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All the United States Michigan Detroit Baobab Fare
AO Edited Gastro Obscura

Baobab Fare

Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere opened this community-minded restaurant serving dishes from their native Burundi.

Detroit, Michigan

Added By
etcoyle12
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A plate of samaki, or fried fish.   etcoyle12 / Atlas Obscura User
Diners can buy East African products.   etcoyle12 / Atlas Obscura User
Tamu, a creamy dessert made with avocado and passionfruit.   etcoyle12 / Atlas Obscura User
Plantain chips   Mitch Lang / Atlas Obscura User
  Mitch Lang / Atlas Obscura User
  Mitch Lang / Atlas Obscura User
Coco Mango   Mitch Lang / Atlas Obscura User
Shokola   Mitch Lang / Atlas Obscura User
Passion fruit juice   Mitch Lang / Atlas Obscura User
Kumuhana   Mitch Lang / Atlas Obscura User
Mbuzi   Mitch Lang / Atlas Obscura User
Sambusas   Mitch Lang / Atlas Obscura User
Nyumbani   Mitch Lang / Atlas Obscura User
Mbuzi   Mitch Lang / Atlas Obscura User
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About

After husband-and-wife duo Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere immigrated to Detroit, they launched a series of pop-ups serving dishes from their homeland, Burundi, in 2017. Their business quickly developed a strong local following, thanks to specialties such as nyumbani, tender braised beef in a tomato gravy served with peanut-stewed spinach and fried plantains. In 2021, the couple were able to put down brick-and-mortar roots. 

Baobab Fare’s goal is to give other refugees and immigrants employment opportunities. Mamba and Nijimbere work directly with Freedom House, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping asylum-seekers. The couple believe in bringing the community together and making diners feel at home. It’s hard to miss the wall saying, ‘Baobab Fare is a gathering place where all are welcomed and embraced.’ 

A few must-try’s include the samaki, flash-fried fish filets, and the mbuzi, fork-tender goat shank served with fresh corn. The accompanying stewed yellow beans are full of flavor with a hint of spice. Don’t forget to order the tamu, a blend of creamy avocado and tangy passionfruit, for dessert. It goes perfectly with the strong coffee perfumed with cardamom. 

Baobab Fare partners with city festivals, local farms, and other community groups to share their love of food. In addition, the restaurant sells East African products, including passion fruit juice, Burundian coffee, and clothing.

 

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Restaurants Food African American Africa Refugees

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The restaurant is located on Michigan Avenue in Detroit, near the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Motown Museum.

Community Contributors

Added By

etcoyle12

Edited By

Mitch Lang

  • Mitch Lang

Published

January 18, 2023

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  • https://www.eater.com/c/22593864/best-new-restaurants-america-2021
Baobab Fare
6568 Woodward Ave Suite 100
Detroit, Michigan, 48202
United States
42.370136, -83.072969
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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Detroit

Detroit

Michigan

Places 47
Stories 18

Nearby Places

Ford Piquette Avenue Plant

Detroit, Michigan

miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

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Places 47
Stories 18

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