Eat At Global Cafe For Nepali, Sudanese, and Syrian Cuisine

Eat At Global Cafe For Nepali, Sudanese, and Syrian Cuisine

Ed. Note: Contributor Veena tried the the new Global Cafe restaurant, which brings Nepali, Sudanese, and Syrian cuisine to the Crosstown Concourse. Interested in dumplings, falafel, chow mein, shawarma, samosas, or unique cocktails? Keep reading. 


Have you guys been to Global Café yet? I initially went because I'd heard they serve Nepali food, and I have been craving momos something crazy. Spoiler alert: I got my momos, yes, and I also discovered my Memphis food mecca.

Located next to Curb Market at Crosstown Concourse, Global Café is a food hall that serves up three delicious cuisines: Nepalese, Sudanese, and Syrian. You can only access it from the exterior of the building, so don't let that confuse you. I have already been there three times in the few weeks it has been open, and I have no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

On my last visit I had the chance to speak with Juan, the General Manager, about how the Café came to be and what his hopes are for it. According to Juan, the mission of the Café is to “create, offer, and promote cultural awareness by bringing the human race together over food regardless of who you are or where you come from”.

One of the food counters at Global Cafe in Memphis. Photo by Veena Rangaswami.

Each of the three stalls is operated by immigrants and refugees and serves up a variety of vegetarian and meat-based dishes. I have tried:

- the pork momos and vegetarian chow mein from the Nepalese stand
- the ground beef sambusa and dama with rous [tender beef with rice] from the Sudanese stand
- bamia with rice [okra with stewed beef] from the Syrian stand

Each stall also has desserts and specialty drinks, but I have yet to try any.

Chow mein. Photo by Veena Rangaswami.  

My favorites have been the momos, which I could easily eat my weight in, and the dama. The bamia is a little heavy but will be a great dish once the weather cools. The crunchy sambusa are somehow light and filling at the same time, and the accompanying mint sauce gives it a great kick.

The chow mein was very flavorful and was enough to last me three meals. Appetizers run between $3.50-$4.25, and mains are $6.95-$8.95 at each of the stalls.

Samosas. Photo by Veena Rangaswami.  

The cafe has just received its beer and liquor licenses, and they're offering happy hours every day with $3 beers, house wines, well drinks, and signature cocktails concocted by Juan himself.

Juan at the bar. Photo by Holly Whitfield.

According to Juan, the Café has seen great support by the community since it opened. Lunch shifts in particular have been busy, with big crowds eating in along with large to-go orders, and catering requests have been coming in at a steady pace. They have weekly specials, too. 

 

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As promised, we are kicking off our weekly specials campaign. 

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He is hopeful the support and enthusiasm continues, especially since the bar is open. Although the kitchen closes at 9 p.m. during the week and 10 p.m. on weekends, the bar and space will remain open an additional two hours, encouraging patrons to stick around and continue chatting.

Mo mo dumplings. Photo by Veena Rangaswami.  

In the middle of the Café sits a long table that can seat 14-16 people. It is Juan’s hope that this becomes a community table of sorts where immigrants, refugees, and locals alike can share meals and stories together. They have free wifi, and you're welcome to come work and hang out in the space.

He feels it is important to note that the Café is not aiming to make any sort of political statement; they are simply hoping to ensure everyone knows they cook with love and inclusion and offer a space for people to come together.

 

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I am a big fan of the concept - as well as the food and the prices - and look forward to many more future visits. I already warned Juan that I will be a weekly visitor to the Cafe, so say hi if you see me in there!

Pro tip: go with a friend - or two or five - and get a few different dishes from each stall to share. It’s a great, affordable way to try out some new dishes and catch up with friends while you’re at it.

Ed. Note: I've been to Global Cafe as well, and tried the samosas, chicken kebob, and the falafel. The falafel was seriously amazing.  

 

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Go there:

Global Café Memphis
1350 Concourse Avenue
Suite 157
Memphis, TN 38104

Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Falafel and samosas. Photo by Holly Whitfield

About The Author
Veena Rangaswami grew up on the banks of the Mississippi River, and after many years of splitting her time between Memphis and India, she has finally returned full-time to the 901. By day she is a program specialist for the Bridge Builders program at BRIDGES, and by night she can be found reading and writing, eating her way around Memphis, cheering on her favorite sports teams, plotting her next out-of-town adventure, and pretending to be a runner. All she wants is a lifetime supply of Dr. Pepper and to see the Grizz bring home an NBA Championship. Read about her adventures, and follow along for yourself on Instagram and Twitter.

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