"somali food" news and stories

For many people Minnesota conjures up images of frigid temperatures and duck boots. But ironically it's also home to the largest Somali community in the United States, more than 30,000 people. Located in the horn of Africa, Somalia has had many culinary influences throughout its history -- Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian and Italian to name a few.

In 2006, Jamal Hashi, a 28-year-old Somali chef, who was forced to flee his homeland when he was only eight years old because of civil unrest, opened a restaurant in Minneapolis called Safari Express, which offers Somali fast food. It's become hugely popular not only for Somali immigrants but among Americans craving something different and a little spicy.

"African food has not gotten much recognition because it's been overlooked by political problems there," Jamal told Slashfood. "When I talk to people about Somali food they are always taken aback a bit by the idea of an East African cuisine."