the city. We'll get to eat our way through them, too. Read more at Papa Felipes

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