SapSap, kebabs, broasted chicken and more

A diverse food scene is an interesting food scene. Without it, we’d all be stuck in some dystopian future where every restaurant is a Taco Bell.

Luckily, Milwaukee is worlds away from that scenario because of how global our city’s flavors are. In this episode, we touch on two recent examples that bring tastes from two distinctly different regions to Milwaukee.

First up is a name familiar to the area’s food lovers: SapSap. Chef Alex Hanesakda’s excellent food truck has been just one of the reasons to brave the cold at Zócalo Food Park since it nestled into a parking spot earlier this year. As of last week, you don’t need to worry about the weather because SapSap has a new location at the 3rd Street Market Hall.

Just like the Zócalo version (which will continue cooking), SapSap’s stall in the former Grand Avenue Mall will serve Chef Alex’s signature Lao-American offerings, including his Mama’s Eggrolls and brisket fried rice. According to Ann’s always-informed reporting, the new location will also expand its menu to include a few more Southeast Asian options.

Our second globally flavored news item spins the globe to Germany’s take on a street food that originated in Turkey: döner kebab. Ray and Elma Ramic opened a fast-food joint of the same name in Hartford back in 2023, sending curious eaters up I-43 to wolf down the gyro’s European cousin. They shortened the commute by opening a second Döner Kebab at 138 E. Capitol Dr., and Ann stopped by as part of her most recent Dining Tidbits.

Also in this episode, you’ll hear us flap our wings (or mouths) about:

• Broasted chicken, the unsung hero of the supper club.
• Milwaukee’s latest batch of James Beard Award semifinalists.
• A former convenience store on the South Side that will transform into a destination for Mexican seafood.