Tawakal Mini Market

Tawakal Mini Market

When you step inside Tawakal Mini Market, you'll find yourself immersed in the flavors and culture of East Africa. Browse aisles packed to the brim with spices and pantry staples imported from more than a dozen different countries. Pick up everything you need to prepare East African dishes at home, in addition to kitchen supplies, ready-to-eat food and more.


This family-owned business, run by three siblings with a passion for hospitality, has been a fixture of the local community for more than twenty years. After immigrating from Somalia in the early 1990s, the Juwalis opened the store, one of the first of its kind in the region. In 2020, co-owner Mehdi Juwali joined his two sisters in running the business after it reopened in a new location and added an adjoining restaurant, Zain Restaurant and Bakery Café.


NEED TO KNOW:

Fresh Food Made In-House: A hot bar at the counter sells savory snacks such as kebabs, beef-filled sambusas and mashmash (a crispy, sweet Somali snack that is often eaten with sambusas). You can even order a whole gilled tilapia to take home. In the adjoining café, choose from a full menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner.


African Pantry Staples: Find Ugali, Injeria and a variety of nutritious peas and legumes to create traditional East African dishes at home. You can also stock up on spices such as cardamom, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, niter kibbeh, Berbere spice mix and Kenyan curry powders.


Shop by Country: The aisles are organized to serve distinct communities, including Somali, Ethiopian and Kenyan. The customer service lead can point you in the right direction if you’re not sure where to look.

THE VIBE:

Tawakal is a staple of the community and has the intimate feel of a friendly neighborhood grocery. While many shoppers are regulars, the owners love welcoming newcomers who want to try new foods. Let them know you’re new to the store and they’ll be your guides.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Select Home Goods: Pick up beautiful wooden bowls made in Africa and kitchens supplies such as pots and pans.

Gold Jewelry: Have a Nice Day Jewelry in a small room along the side of the store carries a selection of 21K gold jewelry imported from Dubai.

Other Services: Several other vendors operate within the store, including a clothier and money transfer services.