Zimbabwean entrepreneur Makomborero Pashapa has launched an African restaurant in central Warsaw called The African Nest, becoming one of the few Zimbabweans to establish a food business in Poland.
The restaurant, which officially opened on April 2, attracted a significant turnout, with members of the Zimbabwean, South African, and wider African communities attending the launch event. The establishment aims to bring authentic Zimbabwean and South African cuisine to the growing African population in Poland.
Speaking to ZimCelebs in Warsaw, Pashapa, commonly known as Mako, said he was excited to introduce traditional African dishes to the Polish market.
“Nigerians, Indians, and Turkish nationals are already thriving in this industry, and I felt it was time for a Zimbabwean to step in,” Pashapa said.
The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Zimbabwean foods, including mazondo (trotters), gango, mhunga (millet), goat meat, and okra. The menu reflects a commitment to preserving Zimbabwean culinary heritage while catering to an international audience.
Pashapa acknowledged that many Zimbabweans are hesitant to start businesses in Poland due to complex regulations and lengthy bureaucratic procedures but encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap.
“The business environment here is open to everyone. It just requires patience and determination,” he said.
Addressing concerns about sourcing authentic Zimbabwean ingredients, Pashapa said importing some essential products is manageable.
“We bring some ingredients from home, but Poland’s agricultural sector provides a variety of meats and vegetables that allow us to maintain authenticity,” he explained.
With growing interest in African cuisine across Europe, Pashapa’s venture adds to Warsaw’s diverse food scene, offering Zimbabweans and other Africans in Poland a long-awaited taste of home.
