Flavors from Afar

Flavors from Afar is a woman- and refugee-led social enterprise rooted in Southern California. Founded by Meymuna Hussein-Cattan, we began in 2018 as a catering service to support the Tiyya Foundation. We opened our brick-and-mortar in Little Ethiopia in 2020 and are now in East Hollywood. We celebrate the culinary heritage of refugee and asylum-seeking chefs by providing employment, professional training, and a pathway to economic self-sufficiency. A three-time Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, Flavors is known for its globally inspired dishes and strong social impact. Revenue is shared between the chefs, Tiyya’s free community programs, and the restaurant. More than just a place to dine, Flavors from Afar is a cultural hub—hosting storytelling dinners, private events, and high-profile gatherings, including catering the inaugural UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund gala. Since opening, we’ve trained and employed over 25 refugee chefs from around the world. To diversify our revenue, we offer catering, private dinners, cooking classes, event space rentals, and The Refuge—a daytime coworking café. At its core, Flavors from Afar is an international gathering place where food becomes a powerful tool for connection, resilience, and cultural exchange.