Baobab Street Food is Bringing African Flavors to Historic Rome
Justin Lam — May 10, 2018 — World
Rome is known for its plethora of traditional Italian culinary fare, but the Baobab Street Food mobile kitchen is introducing a taste of Africa to the Italian-dominated street food market. Established in 2017 by four young men from Senegal, Mali, Gambia and Eritrea, the mobile kitchen blends together the cuisine of each individual's background and introduces it to a new audience. Funded through an EU grant, the food truck hopes to show the beauty of African culture and the importance immigrants can have on their new home.
The dishes offered by the mobile kitchen are all based on traditional African fare but have been scaled back on spiciness to better fit the Italian palette. However, this change has not affected the quality of the food as the Baobab Street Food mobile kitchen continues to churn out flavorful options. Dishes like the "yassa" best encompass what the mobile kitchen is about as it explores a plethora of traditional Senegalese flavors such as African ginger, mint, long pepper and mustard.
The dishes offered by the mobile kitchen are all based on traditional African fare but have been scaled back on spiciness to better fit the Italian palette. However, this change has not affected the quality of the food as the Baobab Street Food mobile kitchen continues to churn out flavorful options. Dishes like the "yassa" best encompass what the mobile kitchen is about as it explores a plethora of traditional Senegalese flavors such as African ginger, mint, long pepper and mustard.
Trend Themes
1. African-inspired Street Food - Opportunity for street food vendors to explore the fusion of African and local cuisines to cater to diverse consumer tastes.
2. Cultural Fusion in Culinary Scene - Opportunity for restaurants to create unique menus that blend traditional African flavors with local cuisine to create a cultural fusion experience.
3. Importance of Immigrant Influence - Opportunity for the food industry to recognize the value and importance of immigrants in introducing new flavors and culinary diversity to their new homes.
Industry Implications
1. Street Food - Opportunity for street food vendors to diversify their offerings and attract a wider customer base with African-inspired cuisine.
2. Hospitality - Opportunity for hotels and restaurants to incorporate African-inspired dishes into their menus and offer a unique culinary experience to their patrons.
3. Food Tourism - Opportunity for food tour companies to include African-inspired culinary experiences in their itineraries and cater to travelers' growing interest in diverse cuisines.
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