Rich flavour and resourcefulness are two markers of soul food, with its foundations lying in the traditions and foodways of the Southern Black community, and at the deeper roots of the African diaspora.
Its pioneers used what they were available, making many things from ingredients that were often spurred in other kitchens, and today, sown tail dishes from the nose to nature, where world-class chefs see “reinterpretation” and/or “elevated” take. It expresses the cultural significance and broad respect of soul food.
But for most fans, soul food is perfect when it’s old school. I remember the taste of scooping up from the chef’s foil trays at my grandmother’s house or at my church, or being delivered to my favorite Southern Diner tables when I returned home.
Leaning towards Nikki’s Place: 2 Generations Examine Civil Rights, Paramore Soul Food
National Soul Food Month was founded by Charla L. Draper, a nationally recognized food influencer and culinary communication expert and former food editor, in both Southern Living and Ebony magazines.
“I’m blessed to come from a fantastic family of chefs and I’ve realized that traditional soul food is a food worthy of celebration,” says Draper. “So, June 2001 became National Soul Food Month and it appeared on Chase’s annual event calendar.”
But will you put it on the map?
“It’s an ongoing initiative!” she laughs.
“The enthusiasm of program participants including our website, National Soulfoodmonth.com, and Chicago chef Cliflowma (Peach’s Restaurant), V. Sherry Williams of Cuisine Noir Magazine (James Beard Foundation Award recipient), and Soul Food Scholar Adrian Miller have helped us.
Do you want to play your role? Put these and other local soul food gems on your to-do list.
Shawnas
When Shauna opened on the west side of town almost six years ago, it immediately caught my attention. These days, you definitely don’t have to accept my words. The NBA’s reasonable chunks eat here when they’re in town and in the cute little place of owner Joshua Johnson, and the dishes plagued by his skillful chef, Tim Brown, are always going viral. Recently, it was a new oxtail pasta dish that people were eating in space online before realizing their dreams.
Shauna is open Monday through Thursday until 11pm
“It started about three years ago when one of our line cooks needed extra money and asked if we could stay for a few hours.
After all, he was in something.
Many people started to stop regularly, but since then Shauna went back to practice and dialed, but constantly asked fans that could open again later, and while Health could open a new hospital, Johnson and his crew decided to leave the door open four days a week.
Johnson says the business was good, but now there are more timing options to check out the foods that the country’s best ballers are craving.
Seana’s: Orlando, 719 Good Homes Road, 321-800-6846; seanasorlando.com
Nikki’s location
Chef Nick Aiken began working at Roser’s restaurant when he was 10 years old. Paramore was a busy part of the city, bustling with black-owned businesses. Rosers was one of them. And that’s where he learned to make beef stew, chicken, sweet potato pie, candied yum and more. Everything from scratch. It’s the same way he cooks them, and many other dishes today at Nikki’s location, his family’s place today. It has been changing times in Orlando and elsewhere since 1999, but Nikki’s food is all the food that has loved it for over 25 years. If for any reason you haven’t reached this 407 engine, don’t run. Because you definitely can’t run when you leave. That belly isn’t full of food.
Nikki location: 742 Carter St. in Orlando, 844-536-7962; nikkisplace.net
Sunshine Soul Food Cafe
Several soul food joints have Caribbean talent, and this colorful little spot on the west offers traditional flavors (fried chicken, meatloaf, turkey wings) alongside Haitian classics such as gliots and goat stew. Seriously, the big point of Zippy Pikris!
Another bonus: Sunshine Soul Food is hidden inside the Caribbean Sunshine Bakery, transforming into something similar to the island style of a mini food hall. Bring your group, grab the booth and order a true buffet with all the soul food and all the sun (oxtails, shrimp, ackey, salted fish, curry, etc.). Good things can take time to cook, so call first to make sure you’re ready if you have a specific craving. So it’s why they often come to those who wait.
Sunshine Soul Food Cafe: Sunshine Bakery in the Caribbean, 2528 W. Colonial Drive, Colonial Drive in Orlando, 407-839-8999; instagram.com/sunshinesoulfoodcafefl
Kim and Kukun
This Eaton Bill Bungalow goes crazy. Fans stack collards and cabbage mac and cheese very literally, stacking them in their own takeaway box along with mainstays such as meatloaf and choked pork chops and delicious grilled chicken. Kim Middleton’s segment was one of the Orlando-centric episodes of Netflix’s “Someone’s Feed Fill” in 2024. And as far as her loyal clients are concerned, this Thai-bred Titan touch tastes like heaven from her kitchen. When you reach this all takeout operation counter, ask if the rice needs gravy and say yes. While you’re in it, grab a chunk of pineapple cake.
Kook’n with Kim: 307 W. Kennedy Blvd. Orlando, 407-683-0815; instagram.com/_kooknwithkim
Find me on Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram @Amydroo, or Osfoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more food fun, join Let’s Eat and Orlando Facebook Group.
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