Jambo Africa Restaurant wins Torchlight Award in Minnesota
The front view of Jambo Africa, a Kenyan-owned eatery in Minnesota, United States, that has won the best African Restaurant Award in the state of Minnesota. PHOTO | BMJ MURIITHI |
What you need to know:
- The winning restaurant is run by Mr George Ndege Jojo and his Liberian partner, Mr Simone Chambliss.
- The Torchlight Award also recognised Jambo Africa's high customer service standards.
A restaurant owned by a Kenyan has been voted the best African eatery in the state of Minnesota, United States.
Jambo Africa, which is located on Shingle Creek Parkway in the city of Brooklyn Center, beat other African eateries in the Midwestern region to emerge the overall winner of Torchlight Award.
The Torchlight Foundation recognises achievements made by African immigrants in the fields of culture, education, entertainment, fashion, and philanthropy.
“Our brothers and sisters are out here doing big things and we at Torchlight do not only honour their work, but inspire others,” said Stephen Ngang, the Foundation’s director.
The winning restaurant is run by Mr George Ndege Jojo and his Liberian partner, Mr Simone Chambliss.
Speaking to the Nation soon after receiving the award, an elated Jojo said the recognition was “an affirmation that good stuff can still come out of the continent.”
Tilapia served with fufu and fresh vegetables, a popular West African delicacy. PHOTO | BMJ MURIITHI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
He said the restaurant has become more popular because it does not specialise in dishes from a single region but from both East and West African cuisine, making it a favourite spot for the African immigrant community in Minnesota.
“The most popular item right now is fried tilapia fish. Customers from both East and West seem to agree on its unmatched flavour and presentation,” said Mr Jojo.
Besides serving African dishes, the restaurant also hosts African cultural events.
“We host African-themed events, including live music band, traditional percussion, dancing, poetry, story-telling sessions, book releases and more.
“When my wife and I get homesick, we come here to remind ourselves of motherland by eating Kenyan food and dancing to Kenyan beats,” said Basillioh Mogaka, who lives in Minneapolis.
Mr Jojo said the restaurant also hosts prominent African dignitaries whenever they visit the cities of Minneapolis and St Paul.
“We also have an American clientele, especially those who have visited Africa as tourists, aid workers and missionaries. They drop in to satisfy their nostalgic food memories of Africa,” he said.
The Torchlight Award also recognised Jambo Africa's high customer service standards.
