Des Moines' first Peruvian restaurant to open in 2019

Des Moines is getting another infusion of international cuisine. Panka, a Peruvian restaurant, will open in mid-January on Ingersoll Avenue in the space that Pita Pit formerly occupied.

Fabiola Carlin and Mariela Maya, both originally from Peru, will own the eatery at 2708 Ingersoll Ave.

The restaurant will serve traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche, lomo saltabo (beef stir fry), and chupe (shrimp bisque with rice and queso fresco), said Carlin.

About four blocks east on Ingersoll, BAH Brazilian steakhouse opened last week; Lola's Fine Kitchen, which serves Pakistani and Filipino dishes opened in May in Ankeny's Prairie Trail development; Puerto Rico Restaurant debuted in June in Windsor Heights; and Hidalgo Mexican Bar and Grill opened last week in Urbandale. Another Brazilian steakhouse, Brazil Terra Grill, is getting set to open in West Des Moines.

Carlin had worked in the hospitality industry while living in Peru. She moved to Des Moines with her husband, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Blank Children’s Hospital. She and Maya, a lifelong friend, have been planning the restaurant for about a year. They are bringing a famed Peruvian chef to Des Moines to train local chefs in preparing Peruvian dishes, Carlin said.

She described Peruvian food as “colorful with some spice to it. And lime juice is one of our crucial ingredients, which makes the food very bright.” Panka, named for the chili peppers used in Peruvian cooking, will seat 49 and be open for lunch and dinner, Carlin said.

Hours will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; and closed Monday.