Mawa's Kitchen
Restaurant · Pitkin County
305 Aspen Airport Business Center F, Aspen, CO 81611
Highlights
Global flavors, healthy fare, brunch standout, African-inspired dishes
Global flavors, healthy fare, brunch standout, African-inspired dishes
"Mawa McQueen’s culinary journey spans continents, but Aspen has been her home base for over two decades. At Mawa’s Kitchen, McQueen’s flagship concept (see also: Crepe Therapy Cafe), inspiration is drawn from her French and African heritage, where she writes a love letter to cooking in every dish. Known for her global, health-conscious fare, the James Beard semifinalist has a cultlike following behind her for creations like the West African-style seafood gumbo, spiced lamb kefta, jerk sea scallops, and oxtail à la Bourguignonne. This sunny all-day cafe also serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch that’s as soulful as it is nourishing. Located just outside of town, across from the airport, Mawa’s Kitchen is a convenient go-to for takeaway, too." - Katie Shapiro
"A rotisserie chicken breakfast sandwich built with meticulous attention to layering and seasoning: juicy house-roasted chicken on toasted focaccia is brightened by sriracha aioli, tangy pickled shallots, and peppery arugula, with optional fried egg and bacon for extra richness—crafted to feel deliberate rather than rushed." - Adam H. Callaghan
"Here, you might enjoy a croque madame at breakfast or a chicken yassa wrap with rotisserie chicken, salad greens, fried plantains, and yassa sauce at lunch. While at dinner, a vegetable maafe; a West African peanut curry with charred cauliflower and forbidden rice — all created by chef Mawa McQueen. Born in West Africa in the Côte d’Ivoire, McQueen grew up in Paris surrounded by immigrants from other countries who exposed her to a world of flavors. She brought her learnings with her to Aspen and opened Mawa’s Kitchen in 2006. These French, Moroccan, and African-inspired dishes on her menus eventually earned her a James Beard nomination." - Rebecca Treon
"Mawa’s Kitchen is a short drive from downtown Aspen and across the street from the airport. So it’s particularly useful if you forgot to stock the kitchen on your Cessna (chef Mawa McQueen has offered private jet catering for years). Order some vegetable maffe over jasmine rice, or the seriously spicy jerk salmon with sweet plantains and a seasonal fruit relish. They also serve brunch on weekends, and make an excellent takeout lunch or dinner if you’re exhausted from a day on the mountain. McQueen Hospitality’s sister spots, The Crepe Shack and Mawita, are also worth checking out. photo credit: Mawa's Kitchen" - Katie Shapiro
"Mawa’s Kitchen is a short drive from downtown Aspen and across the street from the airport. So it comes particularly in handy if you just found your flight got delayed and you’re already in the area. Order some vegetable maffe over jasmine rice or the seriously spicy jerk salmon with plantain and citrus salsa. They also serve brunch on the weekend and make a great takeout lunch or dinner if you’re exhausted from a day on the mountain. Their sister spots, The Crepe Shack and Mawita, are also worth checking out." - katie shapiro
