Today we’d like to introduce you to Safia Munye
Hi Safia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always had a passion for cooking, particularly the traditional foods of my homeland, Somalia. For me, food evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, reminding me of my roots in Mogadishu. After fleeing the civil war, my family and I settled in Minnesota, seeking a fresh start. To support my family in this new environment, I had to quickly adapt—learning the language and finding a job while raising my children.
As time passed and my children grew up, they encouraged me to follow my dream of opening my own restaurant. By the time I retired, I was ready to invest all my savings into this dream. In late 2018, we opened the doors to Mama Safia’s Kitchen in Minneapolis, a place that offered the warmth of home-cooked Somali food, prepared with care and love.
However, our journey was met with unforeseen challenges. Shortly after opening, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and I made the difficult decision to close the restaurant temporarily. I chose to support my staff during this period instead of focusing on insurance claims. Then, during the George Floyd protests, my restaurant was damaged along with many others. It was a devastating time, made even more painful by the personal losses of my husband, mother, and best friend to the virus.
Despite these hardships, the community’s support was unwavering. They uplifted us through a GoFundMe campaign, which was instrumental in our recovery. It wasn’t until 2023 that I was able to reopen Mama Safia’s Kitchen. Those years were incredibly challenging, but the strength and encouragement of our community helped us rebuild and come back stronger, continuing to serve the tastes of Somalia with a spirit of resilience and hope.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Running Mama Safia’s Kitchen has not been a smooth journey by any means. After establishing the restaurant, which quickly became a gathering place for those seeking the comfort of Somali cuisine, we faced significant hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to shut our doors temporarily, challenging our financial stability and putting our dreams on hold. During this period, I prioritized supporting my staff over securing insurance, which strained our resources further.
Adding to our challenges, the restaurant was damaged during the protests following George Floyd’s death. This not only set back our operations but also shook our community, deeply affecting everyone involved. Moreover, the personal losses of close family members and friends to COVID-19 during this time added a layer of emotional hardship to the already difficult situation.
Despite these struggles, with the help of a supportive community and a successful crowdfunding effort, we were able to rebuild and eventually reopen. The road has been anything but smooth, yet each obstacle has reinforced our commitment to serving our community and sharing our culinary heritage.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Mama Safia’s Kitchen, we specialize in authentic Somali cuisine, with a particular focus on traditional dishes that evoke a sense of home. Our signature offerings include Somali Rice, known for its aromatic spices and flavors, and Wasalah, a succulent goat dish that is a staple at any Somali table. These specialties have not only made us a culinary landmark in the community but also a destination for those seeking to experience the true essence of Somali culinary traditions.
What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and quality. Each dish at Mama Safia’s Kitchen is prepared with the same care and attention that I would give to meals prepared in my own home kitchen. This dedication to creating a genuine Somali dining experience is what we are known for and is a source of immense pride for us.
Beyond our food, what truly distinguishes us is the sense of community we’ve fostered. Mama Safia’s Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where people from all walks of life come together to share meals and stories, bridging cultures and creating connections. This community focus, coupled with our culinary authenticity, is what truly sets us apart from others in the area
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During the COVID-19 crisis, one of the most profound lessons I learned at Mama Safia’s Kitchen was the incredible power of community resilience and support. The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, not only forcing us to close temporarily but also deeply affecting our staff and patrons. Throughout this difficult period, we realized how essential flexibility and adaptation are in the face of adversity.
I also learned the importance of supporting each other in times of need. By prioritizing the well-being of my staff over immediate financial gains, we strengthened the bonds within our team and ensured that when we did reopen, we were all ready to face the challenges together. Furthermore, the support from the community, through a crowdfunding initiative, was a heartwarming reminder that I was not alone in this struggle.
These experiences have taught me that maintaining strong community ties and looking out for each other’s well-being are not just good business practices, but essential human values. These lessons will guide me long after the crisis has passed, continuing to influence how I operate and serve my community at Mama Safia’s Kitchen.
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