Somalia!

With Kifaya's Kitchen closed in Cleveland, I had to head to Columbus for my Somali fix. I lived in Columbus for 16 years and have eaten Somali food many, many times. I decided to go to Hoyo's Kitchen where they've nailed that fast casual, Chipotle-style method of introducing people to Somali food. They have three locations and two are inside market halls (Cleveland folks: think Van Aken or West Side Market) where they benefit from lots of foot traffic. It's a perfect spot to introduce folks to Somali food!

You start with your choice of a rice or injera bowl, sabayad wrap, or salad and then can choose your protein: goat (hilibari), beef suqaar, chicken suqaar, safari chicken, or vegetarian. From there, you add on hot veggies: cabbage, chickpeas, lentils, or spinach and unlimited cold toppings: red cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, etc. And don't forget the sauce! There's garlic yogurt, mango, and green chili to top it off. You can get sambusas (beef, chicken, or veggie) and if you leave without trying the Somali chai tea, we can't be friends. 

I decided to try an injera bowl with the chicken suqaar and allllllll the toppings. I also got a veggie sambusa and of course, a cup of Somali tea. 

Order in, let's research!

Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa bordering Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti and the Indian Ocean. European nations controlled much of Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries following an era of colonialist expansion on the continent. By the 1950s, England and Italy ruled much of the territory that makes up modern-day Somalia. Following a brief civil war, the British and Italian territories merged and formed a united independent Somalia in 1960. The relatively young nation has a turbulent history, including a 15-year civil war and resulting famine that sent Somalis fleeing to other countries in the 1990s.

Columbus is home to an estimated 60,000 people of Somali descent, making it the second largest Somali population behind Minneapolis. Word spread among Somali refugee communities around the nation that Columbus had reasonably priced places to live, abundant jobs and a tolerant culture, which brought more Somalis there over time. Over 500 independent Somali businesses contribute to the diverse local culture in the Columbus area, including many retail shops, restaurants and specialized trades.

The Somali cuisine is a delicious fusion of East African, Indian, Persian, Arab, British, Italian, French, and ancient Somali cuisines. Somali people also cook with a traditional spice blend known as ‘xawaash.’ Xawaash is the backbone of many Somali dishes giving it the authentic flavour of the cuisine. Its ingredients vary with region. However, generally, it contains dry roasted and ground cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, fenugreek seeds, green cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, as well as dried ginger and turmeric.

Time to eat! 

I've eaten at Hoyo's many times and always enjoy my experience. The staff is so friendly and the food is always fresh, perfectly spiced, and well portioned. My chicken suqaar was spicy with a richly seasoned sauce. I chose to have it served over injera which was a new choice for me as I typically order my bowls with either the basmati or spicy rice. The injera was great though and made the whole dish feel lighter. I always load it up with the veggie options and particularly love the sauteed cabbage. I was thankful for the cool crisp of the cucumbers and spinach this time around though because the chicken suqaar wasn't playing when it came to the heat. As always, I have to add on a sambusa because they are heavenly. I got the veggie this time and it was full of soft potatoes, carrots, and peas in a perfectly crispy dough. I remember going to a Somali community event several years ago where they brought out big trays of homemade sambusas and cups of Somali chai and it was love at first bite/sip. The Somali chai is full of ginger, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and made creamy with milk. It's delightful, especially on a cold winter night. Comfort food back in my hometown -- ahhhhhh.

Bonus footage of my adorable dinner companion, Dylan, and his spaghetti face. 

17 down, 35 to go! 

Hoyo's Kitchen

North Market

59 Spruce Street

Columbus, OH 43215

Website

Operating Hours:
TUE - SAT | 11am - 7pm

SUN | 11am - 5pm

MON | closed