Lancaster is bustling with authentic cuisine from around the world. We’re talking about places like Nepal, Thailand, France and Italy. The city is also home to a small number of Ethiopian restaurants, and welcomed in another restaurant representing African cuisine when The Big 5 African Cuisine opened its doors on Plum Street in Lancaster’s northeast neighborhood on November 1.
The 20-seat restaurant is owned by Laurah Musembi, who was inspired to open The Big 5 by her mother, Julian Musembi, who once ran her own African food stand at Eastern Market. After Laurah was furloughed from her job, she decided to try something new.
“I was looking for something different and I realized we don’t have a lot of African places around here,” Laurah said. “I could always go ahead and try something different while I’m furloughed.”
As far as the food goes, Laurah is building off of the recipes from her mother’s stand and adding in her own as well. Her favorite dishes are the beef and chicken stews and pilau rice. Along with the stews, you can choose from pork sausage and beef samosas. You’ll also find mashed potatoes with a veggie mixed in, like sweet corn or peas. There’s always a veggie option, which changes often: cabbage, collard greens, spinach and more.
And don’t even think about leaving The Big 5 without a few pieces of mandazi, an African doughnut. Perfectly fried on the outside and fluffy on the inside, it somehow manages to be sweet and savory at the same time.
“Come and try it out. We don’t have a lot of African food options in Lancaster, and I’m sure people will love the flavors and the taste of our food!” Laurah added. “We appreciate the support we’ve been shown [so far].”
The Big 5 African Cuisine is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m–7 p.m.
You can find The Big 5 African Cuisine at 630 N. Plum St. in Lancaster; phone: (717) 208-6035.
- Photos: Madeline Rice Brommer
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