The Eastern Market space once occupied by the iconic Russell Street Deli is getting a new tenant. Waka, the sister food truck concept of Detroit’s James Beard-nominated restaurant Baobab Fare, will open its first brick-and-mortar restaurant at 2465 Russell St later in the summer. This news was first seen on Eater Detroit.
“Baobab Fare began on the street with pop-ups, and street food is such an integral part of African culture. Waka food truck became the answer, and way we can bring East African street food, to anywhere in metro Detroit,” Baobab co-owner Hamissi Mamba stated on the food truck’s webpage.
Waka’s menu features sandwiches wrapped in chapati, a traditional Indian flatbread that is part of the core elements of East African street food. The menu also includes dying items, a coco mango dessert, and Baobab’s iconic Ji drinks in passionfruit and hibiscus tea flavors.
The Waka concept debuted in 2022. According to Eater’s coverage, the food truck will continue to operate after the physical restaurant opens this summer and will have a monthly popup in Eastern Market on Saturdays through the rest of the year.
“People here in Detroit take care of us, so this idea of bringing East African street food to America has to start here. This is home, and we are so thankful to be able to grow our business and build on our story right here in Eastern Market,” Baobab co-owner Nadia Nijimbere said in a press release, as quoted by Eater Detroit.
The owners are also working on opening up Baobab Fare’s second location in Detroit’s East English Village.
