Migrant Run Restaurants in the DMV
An Introduction to the DMV Culinary Scene
On 16 February 1 2017, in response to former president Donald Trump's immigration agenda, a boycott/strike named "A Day Without Immigrants" took place in cities around America. The goal of the protests was to highlight how crucial immigration and immigrants' are to the fundamentals of United States businesses, economoy, and culutre. The strike called for immigrants to stay home from work, not spend money, and not send their children to schools.
"It was the restaurant industry — where immigrants make up nearly 23 percent of the national workforce, according to data compiled by the Institute for Immigration Research at George Mason University — that seemed most affected" ( Stein, Washington Post, 16 February 2017 ).
Foreign-born citizens make up approximately 14 percent ( 97,846 individuals; AIC, 2018 ) of Washington, D.C.'s population––this does not include unauthorized migrants in the area, which is estimated to be approximately 21,000 (MPI, 2019) . In Washington, D.C., approximately 48 percent of people in the restaurant industry are foreign-born. Therefore, it is unsurprising that "A Day Without Immigrants" had both a large impact and large presence within the district.
Many restaurants in the DMV area showed solidarty by shutting down for the day (with paid leave), had a limited menu, or donated profits. Those that remained opened struggled to keep up with the usual lunch rush without their immigrant staff. John Hendrix, the manager of District Commons, told newspaper DW, that the restaurant's "staff is more than two-thirds immigrants. They are the backbone of this industry, without a doubt" ( Shwayder, 2017 ).
Washington D.C.'s food scene has been described as a " culinary pilgrimage, " " international ," and having " top notch restaurants representing almost every food culture in the world ."
Below you will find a map of some of the migrant run businesses in the DMV area. Sadly, we were limited to the number of headings we could use to divide the different cuisines. Therefore, if you are looking for Balkan, Bangladeshi, Burmese, Cambodian & Taiwanese, Ethiopian, German, Honduran, Laotian, Mexican, Pakistani, Peruvian, South African, Thai, Ukrainian, or Vietnamese cuisine, scroll down to the "More" section.
Some of the Many Immigrant Owned Restaurants in the DMV
The Merging of the DMV's Political and Culinary Scenes
When international crises begin, it is not only D.C.'s political scene that reacts.
Bistro Aracosia and the Afghanistan Crisis
Following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, it has become the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with upwards of twenty million Afghans struggling. 1 The Taliban's rise to governmental control of Afghanistan has led to a dramatic reduction in foreign aid, which the country heavily depends on. 2
With such a vibrant, global breadth of cultures, the DMV area, which already had a prevalent Afghani population, has become home to many refugees who have unfortunately needed to leave home following the Taliban's capture of Kabul. Many have advocated and campaigned, showing their support for Afghani refugees.
Bistro Aracostia is an Afghani restaurant in Washington, D.C. that was opened in 2017 by Omar Masroor.
Following the Taliban's gain of control in Afghanistan, Mr. Masroor stepped back from the restaurant and made it completely women-run by his family. Additionally, the restaurant found reputable charities and held fundraisers. 3
Upon entering Bistro Aracostia, one sees a welcoming quote from the 13th-century poet Rumi as well as flowers and a traditional Afghani tea pot.
A beautiful chandelier illuminates Bistro Aracostia and helps to provide an authentic Afghani dining experience.
Similarly, beautiful artwork adorns the walls portraying traditional Afghani narratives.
Another ode to the poet Rumi is shown above the Bistro's bar
Some of the many amazing dishes offered at Bistro Aracostia; from left to right: Bread and Afghani dips brought out at the start of the meal, Assortment of Afghani dumplings, Saffron Chicken Stew, Lamb Shank Stew, Afghani cake
D Light Café and the Russia-Ukraine War
On 24 February 2022 Russia began their invasion on Ukraine sparking Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. So far, "over 4.38 million refugees left their homes in Ukraine" and have sought refugee in neighboring countries. 3 Additionally, an estimated 7.1 million people are believed to be internally displaced in Ukraine. 4
Living in the capitol of the United States, the people of D.C. are no strangers to showing their support with regard to political movements and crises. The city was soon decorated with yellow and blue––Ukranian flags and sunflowers decorated homes and sidewalks, and blue and yellow lights lit the city.
In Adams Morgan, D.C., D Light Cafe and Bakery has been raising funds for Ukranian aid.
The café-bakery-lounge opened in October 2021 and is run by Ukranian immigrant and sisters Vira and Anastasiia Derun. Their mother and father have decided to remain in Ukraine
As the only Ukranian immigrant run bakery in D.C. proper, the DMV community was quick to rush to their store front as a way to show their endless support, solidarity, and care for Ukraine.
When entering the restaurant, you are greeted by Vira or Anastasiia Derun who are always running the cash register and coffee bar.
A small cash donation box with a hand-painted sign is next to the cash register. Most people donated after their order had been run up.
After ordering, Vira or Anastasiia ask where you would like to sit and memorize the location so that they can bring you your coffee, tea, pastry, or meal when it is ready.
If you can, I recommend sitting down next to the pastry box. Not only will you get a closer look at the amazing sweets (pistachio meringue roulade, matcha strewberry éclair, honeydew basil éclair, honey chocolate cake, croissants, and more!), but you can also watch as loyal customers walk in and give Vira and Anastasiia hugs.
In my afternoon at D Light, I listened as people completed placing their order with the question: "How is your family?" or by saying "I am praying for Ukraine" before exiting the store.
Although the cafe is simple in design, the community and it's immense support for Ukraine is vibrant.
For more information, please visit D Light's instagram page @d_light_cafe.
The Ukranian colors blue and yellow are hidden all around the store, as seen above.
