Global diplomacy at epicure embassy

By Shaun Inguanzo
FOOD is a universal language and one that Dandenong chef Amir Mumin is fluent in.
The owner of Taste of Africa in Dandenong is celebrating his business’ second birthday but says his journey so far has been more about helping his community than making a dollar.
Through the African cuisine that the Sudanese-born chef serves up, Mr Mumin has slowly introduced the Greater Dandenong community to African culture.
He has visited local schools, including Dandenong West Primary School, which last made news in 2005 after Sudanese migrant William Gany drove a car into a bus stop while he was drunk, seriously injuring one student.
“I went to Dandenong West to clear the mind of the kids and show them that Sudanese are not bad people,” Mr Mumin said.
“This is how I started my work with schools.”
Since then, Mr Mumin has visited Wesley College, Sacred Heart College, Genazzano College, and a host of local primary schools.
But despite his good work, Mr Mumin said Sudanese and other African migrants were still perceived as dangerous because of the actions of a few.
“For that, I suffer and no one else is willing to stand up and say anything,” he said.
“Before, people used to see us in the street, stop us and say how are you doing, where are you from, and say I like your hair – they were nice.
“Now, nobody says nothing – why is that?”
Mr Mumin said he had also been the recipient of racist comments, simply for the colour of his skin.
“They say you black this, you black that – it’s not good.”
Mr Mumin said the solution to the problem was a two-pronged approach: Greater Dandenongresidents and Sudanese refugees needed tolearn more about each other.
It’s the reason why Mr Mumin has affectionately coined his restaurant the unofficial Sudanese embassy because he welcomes anyone into the restaurant and invests the time to explain his food and culture to guests.
The chef has been working with the City of Greater Dandenong council and is now a part of the council’s Food Tour that takes residents to several restaurants in the city so they can discover the broad range of cuisines on offer.
“I can’t believe it. I’ve had people from as far away as Alice Springs come here,” Mr Mumin said.
People have fallen in love with the basic yet healthy dishes and Mr Mumin said he was rapt to see people from rural places such as Shepparton, Kyabram and Cobram return to Taste of Africa when they passed through Dandenong.
“Sudanese food is cooked properly, it digests really quickly in the body,” Mr Mumin said.
“You eat it and two hours later feel like you could walk to Melbourne and back.
“Back home we’d eat a whole meal then go out and play soccer. You can’t eat a pizza then go and do that.”
Taste of Africa is located in Walker Street, Dandenong.
Contact Amir Mumin for more information on 9793 9942.