I Broadened My Culinary Horizons at the Only Native American Food Court in the U.S.

I'm an adventurous traveler, but I'm not the most adventurous eater.

A combination of how I grew up, some common aversions, and my dairy allergies mean I normally stick to tried-and-true favorites when I travel (barbecue, my beloved). I've been trying to change that in recent years, making a point of seeking out new cuisines and broadening my culinary horizons when I travel.

Some cities naturally lend themselves to trying new cuisines; this was the case on a recent trip to Washington D.C. In our nation's capital, I discovered Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe, the only Native American food court in the U.S. You'll find this culinary treasure in the lobby of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.

Native American cuisine is incredibly underrepresented in the U.S. One reason for this is that there isn't just one group of Native Americans - there are 574 federally recognized Indigenous tribes, from all regions of the country and each with their own unique culinary traditions. Mitsitam had a tall order -- creating a culinary experience that reflects the gamut of Native cuisine -- but thanks to their wide array of options, this might just be the top must-visit dining option in D.C., certainly at a Smithsonian museum.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian is one of the newer museums and it remains under-the-radar for many. However, for those who seek it out, the museum provides a unique cultural experience that's well worth making time for on your next visit to D.C.

Even before you enter, it's worth taking a look around the grounds, as they hold fascinating replicas of the earliest homes constructed by Native Americans, centuries before Europeans arrived.

The museum has four floors, with the top three housing exhibits and an extensive gift store. I loved taking my time and exploring each part of the National Museum of the American Indian.

At the first floor, you'll find the entrance to the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe. This is probably the most elaborate food court I've ever seen in a museum, with a wide variety of stations a testament to the great geographic diversity of Native foods.

If the cafe has a signature item, it would be the puffy and crispy frybread. You can have this culinary icon in either sweet or savory options, including tacos! There's also a campfire-themed section with kid-friendly dishes, including a bison burger.

It wasn't easy to pick what I wanted to eat, but ultimately, I went with a bowl of bison chili (reminiscent of chili con carne with an added gaminess I enjoyed) and a bowl of Navajo lamb stew (loaded with lean lamb, hominy, potatoes, and more -- hands down, my favorite dish). On a previous visit, I enjoyed seared salmon with a wild rice cake at the Pacific Northwest station, and of course, I finished with an agua fresca!

I didn't get to indulge in any of the desserts, but the selection looked impressive; there's a decadent bread pudding that's a fan favorite.

The entire menu is curated by Native chefs, and the cafeteria is bright, roomy, and airy with beautiful Native photography on the walls. I was stunned by the culinary experience waiting for me within these museum walls; this is definitely going to be a regular stop for me when I visit Washington D.C.

Have you visited Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe before? If not, make a point to visit the next time you're in Washington D.C. You can see more details on the museum and its innovative cafe on the Smithsonian website.

While in town, I stayed at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City National Airport, accommodations I selected for location and access to public transportation (the hotel was also only a short ride to The Birchmere, my favorite music venue).