Robert H.
Yelp
For some time, I've been curious about this market, driving by, and seeing the bright Cameroonian prints in the window sewn into clothing.
Then I came across chef Salimatu Amabebe online. We hope to experience her pop-up Western African feasts post-COVID. She mentioned Mama Pauline as a fine source of ingredients for West African recipes.
Portland has been gifted in a modern day connection with Africa. Portland artist Ronna Neuenschwander met Malian artist Baba Wagué Diakité and they fell in love. Master drummer Obo Addy came from Ghana and taught music at Lewis and Clark, while stirring the dance floor. Mr and Mrs Jarra brought an Ethiopian Restaurant in what is now the Dig-A-Pony building. Alem started an import business for East African ingredients and the Queen of Sheba restaurant, as well as becoming a sensitive real estate developer. Briefly, we had a food cart for the cooking of Natal. There are many more. Add Portlanders making connections to Africa, Like Christopher Kirkley, DJ Sahel Sounds, who brings us music from mobile phones and art of the Azawad independence movement, as well as a sensitive remake of the film Purple Rain - Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazoughai. There are many more African communities with celebrations and meetups in Portland, and many restaurants and food carts bringing us Africa-homed foods.
Africa is a continent, not a country. A shorthand is North, South, East and West. There are 54 countries and over 3000 tribal cultures. Of course, whenever you see a straight line on a map, it's a mistake, and there are many in Africa. I've been fortunate to experience about 10 of those countries and taste the food. Pro tip, ask the Peace Corps workers where to eat. I have to say I never liked fufu though.
Now, I'm excited to add to my list of African groceries in Portland!
Mama Paulines has fresh, frozen, and shelf stable foodstuffs. I was after egusi seed and bitter leaves, and they had those in several forms.
The store has supplies of all the staple starches, refrigerated and frozen fish and meat, some fresh produce, spices uncommon here, plus our common spices grown in specific African countries, canned vegetable products, common African soda brands, 50 pound bags of flours and grains, a large selection of oils, including deep red palm oil, hot sauces, and more.
The general store side has clothing, body care, and accessories, and of course, is a social gathering place.
It is a perfect place to bring your list of ingredients for a recipe. The staff can guide you to the several places throughout the store for that ingredient in different forms, sizes, and brands.
This store is packed with unique in Portland food items, very reasonably priced, with great customer service. You need to visit early and often, take some home, and please your tastebuds!
