Take it To-Go: Our Top Five Take Out Spots in Indianapolis

ASAP. As soon as possible, yes.  Yet, also…
Absorb, Savor, and Pause. ASAP.

In life, it’s easy to find ourselves reaching for what is convenient, efficient, and satisfying. When it comes to food options, our instincts are no different. What if take out orders could be all of that, but also nourishing to the senses and the soul? Here five of our favorite Indy spots (and what to order) for when you take it to-go. 

Café Babette: As Saturated (in caramelization) As Possible. 

Creme brûlée and banoffee renditions of the classic croissant take the cake.Speaking of which, try their decadently chocolate Matilda cake that gives a certain iconic Chicago chocolate slice a run for its money. From the strawberry hibiscus blondie bars to larger-than-life focaccia sandwiches, you would think that sugar plum fairies dream up these weekly rotations. In fact, it is the mighty Café Babette team that elevate Indy’s pastry scene every Thursday through Saturday with to-go options only and pre-order highly recommended. Great news: quality is not compromised by the generous portions… welcome to Hoosier hospitality.

Bodhi: As Silken As Possible.

Dare we say the ultimate comfort food in Indy awaits you at an industrial-chic, no-reservations, nationally-recognized Thai bistro at the top of Mass Ave? Bodhi’s noodle selection is a must-try—especially the wide rice noodles. Their silky braised beef massaman curry (massaman neua toon) is equal parts tender and warming, kissed by silk road spices. Fluffy naan is the perfect accompaniment to dip into this divine meal. The aromatics of their chicken coconut soup (tom kha gai) linger long after your first sip of bliss. Once you call in an order, you’ll realize why Bodhi (a Sanskrit-Thai word for “enlightenment”) is one to call home about.

Shapiro’s Delicatessen: As steeped (in 120 years of tradition) as possible. 

By steeped, we mean quite literally, in reference to Shapiro’s kosher-style giant matzo ball soup made with your choice of chicken bone broth, or chicken noodle soup featuring carrots, peas, and thin egg noodles. Order a side of potato latkes that pair perfectly with sour cream and applesauce for a sweet and savory bite. For all the carnivores, their best-selling reuben sandwich with sauerkraut on freshly hand-cut rye is the prime choice. Splitting with a friend is recommended, or just be prepared for highly coveted leftovers.

Wisanggeni Pawon: As Slow-cooked As Possible

“Flavor bomb” is the choice phrase to describe the fragrant, savory and bright attributes of Indonesian cuisine. Wisanggeni Pawon brings “Indo” to Indy’s table with beef rendang, a slow-cooked Southeast Asian beef stew. The complexity of coconut, lemongrass, galangal (ginger’s cousin), and chili paste such as sambal oelek render this entrée a labor of love. Tame the heat with a happy soda (soda gembira) mocktail to put you in good spirits. Sprite, cocopandan syrup, and condensed milk on ice do just the trick. Mie ayam is the street food interpretation of ramen as a go-to chicken wonton noodle dish per its literal translation. Ever heard of Japanese fluffy pancakes? Save room for dessert with the Indonesian version of the sweet pancake that is their chocolate-filled martabak manis.

Alpha Nevería & Tamales: As Sabroso (Spanish for “flavorful”) As Possible

Alpha’s signature eye candy is the mangonada mix loaded with mango sorbet, freshly diced mango, chamoy sauce, and sprinkled chili-lime tajín salt. Whether you choose red sauce or green, and a filling of chicken, pork, or poblano pepper, the corn husk and banana-leaf wrapped tamales (tamales en hoja de maíz y en hoja de plátano) make for a complementary claim to fame. Flavors abound when it comes to the spectacular case of paleta-style ice cream popsicles and traditional ice cream with untraditional flavors (mexican twinkie, rice pudding, or Ferrero Roche, anyone?) This to-go shop is worth a stop inside for families looking for an emporium of choices.