Sick of the cold? These Springfield dishes will warm you up
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Kasey Carlson
Assistant Editor
As wintery weather continues to bear down on southern Missouri, few things sound better than curling up on the couch with a piping hot plate of food. Thankfully, there is no shortage of such dishes in Springfield. If you're looking for something tasty that will keep you warm tonight, pick up one of these meals from 10 local restaurants.
Cardamom Buns from European Café
There’s nothing better than a warm pastry with your morning cup of coffee, but there’s one pastry in particular that makes bundling up and braving the winter weather worth it: cardamom buns from European Café in Springfield, Missouri. Only available on Saturdays, these fluffy knotted pastries are similar in texture to cinnamon rolls, but the café substitutes a raw sugar syrup glaze for standard icing to avoid excessive sweetness. Enjoy one – or two or three – with an espresso in true European fashion. (Photo by Tessa Cooper)
European Café, 207 Park Central East, Springfield, Missouri, 417.986.4646, 417europeancafe.com
Chicken Jaeyook from Little Korea
This spicy Korean barbecue dish is one of Little Korea's bestsellers. Made with your choice of protein – in this case, chicken – onion, carrots and green onion, it won't weigh you down, but it might make you sweat. (Photo by Tessa Cooper)
Little Korea, 3354 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri, 417.368.1694, facebook.com/Little-Korea-SGF
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup from Druff's
When you're craving a hot soup and sandwich in Springfield, Druff's is the place to be. The rich and creamy tomato soup is made with fresh herbs and simple seasoning, allowing the tomato flavor to take center stage. Dunk the grilled cheese straight into it and you just might feel like a kid celebrating a snow day again. (Photo courtesy of Druff's)
Druff’s, 331 Park Central East, Springfield, Missouri, 417.719.1719, yumdruffs.com
Kimchi Fried Rice from The Press Coffee & Juice Bar
Considering the menu of a coffee and juice bar, you might be surprised to see Korean-Mexican fusion dishes alongside lattes and smoothies. But The Press Coffee & Juice Bar offers food that could compete with any fast-casual spot. The selection rotates, but look for the kimchi fried rice, packed with flavor and just a touch of heat. The rice is also served in a sizzling dish, so you won't be cold long. (Photo by Tessa Cooper)
The Press Coffee & Juice Bar, 2710 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, Missouri, 417.771.5950, facebook.com/The-Press-Coffee-Juice-Bar-736344893182413/
Korean BBQ Pork Nachos from The Golden Girl Rum Club
Available in both a half and a full order, the Korean BBQ Pork Nachos from The Golden Girl Rum Club will conjure up dreams of warmer climates. Pork or jackfruit, queso, pineapple kimchi, onion, jalapeños and sour cream are piled high on a bed of tortilla chips. The dish can also be made vegan upon request. (Photo by Ana Elliott)
The Golden Girl Rum Club, 137 Park Central Square, Springfield, Missouri, 417.425.5162, thegoldengirl.com
Pozole Verde from Tortilleria Perches
The pozole verde at Tortilleria Perches is only offered on Wednesdays, but it's worth the wait. The pork is simmered in a green chile and tomatillo broth, giving the soup some real spice. It's served with corn tostadas, a side of shredded cabbage and lime wedges if you need to turn down the heat. (Photo courtesy of Tortilleria Perches)
Tortilleria Perches, 1601 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, Missouri, 417.864.8195, tortilleriaperches.com
Pumpkin Curry from Thai Express
Thanks to the restaurant's drive-thru, you don't even have to leave your car to snag the spicy pumpkin curry at Thai Express. The dish has a red curry and coconut milk base plus pumpkin, green beans, carrots, bell peppers, cabbage and your choice of protein. Ask for extra spice to really heat things up. (Photo by Cheryl Waller)
Thai Express, 948 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, Missouri, 417.865.0101, facebook.com/417thaiexpress
Pupusas from Cesar's Old Mexico
Cesar's Old Mexico may be a Mexican restaurant, but the Salvadoran section of the menu shouldn't be overlooked. The pupusas – stuffed with pork, beans and shredded cheese before being cooked on a griddle – are a rare find. Rip them open to release some of the steam inside before digging in. (Photo by Starboard & Port Creative)
Cesar's Old Mexico, 3027 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, Missouri, 417.881.8252, facebook.com/cesarsoldmexico
Ramen Bowl from Skully's Ramen
Hunker down with a bowl of ramen from Skully's Ramen tonight. Options include the Chickwick (left) with chicken thigh, soft-boiled egg and garlic-beet oil and the Shroom n Fu (right) with smoked tofu, shiitake mushrooms, kombu, herb oil and fresh and pickled vegetables, both of which are served with hot broth. Prefer to warm up with spice? Check out Skully's chicken wings, available in flavors such as red curry and sticky habanero. (Photo by Tessa Cooper)
Skully's Ramen, 1427 E. Cherry St., Springfield, Missouri, 417.298.2021, skullysramen.square.site
Signature Ramen from Karai Ramen + Handroll
A big bowl of noodles and broth will help you beat the winter chill. The signature ramen from Karai Ramen + Handroll features a tonkotsu base topped with wood ear mushrooms and spring onion, plus your choice of pork, chicken or tofu. Want a little something extra? Optional add-ons include seaweed, seasoned soft-boiled egg and kimchi. (Photo by Ana Elliott)
Karai Ramen + Handroll, 640 W. Republic Road, Springfield, Missouri, 417.319.5225, karairamen.com
Kasey Carlson
Assistant Editor
Kasey Carlson is the assistant editor of Feast Magazine. She loves to cook, is obsessed with plants and is on a quest to try every bao she can find.
