Uncle Afro’s Food Safari has just opened in the Wyrallah Road Shopping Centre, bringing something healthy and unique to Lismore.

Addo Abdullah’ı came from Somalia 18 years ago and told the Lismore App "I wanted to offer something healthy and delicious to the community".

Uncle Afro's Food Safari opened 3 weeks ago and Addo said "I was looking to set this place up pre-floods, and this shop came up after the floods. Even though I lost a shop and a lot of money, it was great that this came out of it".

Inspired by his Uncle, Addo told us "my mother had a restaurant and I was growing up eating good food and I wanted to share what I’ve got, culture, food, and something I felt Lismore was missing out on!" This is the first Somali restaurant in Lismore.

Addo told us "our food is inspired by the regimen of Aamamow who is reported to have lived for 120 years and was fit and healthy even to his last day and he wanted to eat food that tasted great, he fasted every day, only having coffee in the mornings, this is why we are only open from lunch, and we will add dinner later, of course".

"Aamamow was super healthy and young for his whole life. My father was lucky enough to work with him, and as a kid, my father would tell me about him, so combined with that experience I have had, with food and that diet, this is what I’m trying to give to the community, food that is really healthy, that tastes great, even with vegan/vegetarian option, there is something for everybody".

"We use over 50 spices, we don’t skimp on anything, food is like art. In Somalia, we used spices in a different way, but here, it’s a new journey and it’s wonderful, I love finding new fusions and ways to use the herbs and spices, it’s time consuming, but so worth it".

There is something for everyone. Someone who wants to eat well and try something new could find dishes such as Tasty Chicken, Beef Suqar, or Coconut Lentil Curry. Addo goes to Melbourne and buys some of the best spices available from Somalia, for example, the rice has 16 different spices. "We find the best spices, it’s a love I have and I really want people to taste this food."

"Everyone who tastes this food walks in and says this is really good. We run out of food at the end of each day."

"I want everyone in Lismore to eat healthy and live longer". 

Addo also has a strong localisation goal, already buying fresh ingredients which are locally grown, he told us "we try to select the best food we can from local growers, as we know fresh vegetables taste best. Approx 10-15% of what we cook comes from supermarkets due to a lack of supply, but our long goal is to make it 100% locally grown, within 5-10km". 

In regards to staffing issues, Addo speaks about the warmth of the community, and how touched he is to receive support from a local restaurant.

"We are getting some support from Earth Oven to run our operation, in a true show of community-mindedness".

"Thursdays we have free food for anyone who is in need, and people who have resources can pay it forward. I know we have had massive floods, things aren’t the same is it used to be, just one meal can make someone feel better that day. I personally have experienced that, so for me to give a few meals away it’s more rewarding than getting paid". 

This is a dignified way to offer food, with Addo saying "Food is sacred, I want the people to feel equal when they receive our food, whether they paid or not". 

Uncle Afro's Food Safari is open Wednesday to Friday between 10:30am and 3:30pm in the Wyrallah Road Shopping Centre, East Lismore.