Today we’d like to introduce you to Faiza Muhambi
Hi Faiza , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born and raised in Kenya- Mombasa I can’t share Swahili cuisine without sharing what Swahili culture and Kenya is.
Swahili culture is diverse due to its many influences. For example, Swahili cuisine has influences from Indian and Arabic cultures, our attires are mainly (khanga triangular cotton wrapper )for women which I grew up wearing .
I grew up in Kenya -Mombasa my mom was an entrepreneur she owned a restaurant in industrial area ,I grew up with her around the kitchen , “Mama Safi ” the restaurant name was called it was here where i learned all my cooking from onions cutting to preparing a full meal from , Ugali, Chapati ,Pilau ,Biryani, Samosa’s ,Mahamri’s and many more dishes ..I also learned how to use traditional equipment for cooking, I loved cooking and helping my mom it was really fun. I felt complete when people around me like my grandfather uncles and customer provide a positive feedback on my cooking, growing up I played with other kids my mom bought me a small play coal stove and small pans to play cook , Myself and other kids in the neighborhood played together and we cooked real food , We use to play pretend family where there was Father mother and kids , we will cook and do fake weddings , my grandmom will sew a beautiful wedding gown for the bride using clear plastic and it will be decorated with flowers.
When I completed high school i helped mom full time, when mum died I took up the business, Myself and my elder brother ,sister worked tirelessly to keep the restaurant going .
I got a visa and moved to Dubai for work I worked at Intercontinental hotels and later moved Sheraton Hotel , I used to love the kitchen even though i did not work directly in the kitchen, I crossed trained in the kitchen to learn the kitchen operations , When I moved to United states I was welcomed in a community where people will hold baby showers graduations and other occasions like school festival to share food and culture through dance , I cooked for most events and people were amazed with the food that they ate, I received a lot of request to open a restaurants but I was skeptical due to the fear i had which was unknown to me.
I was working in a cooperate office as Enterprise Analyst , in the year 2019 when covid started we moved to working at home and most of the time i will see myself editing food videos reading food blogs and checking out recipes ., It was then that I decided to open my youtube channel to share my cooking, In 2022 Oct (with the help of this amazing person Sebastian Mwangi) Faiza’s Kitchen was born we pride ourselves in serving Authentic Swahili Cuisine that brings taste and flavors’ from home, We share our culture and traditions through food and dance . I am at the Fergusson Farmers Market every sat 8am-12noon from May to Oct to sell Swahili food and introduce our culture to the locals I also take individual and group orders, I use a commissary kitchen at Bridgeton to prepare my food and local church kitchen.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This road has not been easy, Entry to the food industry here in St louis has posed a great challenge, Among the main challenges being high fees for a commissary kitchen and marketing to the local community, Commissary kitchens are expensive because they charge hourly. Being a new small business access to capital has become extremely difficult which makes me rent equipment’s on the go, This is an expensive process and it reduces my margins. Introducing new cuisine to the St louis natives has also come with its challenges given its not a common Style compared to Chinese or Mexican cuisines
Trying to grow my business so I can have my own commercial kitchen. In order to do this, I need capital to buy equipment and, eventually, rent a large space to work from. I am challenged by financial resources to grow my business, hire staff, and expand the business
We’ve been impressed with Faiza’s Kitchen – Authentic Swahili Cuisine, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Please tell us more about your business or organization.
Faiza’ s Kitchen is a Catering small business company that was born in Oct 2022, We serve Authentic Swahili Cuisine prepared with passion from the heart ,we cater Swahili food across the St. louis community during occasions like , birthdays, graduations, small parties and individual meal orders. The community love the food I’ve found there is a lot of interest in Swahili cuisine outside the African community as well and I always enjoy meeting people who want to try African food especially at farmers market and at other events.
What should we know ? That I never went to culinary school and most of my recipes were passed down from my Mother
What do you do? Catering and Vending
what do you specialize in? Cooking Catering
What are you known for?
Best Authentic and traditional Swahili food in town
What sets you apart from others? My recipes are Authentic and Homemade. My food is made from organic produce and fresh spices. I cook with passion, for me cooking is not only therapeutic, it is fun and satisfying, I love cooking and feeding people.
What are you most proud brand wise?
Today am proud because i I cater for cooperate events , I recently catered Samosa’s to Bilingual international ,Washington University ,Vitendo4 Africa and African chamber of commerce.
The journey has not been easy but as they saying goes A journey of 1000 miles begins with one step check out reviews on Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/faizaskitchenn/
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
Our company is dedicated to providing more than just food and drinks, but connecting you to authentic experiences of food and culture. We host cooking classes and share recipes on you tube.
I want my readers to know that we care about their experience , at Faiza’s kitchen we offer great service delicious food that will make you want more ,
Our meat is halal and We are on time every time, We are a small business that started a year ago and we need your support to continue providing great and memorable experience in the food industry.
Any big plans?
Am hoping to expand my business in the future either own a kitchen , food truck or a restaurant where people can come enjoy food, network learn a word or two in Swahili and explore Swahili culture.
Pricing:
- Samosa Beef, Veg & Chicken $4
- Pilau/Biriani $15 per plate
- Chapati $3 per piece
- Swahili Passion Juice $5
- Mahamri $5 for 4
Contact Info:
- Website: N/A
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faizas_kitchenn?igsh=bTZiMHB3YmE0ZzR1&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faizaskitchenn/
- Twitter: N/A
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@faizasmekitchen?si=OjI7J2rG95Wd0DWJ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/faizas-kitchen-ferguson
- Soundcloud: n/a
