Andrew H.
Yelp
For my first ever experience with African food, Somali food in particular, this will be hard to top. Mira's was a good introduction to a cuisine that I will try again soon.
Over on NE 82nd and Davis is a newer food pod called The Yard, with about 10-15 carts and it happens to be close to where I live. I've hit up a couple of the carts so far but Mira's wasn't usually open when I've been by.
Comfort food. That's what my take on Somali food is. At least from what I ate, a dish called Baris and Maraq. A lamb and vegetable stew. On a side note: watch for bones. This stew was loaded with tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, carrots and plenty of lamb all slow cooked over rice. It was the suggestion of the woman running the cart. She said it was one of the most popular items on the menu. She was correct. The other favorite item on the menu was was a beef or chicken option in a dish called Suger.
The stew came with two sauces, one a yogurt based sauce and the other, a red sauce, but it wasn't spicy. Nothing was, but it was very tasty. The stew is heavily based on the tomatoes, but you could taste everything. Well seasoned and the lamb was fall off the bone tender. There was also a small salad consisting of diced tomatoes, cucumbers and onions. Basically a palette cleanser. Similar to most Asian restaurants in town, there's enough food that you won't leave hungry.
I can easily say that I want to explore more of this menu. I guess I'll see what she suggests next time. Every once in a while it's nice to try a new food that you've never even thought to try. I'm glad I did.
Enjoy and support local.