Authentic African
About Us
UMKULU (Umkulu means kitchen in Zulu/ Ndebele and other languages of Southern Africa). The name is inspired by our African common origin, emphasizing the Kitchen as the centre of family living. Umkulu was first crafted back in Zimbabwe where freshly cooked food was sold from a truck, locally referred to as a Caravan.
Then we moved to Canada.
In Canada, we sold food at the local famous Annual Sun Festival, our food sold fast and we could not meet demand. We were also asked by Ailsa Craig Village (just north west of London) to cook at their Annual Quilt Festival and again noticed a healthy interest in the food.
The COVID period impacted our attempt to grow and establish UMKULU Kitchen . Today, we are operating from one of London's best markets; The Western Fair District Market, we are growing and are grateful to the customers who love our food and support us.
What Inspires Us
We are inspired by patronage of friendly customers to our events and seeing people enjoy the food is both satisfying and invigorating! We are convinced that we make scrumptious African and excellent Southern African Cuisine.
We are also inspired by other African and Ethnic minority food-makers and restaurants in the area, not to mention the vibrant food producers and the farming community in Ontario!
As we grow, we hope to bring you a variety of other African cuisine tastes.
About the Owner
My passion for cooking began in my family of origin, an origin that consisted of people from different countries in Southern Africa. I was always exposed to different cuisines, I became fascinated by the subtle differences & similarities of Southern Africans Cuisine.
Growing up poor, with my parents working in other people’s houses, I learned from an early age to use my imagination to create great food from minimal ingredients.
My grandmother's cooking was the best; she used a time tested method of slow cooking, simmering over hours to extract juices and nutrients.
My mother was always trying something new; she would mix sweet things with sour things, bitter things with spicy things, the list goes on. She was the first and last person I ever saw extracting bone marrow from the bone to cook with! She also made chutney with any fruit she could get hold of, she grew plants and vegetables that average Zimbabweans knew nothing about at that time.
My grandmother on the other hand, cooked authentic African food; slowly, systematic, nothing was rushed.
Although my friends and customers consider my cooking good, I know I might not cook African cuisine the way it was cooked in my family - my Kitchen is dedicated to my mother, Selina Khumalo-Dube and my grandmother Jane Mkwena.
Serving African Dishes to the Community
Order food for your Groups, Corporate Offices or family/friends dinners. Email thecook@umkulukitchen.ca, OR...
Get in Touch
Thank you for your interest in our dishes at Umkulu Kitchen. Contact us to order African dishes for your family and friends. These are always served fresh from our kitchen. Feel free to share your enquiries and concerns as well!
Contact Information
Umkulu Kitchen
Currently Operating from -
The Grove Harvesting Innovation, Incubator Kitchen,
900 King Street, London, ON N5W 5K3
Phone/Text:226-219-6154
Email: thecook@umkulukitchen.ca
AND
from the Western Fair Market, 2nd level, 900 King street https://themarketwfd.com/
Service Areas
London, Ontario and Other Areas
Hours of Operation
Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m
Sundays 10:00 to 2:00p.m.
We currently operate from the Western Fair Market
900 King Street https://themarketwfd.com/
Orders are fulfilled Fridays from 3:00 - 7:00p.m pick-up from The Grove @ the Western District 900 King Street
Let us know when you are on your way for a pick-up text 226-219-6154
orders $50 and more attracts a 10% discount.