This is samaki, a Burundi-style fish paired with plantains, stewed yellow beans, rice, and garnished with tangy mustard onions. The beans have a slightly smoky flavor, making it hard to put your fork down. Co-owners Nadia Nijimbere and Hamissa Mamba, originally from Burundi, opened this restaurant in Detroit to feature their food and bring the community together. Think of the warm and inviting vibe as a Sunday family dinner, and that’s what you feel when you come here. The welcoming and hospitable restaurant offers other tasty foods, and every time I come back to the States for a yearly visit, I always go to Baobab Fare.

*Eds’ note: Detroit has a growing East African community, particularly from Ethiopia. Baobab Fare, which opened in 2021 and features Burundi cuisine, has quickly made a name for itself in Detroit, landing on many top lists and scoring multiple James Beard nominations. We consider it a newly essential restaurant to visit!