Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black Canadians, and one way to do that is by supporting Black-owned food businesses. We’ve highlighted 10 Black-owned food businesses that you can support this month and beyond. From restaurants and cafes to food trucks and food producers, these businesses are making a positive impact in their communities and deserve our support.
Whether you're in the mood for a delicious meal or looking for some food inspiration, be sure to check out these 10 businesses and enjoy the taste of Black excellence.
1. Kula
Launched in 2018 by Asha Wheeldon, Kula is a vegan food producer inspired by East-African flavors. Kula started as a ghost kitchen in Coho East Georgia and became a favorite take out for many Vancouverites. They diversified their offerings and now create a wide variety of vegan, gluten-free products that can be found on their website www.kulakitchen.ca and in stores across Canada.
2. Elbo Patties
Owned by Chris Boreland and produced out of Coho East Georgia, Elbo Patties makes the most delicious Jamaican Patties, available in 3 flavors: wild mushrooms, spicy beef and jerk chicken. Chris also makes coco bread, chutneys and sauces that go with his patties and offers a catering menu for parties and events. Be sure to check it out if you want to impress your guests!
3. Chop it Up
Chop It Up offers community-based cooking classes that aim to bring people together through a common love for food and culture. In association with Black Women Connect Vancouver, Turf and Vancity, Asha of Kula and Chris from Elbo host monthly classes. In the past, they have featured guest chefs, including Coho’s very own Matt Murtagh-Wu of The Dumpling King and Tushar Tondvalkar of The Indian Pantry.
4. Vansuya
VanSuya is cooking up authentic, finger licking Authentic Nigerian BBQ & Cuisine out of Coho East Georgia. They use an Nigerian Yaji Suya Spice to season their proteins for a sweet and savory flavor combination. They also sell Hibisberry, a Hibiscus Iced Teas packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C, and inspired by their local Nigerian Hibiscus beverage (Zobo).
Located in East Vancouver, Rise Up Marketplace is known for its delicious baked goods, as well as its selection of tasty sandwiches. In addition to the delicious food and drinks, they are also creating a space for local artisans to sell their products. It’s the perfect one-stop shop to grab lunch, catch up with friends, and pick up a variety of must-have staples for your home.
6. Gojo Cafe
Gojo Cafe is a family-owned restaurant run by Atkilt Asefa. Gojo is named after “Ethiopian cottage” which is a cultural home typically found in the countryside. When Atkilt immigrated to Vancouver, BC he started hosting a radio show, concerts and other events in the Ethiopian Community. As his clientele grew, he wanted to expand and showcase more of his culture to Vancouver. On May 1, 2012 he opened Gojo Little Ethiopia.
7. Salt N Sear
Based in Lower Mainland and owned by Jacques and Janice Kabuya, Salt N Sear Catering is a family owned and operated business that focuses on providing high quality ingredients to their customers. Jacques discovered the love for food at the age of 5, when he and his mother moved from Zambia to Vancouver. He learnt how to cook with his brother and his mother, and nowadays, who used to cook for them after her night shifts.
Janice is the owner, operations manager and heart of Salt N Sear. She makes sure every event they cater to goes smoothly and guests enjoy their food. They both make the perfect pairing to create exquisite food for any type of occasion.
Growing up on the island of Barbados, Raphael learned to cook from his mother, based on original recipes passed down from her mother. They used fresh ingredients grown on the family's land, chopped on a wooden block, and ground with a mortar and pestle. Raphael has been making Bajan (Barbadian) seasoning and pepper sauces his entire life, and we've decided to share them with the world. Together with his son Rommel, and daughter Renita, Raphael creates products representing a family legacy that started over 200 years ago.
Caribbean Village Cafe has been serving the Victoria area since 1998. Their entirely Caribbean menu sources only the freshest ingredients to ensure that their food is the highest quality. In addition to their restaurant, they also offer catering services for special events.
10. Lulu’s Apron
Growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, Chef Danya Smith’s love for cooking was sparked early on, being surrounded by family, friends, and delicious food. She honed her skills in her Grandma Lulu's kitchen, learning the art of making traditional Jamaican dishes. As the owner of Lulu's Apron, Dayna creates dishes that are bold in flavor, vibrant in color, and offer new taste sensations.
These are just a few of the many Black-owned food businesses in BC that deserve our support. Let's show our support for Black excellence and promote economic empowerment in the Black community by checking out these businesses and enjoying their delicious offerings.