February is Black History Month – a month to honor and celebrate the great achievements and strides that Black Americans have made throughout generations of adversity.
Though we should all be intentional about shopping at local, Black-owned businesses throughout the entire year, it’s especially important to support them and spread the wealth throughout our communities this
month.
Black-owned businesses continue to face a disproportionate number of challenges, the biggest one being lack of access to capital, and many local Black-owned businesses are struggling to keep up with the increasing costs of food products and property leases. It should go without saying that these businesses need our continued support to keep their doors open. The good news is that Durham, North Carolina is full of amazing Black-owned businesses that would benefit from the community shopping at their storefronts, food trucks, and pop-up events.
As a food blogger, some of the best meals that I’ve had in Durham have come from Black- owned food spots and food trucks, most being hidden gems that many residents have overlooked, including:
Angie’s Jamaican Grill – This is my favorite Caribbean food spot in the area – and that’s saying a lot because my Trinidadian roots have made me very particular about Caribbean food. They make amazing curry chicken, jerk chicken, oxtail, and beef patties — I honestly haven’t had anything that I didn’t like from here and that seems to be the consensus from everybody that has experienced this deliciousness!
Anissa’s Spot – I think this might be the only Black-owned acai bowl and smoothie spot in the Triangle Area and it is super underrated. Their acai bowls are incredible, always super fresh and able to be customized to accommodate your fruits and toppings of choice. They also serve other delicious items like Avocado toast and various coffee drinks.
Beyu Caffe – I love Beyu Caffe because not only do they serve up delicious breakfast and
brunch items, but you can also get a delicious latte from their dope coffee menu. They have a location in Boxyard RTP that has a walk-up coffee window where you can get a good cup of coffee and some of their breakfast pastries.
Boricua Soul – Boricua Soul combines southern and Latin style food to make amazing fusion dishes that will definitely have you coming back for more. They are located in the scenic American Tobacco Campus, so enjoying their food while hanging out under the covered patio is
truly a vibe.
Chicken Hut – This is an OG, family-owned chicken spot that has some of the best fried chicken that you will ever taste. They have other items on special for each day of the week, my favorite being southern style oxtail on Friday. Chicken Hut is a staple in Durham.
Funnel Me Crazy – If you are a funnel cake fan, this place will blow you away. They have all types of gourmet funnel cake flavors that can be topped with fruit and/or ice cream. They also make flavored lemonade that is way better than the lemonade that you get from the fair.
Kale’s Kitchen – This is home to the heaviest soul food plates that you can imagine. I could close my eyes and choose any entree from this spot and I know that it will be a hit. They have a unique location that is usually only open for evening drop-ins or pre-order so following them on Instagram to stay informed about their hours and menu is a must!
Let’s Eat Soul Food – This soul food restaurant next to NCCU’s campus is known for their amazing soul food and southern classics. They have different items as a special each day of the week and even do Caribbean dishes on Sundays. You have to grab a slice of cake or one of their infamous puddings when you go there.
Meat and Graze – Meat and Graze is a charcuterie and cheese board company that provides boards of all sizes, grazing tables, and hosts public or private charcuterie board classes. This Black-owned and woman-owned business has a storefront at Boxyard RTP that sells lunch and snack boards during regular hours.
Mike D’s BBQ – This BBQ spot has only been open for 6 months, but Mike has been winning awards around the state/country for his delicious BBQ and sauces. The brisket sandwich and pulled pork are remarkable, the sides are tasty and he often sells out of all the different meats that he offers, which means that there isn’t a bad item on his menu. This is located in Old East Durham on a block that has numerous other Black-owned businesses like Proximity Brewing Company and Congress bar.
Nzinga’s Kitchen – I’ve only ever had the breakfast here, but my family is a HUGE fan of the french toast cajun grits and omelets. They offer breakfast, brunch and lunch items throughout the week and on the weekend.
Saltbox Seafood – Saltbox Seafood is absolutely legendary! There is a reason why Chef Ricky Moore won a James Beard award for being the best chef in the southeast last year. Everything I’ve ever had from here has been cooked to perfection and delicious.
Soul Forking Good (Food Truck) – The name Soul Forking Good is so fitting for this food truck because that’s exactly how I would describe their amazing southern dishes. They have everything from hamburger steaks and fried fish to oxtail and turkey wings.
Where’s The Jerk – This is another great Caribbean food spot, but they have more modern Caribbean dishes and other fusion items to choose from like oxtail cheesesteak, eggrolls and even some hibachi dishes that they recently added to the menu. The menu is lengthy, but I’ve never gotten anything that I didn’t enjoy from here. They also have a food truck now so be on the lookout for them once it warms up!
Zweli’s Ekhaya – The experience that they provide at this restaurant is truly unmatched. The atmosphere is elegant, the customer service is amazing and they have a menu full of upscale ZImbabwean cuisine that is both beautiful and delicious. I have tried a lot of different menu items, including a lot of the vegan dishes that they have, and they were all super flavorful.
There are still many Black-owned restaurants, food spots and food trucks that I haven’t experienced yet, so while this is not a comprehensive list of all the Black-owned food that you can find in Durham, it’s a start. I strongly encourage everybody to not only stop by to try the food at some of these places, but also share your support on their social media pages, leave them a positive review on Google or Yelp and continue to recommend these businesses to your friends and family that come to town. And remember, Black-owned businesses deserve our love year-round — not just February!
Joy Eats World 