A Taste of Seattle: Eight Refugee Businesses in Seattle, Washington

From delicious East African salsas to Syrian cuisine, farmers' markets and bookstores, refugee-owned businesses in Seattle are fostering economic growth and helping build a strong local economy. 

In fact, refugees and immigrants in Seattle, Washington, have contributed over $31 billion to the local economy through their spending power and paid over $12.7 billion in taxes, according to a 2019 New American Economy report.

“We welcome immigrants and refugees from other countries because they make us better,” says Seattle Mayor, Bruce Harrell. They bring knowledge, work ethic, culture, food, and excitement. They make us better, and they bring out the best in us.” 

Here are eight refugee-owned businesses in the Seattle metropolitan area that showcase how refugees and newcomers are making their mark and thriving in their new communities.

Doolie's: 

Doolie's was inspired by a simple East African salsa recipe passed down by owner, Abdul Mohamud's grandmother.

Doolie's salsa contains a unique blend of fresh ingredients, including coconut, jalapeños, and lemon. It is available in several stores around the Seattle metropolitan area, including Metropolitan Market, Leschi Market and West Seattle Thriftway.

Mustafa Syrian Kitchen 

Inspired by their love for cooking for large groups in their native Syria, Mustafa Al Mustafa and his family founded Mustafa Syrian Kitchen. The catering company was started thanks to the help and training of Project Feast, a local Seattle-based non-profit providing refugees and immigrants with culinary training and the skills needed to launch their businesses. 

Today the refugee-owned and operated business specializes in catering for business meetings, family gatherings, weddings and other special events. Mustafa Syrian Kitchen also has a presence in Vashon, Washington, where their traditional Syrian pastries can be found in local stores and they provide lunch every Friday at the Vashon Senior Center.

Ubuntu Street Café:

Located in historic Titusville Station, Ubuntu Street Café is operated by Project Feast, which equips refugee cooks with the skills and job opportunities they need to succeed. The café offers its apprentices real-life experiences to help support and develop their culinary and customer service skills.

Refugee Artisan Initiative:

The Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) is an eco-friendly program that collaborates with refugee and immigrant women to support their successful transition to the U.S. by offering training in artisan skills and assistance in developing micro-businesses.

From handmade crafts like purses made of recyclable materials to bold-statement jewelry, each item produced through the initiative is then sold to support the program's mission.

Tukwila Village Farmers Market

The Tukwila Village Farmers Market is an initiative of the Food Innovation Network (FIN) and the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) “Roots program,” which leverages the agricultural experience of refugee and immigrant families by providing access to land, materials and education to grow healthy food.

The market also features prepared foods crafted by local entrepreneurs at the FIN's “Taste Around the Globe” booth, where individuals from immigrant and refugee communities offer various global cuisines— from Congolese to Cambodian—reflecting the rich diversity of Seattle.

Spice Bridge 

Spice Bridge is home to Seattle’s Food Innovation Network’s (FIN) Food Business Incubator program, which supports BIPOC, immigrants and refugees in starting and expanding their businesses in South King County. 

The Global Food Hall, located at Tukwila Village, is home to a diverse range of restaurants operated by refugee and immigrant chefs.

Mam’s Books 

Mam's Books is an independently-owned Asian American bookstore located in Seattle's historic Chinatown International District. The store specializes in offering books by Asian American authors and writers. 

Their vision is to establish a space in the community that promotes Asian American voices and perspectives.

Theary

Owned and operated by Cambodian refugees, Theary is on a mission to share authentic Khmer cuisine with the world. 

Theary menu features traditional Khmer dishes like coconut fried rice, chicken and beef meatballs and spicy stuffed frog. Owner, Theary Ngeth, hopes that by bringing Khmer foods to Seattle they can help preserve Cambodia's rich culinary culture and heritage.

How to help…

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency supports the full journey of refugees who have been forced to flee violence, war and persecution. Our donors help refugees in their greatest time of need with shelter, food, water and medical care, and their support builds awareness for resettled refugees living in the U.S. With your help, more refugees will have the opportunity to build a peaceful life and give their families a bright future.