DeRusha Eats: Afro Deli In St. Paul

It is unusual to see a long line outside a locally-owned, ethnic restaurant in downtown St. Paul during lunch . But that’s exactly what’s happening at Afro Deli. “A blessing. It is a blessing,” Executive Chef Moussa Doulaeh said.

Doulaeh has worked in several Twin Cities kitchens, bringing the food of his homeland to the people of Minnesota. “I’m from Somalia, slash Djubuti,” he said. Nearly 30 percent of all Somalis who live in the U.S. live in Minnesota. But Chef Moussa designed the Afro Deli menu appeal to everyone, bringing uniquely African flavors to very familiar foods.