It’s not ideal to run a new business with major construction happening outside the door, but Sani Musah said the construction on Brookline Boulevard doesn’t bother him.
The Boulevard is the perfect location for his new store, Daree Salam African Market. The market, which opened at the end of February, specializes in items used in traditional African cooking.
Musah, a Beechview resident, is a first-time business owner and said he wanted to open the store to give some people a taste of a new culture, and others the taste of home.
“With the growing culture of Africans, I wanted to give the people a way to eat what is their mother food is,” Musah said.
The store carries items used in traditional African cooking. Some items, like corn meal, fish and some cooking oils, are common in other cultures.
“Most African foods are grain based,” Musah said. “Corn meal is widely used in Africa. There’s a lot of smoked and fresh fish.”
Other items aren’t so commonly used and can be harder to find. Daree Salam carries rice and bean flours, as well as casaba flour and millet. Goat meat also is available.
Musah said right now, the store stocks items he knows are needed for most traditional dishes. As more people visit the store and make requests, he plans to add to the inventory.
“This location is great. Everyone knows Brookline Boulevard,” he said. “It’s new, so hopefully people will come in and explore.”
A website for the store is in the works.
Daree Salam is located at 944 Brookline Boulevard. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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