I don't even know how to describe this meal! Never having eaten African food, I visited after a recommendation from a friend. Safa is the owner and chef (from Sudan by way of Arizona). I asked Safa to choose something to cook for me, and I'm so glad I did.
Everything is homemade- from the crunchy batter for her fish, to her fresh African bread, to the curry sauce. It was so delicious! She used onion and garlic, and everything was seasoned beautifully. The lamb was delicious with the bread. She gave me a mango drink to try, which was refreshing!
I was full and taking home enough food for another meal when we started talking about African tea and coffee. She brought me a cup of this hot, sweet coffee- beans she gets from Africa and roasts before brewing with sugar and green ginger. She said it's usually served with zalabia- a fried dough with powdered sugar that that she had made...you guessed it- from scratch! Of course she brought a sample of that to try, and of course I ate them up, though I thought I was full!
At the end of the meal, I wished her well and that her business- open since the beginning of the year- would be successful. She taught me the word, "Inshallah," or "God's will be done." Safa is a beautiful example of a hardworking businesswoman with a giving spirit. I felt welcomed as if I were sitting in her living room at her own home! Her restaurant was immaculately clean, and can be found across/near the Buddhist temple in GI. There's a lot of room inside, but the tables were empty this afternoon as I visited.
I hope we can keep this restaurant in Grand Island, because being served lunch by Safa felt like a special honor! And if you aren't sure what to order, just stop in and ask Safa to cook you a meal!
(Note: one sauce contains peanuts, so let her know if you have an allergy.) read more