Interview with Eden Hagos of Black Foodie

1. What inspired Black Foodie ?

A number of things inspired Black Foodie. I was always into food and loved to eat lol. My family opened one of the first Ethiopian restaurants in my hometown in Canada and their families had owned a cafe and market back in East Africa. So I was always surrounded by people who were incredibly talented and passionate about all things food. But a negative experience I had on my birthday last year got me really thinking about food and race and the way Black people experience food. I started looking into the ways in which Black people get treated in the hospitality industry and then I began thinking about my own dining choices. I realized that I hadn’t thought to celebrate at an African or Caribbean restaurant. I began being more intentional about the dining choices and really exploring the food world from a uniquely Black lens. I wanted to connect other folks like me and provide Black Foodies from around the world with a really dope resource. After months of traveling and experimenting, Black Foodie was born. 

2. How did you come up with the name? 

At the beginning I was throwing around a few names, but none really encompassed it and were as catchy as Black Foodie. I’m Black and I’m a foodie. I defined a foodie as anyone who loved to eat, cook or learn about food and the experience of it.  I came up with Black Foodie and stuck with it because it appeals to anyone whether you’re an accomplished chef or a food lover. 

3.  What is your favourite food?

Ooh that’s a tough one! I change my mind a lot. One that stays in the top 3 list, however is an East African dish that may be unfamiliar to most people outside of this region. It’s called Kitcha Fit Fit and is usually eaten for breakfast. It’s a home made pita like bread that is broken into small pieces, and seasoned with a special home made spiced butter and the essential Ethiopian spice, Berbere. It’s simple, delicious and brings back so many memories. Another favorite I can’t go without is sweet potato pie! I love this stuff. But it is next to impossible to find in Canada and that’s why I learned to make a killer pie on my own. I look forward to my trips to the south where I know I’ll find lots of it! It’s the definition of comfort food to me. 

4. What’s your favourite thing about Black Foodie? 

My favourite thing about Black Foodie so far has been connecting with people who are passionate about their craft. I’ve met so many interesting people over the past year and traveled to so many great places. There’s always a story behind each dish. I’ve met chefs who really started at the bottom and have created an empire for themselves. I’ve met small business owners who put their heart and soul into their restaurants. Telling their story and connecting them to foodies across the world has been so rewarding and exciting. 

website: http://blackfoodie.co/

instagram: edenthefoodie