A celebration of East African  food & culture

Bringing the vibrant flavors of East Africa to Detroit, Baobab Fare is an award-winning restaurant founded by refugees from Burundi that embodies the spirit of “Detroit Ni Nyumbani” — Detroit is Home.

In addition to the restaurant, our Waka by Baobab Fare food truck and catering spreads East African street food throughout metro Detroit while our Soko by Baobab Fare product line uplifts East African culture and creators through thoughtfully curated sauces, coffee & beverages, chocolate, jewelry, and apparel.

From Burundi to Detroit

6568 Woodward Avenue
Suite 100, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 265-3093

Tues – Sun: 11am – 9pm
Closed Mondays

Our journey & responsibility

“Detroit welcomed us as refugees. That is important because it became our home. A place that welcomed us with open arms and because of that we have the responsibility to encourage enrichment of the city, through immigration from international countries. We also share our stories and many others through our food, and through our community space. It’s where conversations and understanding intersect.”

– Hamissi Mamba, Co-Owner

THINGS TO KNOW

WAKA EASTERN MARKET

We are opening a fast-casual brick-and-mortar location of our Waka food truck in Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market! The food truck will continue to service the region, but the new location will expand our catering and grab-and-go options while introducing some new East African street food to Detroit. Follow the Waka Instagram for updates!

COMING SOON

catering events

Baobab Fare and Waka by Baobab Fare offer exceptional catering services perfect for your holiday party, birthday, celebration, or corporate gathering. Drop us a message with your event details, and we’ll make it a flavorful affair.

Baobab Fare & Waka

Wholesale

Soko by Baobab Fare retail products are available for wholesale purchase for small businesses and retailers. Send us a message if you have questions or to inquire about pricing and stocking our products.

Soko Market Retail

Recent Press

James Beard finalists include an East African restaurant in Detroit

June 7, 2024

Baobab Fare’s Waka Food Truck Has Found a Permanent Home in Eastern Market

May 16, 2024

James Beard semi-finalist Baobab Fare closes on new east side location

March 28, 2024

East African Market

Soko by Baobab Fare is a curated East African market that shares and uplifts East African culture through packaged foods, beverages, jewelry, and apparel. There’s a stigma to the perception of African culture in America. Soko’s mission is to combat this false narrative by showcasing beautiful products from our culture, telling the stories of the talented craftspeople behind them, and offering economic opportunity to the region.

East African Street Food

Waka by Baobab Fare is a food truck, catering service, and to-go restaurant serving the award-winning East African flavors of Baobab Fare in a quick, affordable, and accessible way. Through a curated menu of chapati, brochettes, and other handheld foods, Waka brings the vibrant and delicious food culture of East African street life to the streets of Detroit. Our brick-and-mortar restaurant is scheduled to open in early 2025.

A celebration of East African food & culture