COVID-19 has deeply affected the way we interact, educate and work. A sector that has been increasingly dealing with the repercussions of the pandemic is the food and service sector. London-Middlesex is home to a variety of small food shops. Since dine-in options are limited, these mom and pop shops are seeing fewer customers. In light of the situation, we’ve compiled a list of black and indigenous-owned businesses that host delicious products that you should try!
Asmara Cafe brings traditional coffee-making methods from Eritrea, Africa, into our backyards. Their coffee is freshly roasted, brewed on-site using high-quality Ethiopian coffee beans. Their house specialty is Ethiopian Yirga Chefe coffee! Alongside your coffee, you can also enjoy a variety of breakfast and lunch items! Their current summer feature is seasonal ice cream from Shaw’s ice cream! The flavours they have include vanilla, chocolate, turtle fudge and moose tracks. For a relaxing and memorable coffee experience, be sure to visit Asmara Cafe.
Vas Cuisine provides delicious African (Nigerian) dishes with a homemade feel! They source local ingredients to ensure high-quality meals. Some fan favourites from their menu include their ofada rice (grown in south-west Nigeria) and egusi (a delicious savoury stew). Some vegan options are also available, making this an inclusive eatery. Reviewers rave about the hospitable owners and sizable portions. On top of that, they offer delivery and catering in London. Vas Cuisine offers traditional comfort food classics that are a must-try!
A hidden gem in the Middlesex-London community is Caribbean Stove Pickup! Located right by Horton and Wellington, this restaurant at the center of the city packs a punch of delicious flavour in their dishes. Some recommendations from avid customers include oxtail, jerk chicken and curry potato & channa! Their pricing is very reasonable on their website; they clearly outline ingredients, vegetarian and vegan options. Their food is spiced to perfection and will leave you wanting more!
Indigenous-owned Manitoulin Brewing provides unique craft beer made from Little Current Ontario! The creation of this brewing is a classic passion project. Owners, Blair, Nishin and Joet, are three friends wanting to give something back to their homes in the North. Thus they created a brewing company that embodies comfort and care, something they put in all of their recipes. Some staff recommendations include swing Bridge Blonde, Killarney Cream Ale and Cup and Saucer English Ale. Although they’re not from London-Middlesex, they’re currently offering free delivery to the area! Try their drinks paired with your next family barbeque!
Giizihigat Maple Products is another indigenous-owned business. They produce maple syrup of the highest quality. Both owners, Isaac and Deborah, come from families that have been making maple syrup for generations. Deborah’s mom recalls helping her uncle collect sap and hauling the syrup out of the bush on a large stone canoe pulled by a horse. Meanwhile, Isaac recalls helping his grandfather make maple syrup as a young boy. Since starting Giizihigat Maple Products in 2012, they have perfected the science of running sap, building on lessons learned each season to bring customers the finest maple syrup in all of Ontario. They hold a variety of products from maple butter to maple syrup candy. For your next Sunday breakfast, consider supporting this family-owned syrup shop!
