Small Business Spotlight: Zavy Kitchen

Vy Nguyen and her mom immigrated to the United States from Vietnam, landing right in the heart of Greater Des Moines (DSM). The year was 2006, she was 9 years old and she moved here to join her grandparents who had immigrated here first.

She always dreamed of owning her own restaurant here. As the owner of a small cafe herself back in Vietnam, Vy’s mom’s success in creating great food for her customers surely rooted this dream.

Vy’s family first joined the local restaurant scene in 2020 when they took over management of Pho Real Kitchen & Bar located on Fourth Street within The Randolph building, found in the Historic Court District. In March 2024, Vy and her crew opened a new concept in the former Franka Pizzeria storefront in the Historic East Village: Zavy Kitchen.

The dishes served at Zavy and Pho Real have been passed down through Vy’s family for generations. You’re sure to experience authentic Vietnamese food culture here. From the curated ingredients to the specialty seasonings, each dish has its own special personality and unique flavor with true Vietnamese roots.

“When you leave your home country, the thing you miss most is the food. There weren't many Vietnamese restaurants available here in Des Moines in the early 2010s so my only option for Vietnamese food  was my mom's cooking. This fueled our passion to bring delicious and authentic flavors to our city. We hope to see people develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for our food and culture because it has certainly been a rewarding experience for us,” says Vy.

Her favorite dish? Broken rice is Vy’s go-to plate (pictured above). It’s a staple southeast Asian food and comes with a ton of toppings. It’s made with grilled pork, eggs, shredded pork skin, scallion oil and drizzled with sweet fish sauce on top. “The symphony of flavors makes it unique,” she says.

Of course, with so many yummy-looking drinks on the menu we had to ask about that too! She recommends the Ube Coffee — a Vietnamese coffee with Ube cream on top — or a fresh avocado smoothie, which features real avocado for a smooth, rich and cold treat.

Both Pho Real and Zavy complement each other well by providing different experiences: Pho Real is in the heart of the Historic Court District entertainment area. It’s adjacent to nightlife options and serves Asian cuisine during late-night hours. In addition to Pho entrees, you’ll find the cure to your cravings with crispy chicken wings, egg rolls, rangoons, bánh mì and more. It’s quick, easy and casual — you're in and out in about 30 minutes (or less).

With Zavy Kitchen, think slow food vibe. The menu has a heavier emphasis on traditional Vietnamese fare. You’ll find larger portion sizes and a sit-down environment where you can have a casual conversation. With such a great view of the bustling Historic East Village, you get an energetic Downtown experience in an elevated space. The atmosphere aligns well for date-night, entertainment guests, gathering with friends or a client meeting. Additionally, Vy emphasized Zavy is family-friendly and great for big groups, too.

Vy also underscored how valuable it is when people experience her small and locally owned business. It is impactful, not only to her and her family, but also to the overall DSM community. “There are so many hidden gems in Des Moines. Local businesses/mom-and-pop shops are the fabric of our community which is why it’s important to show up and support them. Seeing great businesses closing left and right has kept all of us business owners on our toes because it could happen to any of us,” she says.

She also wants to encourage people to step outside their comfort zone and try something new. “Next time you're looking for a fun date night idea, we encourage you to try us out. We have a great view and it's the perfect opportunity to eat and bond over food you've never tried before. Your support makes a difference with small restaurants!”

About Zavy Kitchen

Location
111 E. Grand Ave., Suite 101
Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Hours
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. 
Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.  – 8 p.m.

Learn More
Website: zavykitchendsm.com
Facebook: facebook.com/zavykitchendsm
Instagram: instagram.com/zavykitchendsm

About Pho Real Kitchen & Bar

Location
200 4th St.
Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Hours
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8:45 p.m. 
Wednesday: 4 – 8:45 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.  – 7:45 p.m.

Learn More
Website: phorealkitchenandbar.com
Facebook: facebook.com/phorealDSM
Instagram: instagram.com/phorealDSM

Find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation and additional restaurants, coffeeshops and more. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.