courtesy Nuli
From a press release:
“Nuli, a first-of-its kind health-forward, fast-casual restaurant showcasing African superfoods and locally grown produce, is set to make its U.S. debut this August in downtown D.C. food hall, The Square, located at 1850 K Street, NW in Washington, DC. Driven by its mission to energize healthier lifestyles through better nutrition, Nuli directly sources fresh farm produce from local growers across the region, combining this with highly nutritious African superfoods to create innovative wraps, stir-fried bowls, salads, juices and smoothies. Introducing its award-winning approach to sustainable, creatively crafted meals, Nuli is helping place Africa as the next frontier in the cultural cuisine category.
Founded by celebrated Nigerian food-entrepreneur and angel investor, Ada Osakwe, Nuli was born from an inspiration to create reliable market demand for local farmers to reduce high post-harvest losses, as well as to provide healthier, local alternatives to fast-food in urban cities. Nuli has operated 10 locations in Lagos, Nigeria, serving diverse groups of wellness-seeking, health-conscious individuals, as well as global entities such as Google, Uber and McKinsey. The company will launch its first U.S. location with the aim of bringing the nutritional magic of African superfoods to American customers; ingredients like protein-packed fonio, antioxidant-rich moringa, gluten-free cassava, and hibiscus, which is known for its blood pressure regulating properties.
“I am so excited to introduce Nuli to the U.S. market,” said founder Ada Osakwe. “African culture has so much to offer the world beyond Afrobeats music and African fashion. It’s now time for U.S. consumers to embrace African cuisine, especially in a format that’s familiar and convenient for them. I’m thrilled that we get to share the nutritional power of our unique superfoods with the D.C. community through our innovative menu that is fresh and natural, using only locally grown fruits and vegetables sourced from farmers across the DMV,” she continued. “Food has always been a bridge between cultures, and I cannot wait to see the meaningful connections that would be formed through our offering.”
The thoughtfully curated Nuli menu not only reflects the culinary traditions from various regions across Africa’s 54 countries but also honors the confluence of cultures within the continent, including elements of Mediterranean and Indian culinary traditions. Guests can look forward to toasted wraps prepared using Nuli’s freshly baked naan bread and filled with various choices of proteins, including a plant-based option, as well as stir-fried bowls with base options like the African grain fonio, couscous and jollof rice, each customizable to suit individual tastes and preferences. Sides include Moin-Moin (‘steamed bean cakes’), air-fried Dodo Fries (‘sweet plantains’), naan-bread strips and a selection of veggie-based soups. House-made condiments like an African aromatic spicy dip and a unique toasted egusi (West African melon seed) vinaigrette will also be served.
Nuli’s iconic cold-pressed juices will round out the menu and feature nutrient-packed African superfoods like hibiscus (‘Zobo’), tigernut, moringa, and tamarind. The company will replicate its farm-to-table approach by intentionally sourcing ingredients from American farms in the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia region, underscoring Nuli’s ongoing commitment to supporting local agriculture and farmers.
Nuli at The Square, located at 1850 K Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20006, will open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 8pm. More information with a specific opening date, final menu and opening day specials will be made available soon.”