Collaboration with the City of Portland to Spotlight Foodie Friends
In collaboration with the City of Portland’s Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), FWC launched an initiative dubbed “Shop Around the World” to celebrate local, immigrant-owned businesses. “Shop Around the World” will feature three different ethnic grocery stores at the Woodfords Corner Farmers Market, showcasing the groceries, recipes, and connections that each store offers.
The first iteration of this project happened at the August 15th farmers market - Foodie Friends joined us for the afternoon with samples of their new prepared foods menu. The owner, Ibrahim, and Chef Sabah were at the tent with Belinda and Lauren from OEO; they brought so much joy to the market as they shared food and stories.
Thank you to Belinda, Lauren, and Melissa from OEO for helping us make this happen! The second :Shop Around the World” tent will be at the Woodfords Corner Farmers Market in September.
Read on to learn more about Foodie Friends, and check out their new menu!
Foodie Friends
Written by Belinda Vembe
Meet Ibrahim, the heart and soul behind the Eritrean Grocery and Restaurant Foodie Friends, a vibrant market dedicated to bringing the rich flavors of Eritrea and the Middle East to Woodfords Corner. Ibrahim, an Eritrean native, has called the United States home for the past 18 years. His journey began with a dream to share his culture’s exquisite cuisine, and today, that dream flourishes in his beloved store.
Ibrahim and his family have a passion for their community as deep as their love for food. Over the years, Ibrahim has become a cherished figure in the area. As he would say, “we are a family,” known not only for their incredible culinary skills but also for their unwavering commitment to fostering a sense of togetherness.
A proud father of three, Ibrahim balances the demands of his thriving business with a devoted family life. He works alongside his son Saleh who brings a youthful expertise and understands the mission at hand. Ibrahim’s other children, who are growing up immersed in both Eritrean traditions and American culture, are often seen helping out at the store, learning the values of hard work and community spirit from their father.
Ibrahim's culinary expertise is rooted in years of experience and a profound understanding of Eritrean flavors, which he expertly translates into a range of dishes that celebrate both the traditional and the innovative. His store is more than just a grocery; it’s a gathering spot where the community comes together to savor the tastes of Eritrea and the Middle East and share in the joy of good company.
Alongside Ibrahim and Saleh there are a diverse number of employees working at Foodie Friends. Chef Sabah, from Iraq, is charming and knows his way around the kitchen. With a background in catering for high-profile events, Sabah brings a touch of elegance and authenticity to every dish he creates, infusing his Iraqi heritage into each meal with meticulous care.
For the new prepared foods menu, Chef Sabah is able to source everything he needs right from the store. Foodie Friends not only has a wide variety of Middle Eastern and Eritrean dry goods: They have a Halal butchery, sourcing their lamb and goat from Vermont.
Through Eritrean Delights, and various other foods from all over the world Ibrahim, Saleh, Chef Sabah, and the entire Foodie Friends family continue to bridge cultures, inspire connections, and enrich his community, all while keeping their heritages close to his heart.
