Who are we!
Malewa Kitchen is a casual Afro-fusion Congolese restaurant that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Central Africa while blending them with contemporary flavors and techniques. Our menu highlights authentic Congolese staples such as plantains, cassava, grilled meats, rich stews, and vibrant vegetable dishes reimagined for a modern, urban dining experience that appeals to both African and international palates. Designed to serve a wide range of customers, Malewa Kitchen offers a welcoming atmosphere, convenient takeout options, full-service catering for community gatherings, and corporate events.
Our mission
At Malewa Kitchen, our mission is to share the rich flavors and traditions of Africa by offering authentic, freshly prepared, and affordable meals that celebrate our heritage. We are committed to creating a welcoming space where food is more than nourishment; it is a bridge to culture, community, and connection. Every dish we serve carries the story of our roots, crafted with quality ingredients, care, and respect for tradition. We strive to make African cuisine accessible to all, while honoring its depth, diversity, and cultural pride.
Our Vision
Our vision is to establish Malewa Kitchen as the premier African food hub in our community, known not only for authentic cuisine but also for being a gathering place where culture, tradition, and hospitality thrive. We aim to expand beyond our food cart into a restaurant dine-in service, and packaged products that bring the taste of Africa to homes, events, and workplaces. As we grow, our long-term goal is to develop a scalable model that allows Malewa Kitchen to franchise, creating opportunities for others to share in our mission and to make African cuisine a celebrated and accessible part of dining culture across the region and beyond.
Our Culinary Experts
Chef Nafsi
Thee creative fire behind Malewa Kitchen, opened its doors fueled by his excitement to showcase the bold, soulful flavors of Africa. What drives him is a passion not just for cooking, but for storytelling through food — turning every plate into a celebration of heritage, tradition, and community.”
Head Chef
Issac
Issac, the skilled sous chef at Malewa Kitchen, brings precision, creativity, and heart to every dish. Inspired by the richness of African cuisine, he supports Chef Nafsi’s vision with a passion for perfecting flavors and making each meal an unforgettable experience.”
Sous Chef
Our story
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Malewa Kitchen was born from passion, perseverance, and the dream of two cousins from the Congo — Chef Nafsi and Issac.
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Growing up in a family that owned three restaurants, Nafsi learned the art of Congolese cooking at just 11 years old. Though he came to the U.S. to study computer science and built a career in tech, his love for food and culture never faded.
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Issac, his cousin and business partner, arrived in the U.S. in 2015 to pursue his studies and later became a full-stack developer. Yet, he too carried a deep love for Congolese traditions and the desire to build something meaningful.
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One day in 2023, over lunch, they asked each other:
“What do we love doing that never tires us?”
For Nafsi, it was cooking. For Issac, it was leading and creating. From that conversation, Malewa Kitchen was born a place where African food is not just served, but celebrated.
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They started small, catering late-night events and selling food from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. Nafsi then launched Cooking for My Friends, inviting people to taste his dishes three nights a week. That passion project grew into a movement, leading to catering requests across Portland and Seattle.
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By April 2025, the dream became reality with the opening of Malewa Kitchen in downtown Chinatown, Portland. Open on weekends from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., it quickly became known for its bold flavors, warm hospitality, and unforgettable vibe.
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Today, Nafsi runs the kitchen full-time while Issac continues supporting the vision. Together, they’re building more than a restaurant — they’re creating a cultural hub where food, heritage, and community come alive.
And this journey is just beginning.