The past week has been tumultuous as communities here in the United States have come together to protest the injustices in the system. At the same time, we are also fighting a pandemic, COVID-19, which has affected the entire globe.
As many food businesses have been affected by the state orders, I would like to help in my own little way by creating a list of black-owned food businesses in NoVA - with recommendations from myself and my fellow foodies.
If you live or work in the Northern Virginia area, it would be great if you can show your support by buying or ordering from these businesses.
This is a growing list and I will keep updating this as I receive more suggestions. Feel free to comment if you have a personal recommendation.
1. Jirani Coffeehouse
9425 West St, Manassas, VA 20110
Jirani is my go-to spot for coffee, meetups, and even desserts. Jirani is also a venue for workshops, meetings, and events related to arts and culture.
Aside from coffee, Jirani also serves food such as sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts too!
Inside Jirani Coffeehouse
2. Sweet Pearlz Cheesecakes
9425 West St, Manassas, VA 20110
Located inside Jirani Coffeehouse, Sweet Pearlz Cheesecakes easily became my favorite cheesecake in the NoVa area. I have ordered from Miss Jacqueline and she has always been very helpful in suggesting flavors to me. For flavors, I personally like Spiced Apple Crumble with Caramel Sauce, Banana Pudding, and Toasted Almond and Amaretto. You can also buy it by the slice at Jirani.
Toasted Almond and Amaretto
3. Vera's Kitchen Desta
9255 Center St. Manassas, VA 20110
Vera's Kitchen Desta is memorable to me because this is the first Ethiopian restaurant I visited. Serving both American and Ethiopian dishes, this place is perfect for brunch dates. Don't miss trying Vera's Tibs ($14.95) and Vegetable Sambusa ($4.95 for two pieces) with a pot of Ethiopian coffee ($4.95).
Vegetable Sambusa
Vera's Tibs on Injera
4. Malakhi Lounge and Jamaican Restaurant
8910 Mathis Ave Manassas, VA 20110
To be honest, I don't care much for spicy food but it hasn't stopped me from trying new places. Located along the discreet area of Mathis Avenue, Malakhi Lounge is a spacious restaurant serving authentic Jamaican food. I first visited this place when it just opened and was blown away with how delicious their food is. I really love the Oxtail ($14.00) with white rice and fried plantains.
Oxtail
5. Manna Bistro & Bakery
14215-X Centreville Sq, Centreville, VA 20121
Manna Bistro is a lot of things: a cafe, a bakery, a Mexican restaurant, and an Ethiopian restaurant. I visited this place once for dinner with a friend and ordered Cubed Beef Tibbs ($13.95) and wasn't disappointed. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of my food. Sorry!
6. Hudson's Sauce (Recommended by Marcella)
Woodbridge, Virginia
All-natural low-sodium barbecue marinades
7. Caribbean Corner (Recommended by Bradford)
4008 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030
Bradford recommends Jerk Chicken Platter ($6.75 for small, $9.75 for large) served with peas, rice, and plantain and Spicy Beef Patty ($3.00).
8. Della J's Delectables (Recommended by a fellow foodie)
6558 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22150
New southern-style restaurant located in Springfield, Virginia.
9. Makeda Ethiopian Restaurant (Recommended by Saron)
516A S Van Dorn St., Alexandria, VA 22304
Saron recommends Shiro ($11.99) and Tibs Wot ($15.99) if you like spicy food, and Makeda Tibs ($17.99) and Gored Gored ($16.99) if not.
Here are other resources shared by my friends:
Hi Michy, how are you? I hope you're doin fine over there. Please take care.
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