About Us
Flavors from Afar, an events and catering service led and spirited by immigrants, promotes and celebrates the culinary traditions, cultures, and stories of refugees and asylum seekers in Southern California. Proceeds support family and youth programs hosted by The Tiyya Foundation.
At our core, we believe that sharing a meal is a delicious opportunity for cultural exchange. Food unites people at the table - nourishing bodies, feeding minds, and fostering respect across diverse cultures. At Flavors from Afar, each meal is inspired by the chefs’ rich histories, cultural creativity, and several thousand-mile journey as a refugee. Every gathering is an intimate space for genuine cultural exchanges and authentic connections between OC / Angelenos and our newcomers from around the world.
Established in 2018, Flavors from Afar is a social enterprise that employs former refugee chefs in Los Angeles and Orange County. Originally a catering service, Meymuna Hussein-Cattan and Christian Davis paired up in 2020 to spearhead the opening of Flavor’s first brick and mortar restaurant in Little Ethiopia with the intention of creating a destination spot within the city. Combining their efforts from the nonprofit sector and the corporate lens, Meymuna and Christian are a great pair that work creatively together while always prioritizing hospitality, people, and culture. With the intent of offering experiential dining, they did not foresee their opening date to take place during Covid-19’s stay at home orders. By staying resilient and creative, both founders have been featured by the UNHCR, Food52, Postmates, LA Magazine, Oxfam America, CBS Podcast, KIIS FM Radio, Eater LA, and more.
This month's menu was created by Orbal Omid & highlights Flavors from Afghanistan
Open Wednesday - Sunday
MAIN DISHES
Mantu (6 dumplings) $16
6 seasoned Halal beef dumplings served with a mildly spicy tomato sauce, chana del (lentils) and refreshing mint yogurt sauce. Comes with cucumber side salad
Potato Bolani (2 pieces) - $8
Flavorful potato and cilantro filled flatbread. Dough handmade in-house.
Kabul Pulao Plate (Braised Lamb Shank) - $23
Two tender braised lamb shanks, served with savory Afghan rice, and a side of pita.
Lemon Pepper Shawarma Chicken Pita $17
Pan seared lemon pepper chicken shawarma stuffed pita sandwich with house made hummus. Dressed with tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and cucumbers. Served with savory Afghan rice and side of mint yogurt sauce.
Afghani Veggie Plate – $16
Refreshing cucumber salad, lentils simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, with savory Afghan rice, and Bolani.
Marinated Afghan Tilapia Plate - 18
Two marinated and spiced tilapia fillets on a bed of savory Afghan rice. Served with pita bread and refreshing cucumber salad.
Afghan Do Pyaza Plate (Marinated Goat) - $23
Large, tender pieces of marinated goat covered with sauteed onions. Sitting atop Afghan savory rice and pita bread.
Borani Banjan – $16
Pan fried eggplant simmered in rich tomato sauce. Accompanied with mint yogurt sauce drizzle and cucumber side salad.
SIDES
Tortitas De Papas (comes with 3) 8
Fried potato and cheese appetizer
Crispy Sambusas (Set Of 3, No Mixing) 7.5
Beef and Cheese, Beef, Chicken, Veggie Or Cheese AndPotato W/Somali Sauce (Mild Spice). Filled with Cabbage, Broccoli, Onion,Potato, Carrots, Somali Seasoning Blend
Esquite Elote 6
Classic Street Corn in A Bowl. Mixture of Corn, Butter,Mayo, Green Onion, Chili Powder
Seasoned Savory Plantains 5
Fried Plantains Dusted with Cinnamon and Sugar
Somali Fried Rice 5
Fried Rice-FilledWith Potatoes, Carrots, Onion, Garlic,Cabbage
Palestinian Cucumber Salad 7
Cucumber, Tomatoes, Hummus, Tahini Sauce, Parsley
CLASSIC MENU
Somali Pan Seared Chicken Fried Rice Bowl 17
Halal Chicken Quarters,Somali Fried Rice, Potato,Cabbage, Fresh Green Onion, Carrot, Onion
Somali Sauteed Veggie Fried Rice Bowl 14
Somali Fried Rice, Potato, Cabbage, Fresh Green Onion,Carrot, Onion
Kenyan Pan Fried Tilapia Plate 18
Two fillets, cooked with coconut milk, tomato,onion, garlic sitting on bed of rice
Egyptian Gravy Smothered Lamb Shank Plate 23
Large tender lamb shank smothered in gravy on top of ricepilaf with seasonal sauteed vegetables
DRINKS 4.50 each
Jamaica, Passion Fruit Smoothie, Tamarind or WatermelonMint Fresca,