Baobab Fare is an East African restaurant offering food that honors traditional dishes served in Burundi, the birthplace of husband-and-wife owners Nadia Nijimbere and Hamissi Mamba. Baobab Fare opened in 2021 and is located at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Grand Boulevard in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood. 

Owners Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere arrived in the United States over a decade ago as African refugees seeking asylum. Their path to resettlement was marked by significant challenges, with Nijimbere initially arriving in America, where their twin daughters were born at Detroit’s Freedom House. Mamba reunited with his family two years later, and together, they embarked on the intricate process of learning a new language, culture, and community. Their experiences shape the ethos of their work, infusing it with a profound sense of empathy and understanding.

Baobab Fare has received some amazing recognition, including being voted Best New Restaurant in 2022, winning Food Network’s Chopped in 2023, and being a 2023 James Beard Awards Semifinalists for Best Chef: Great Lakes.

In addition to their amazing restaurant, Mamba and Nijimbere recently launched two sister brands that also bring a touch of African fare to Detroit. First being, Waka is their food truck offering authentic East African street food that can be found at DCFC home matches, in various spots across the city, and popping up at private events. And second, Soko is an online market that shares and uplifts the vibrant culture of East Africa through a curated selection of food, beverages, and other handcrafted goods.

Come to Detroit and visit Baobab Fare and learn why Detroit Ni Nyumbani – Detroit is Home Learn more about Baobab Fare, Wak and Soko at www.baobabfare.com and www.sokobybaobabfare.com.