Hamissi Mamba is the co-owner and visionary behind Baobab Fare, an award-winning East African restaurant in Detroit.
Originally from Burundi, his journey is a testament to resilience. Before seeking asylum in the United States in 2015, he built a successful career in sales and marketing. Upon arrival, he stayed at Freedom House Detroit, where he began learning English while working full-time and participating in entrepreneurial training programs, including Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and ProsperUs Detroit.

In 2017, Mamba and his wife, Nadia Nijimbere, pursued their dream of creating a restaurant that honored their East African heritage while giving back to Detroit. Their vision won the Hatch Detroit competition, and in 2021, they officially co-founded Baobab Fare, which was named Best New Restaurant in America by Eater (2021). The restaurant was also recognized among the Best New Restaurants by Detroit Free Press and Esquire (2022).

As a self-taught chef, Mamba draws from family recipes, street food traditions, and the flavors of Burundi to craft bold, authentic dishes. His culinary approach blends precision with passion, elevating meals into deeply personal stories. In 2023, he gained national recognition as a Food Network Chopped Champion.
Baobab Fare’s acclaim includes:
 

• Eater’s Best New Restaurant in America (2021)

• Esquire’s Best New Restaurant in America (2022)

• Best New Restaurant in Metro Detroit (2022)

• James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef (2022, 2023, 2024)

• James Beard Nominee for Outstanding Restaurateur (2024)

• State of Michigan Award (2021, 2023)
   

Mamba is now expanding his ventures, leading the growth of:

• Waka by Baobab Fare – evolved from a beloved East African food truck into a brick-and-mortar restaurant, opening in Detroit’s Eastern Market in 2025.

• Soko by Baobab Fare – a retail and consumer products brand featuring sauces, spices, coffee, and beverages.

• Baobab Fare East – a second full-service restaurant under development on Detroit’s East Warren corridor