In the face of incredible hardship and obstacles, refugees are rising above and connecting our communities in one of the most significant ways: with food. While there are many ways to show support for the refugee community, one way is by supporting local refugee-owned restaurants, which is why we’ve put together our list of a few of our favorite (and most delicious) refugee-owned restaurants right here in Utah!

Laan Na Thai
If you’re craving delicious Pad Thai or Pad Cashew Chicken, then Laan Na Thai is the place for you! Started by Chefs Yupin and Wichai, Laan Na Thai opened in 2016. Yupin helped her mother run a food stand in Thailand when she was young, and after immigrating to the United States in 2009, she became the chef at Ekamai for six years. In 2016, Yupin and Wichai joined the Spice Kitchen and later that year opened Laan Na Thai!

Bhutan House Restaurant
Chefs Kamal and Geeta moved to Utah with their three children in 2010, from Nepal, and before that, Bhutan. Soon after, in 2017, the couple celebrated the grand opening of Bhutan House Restaurant at 1241 East 8600 South in Sandy. The restaurant, run by Kamal, Geeta, and their daughters, features Bhutanese tandoori, which is one of the most popular cooking methods in the Indo-Nepal-Bhutan region. Kamal and Geeta also participate yearly in World Refugee Day and the Salt Lake Downtown Farmer’s Market.

Halab’s Jasmine Kitchen
Looking for authentic and fresh Syrian cuisine? Visit Halab’s Jasmine Kitchen. Chef Ibrahim got his start in his family’s kitchen as a child when he began experimenting with different recipes. After he and his wife Rawiya came to Utah in 2016, they decided that owning their own food business would be a great opportunity. Halab’s Jasmine Kitchen offers healthy and fresh Syrian dishes and prides itself on authenticity. Stop by to try their falafel sandwiches or shawarma!

Jamaica’s Kitchen
Famously known as “Utah’s First Jamaican Food Truck,” Jamaica’s Kitchen is the place to go if you’re craving the flavors of authentic Jamaican food in Utah. Native-born Jamaican Chef Donovan has been working in the kitchen since he was 16. Starting as a dishwasher, he quickly developed a passion for Jamaican cuisine and was mentored by a chef who inspired him to attend culinary school. In 2017 he opened Jamaica’s Kitchen. There, as well as at local markets and festivals, you can find him cooking up dishes like spicy & sweet Jamaican jerk chicken or tender curry goat with rice and beans. Jamaica’s Kitchen also caters!

Learn more about how you can support Utah’s refugee community by exploring CCS’ Refugee Resettlement and Refugee Foster Care pages.

Name: Tonya Merrill

Family members: Eric (spouse), Nathan & Allie (son & daughter-in-law), Heather (daughter), Erika (daughter), Dallin & Brenna (son & daughter-in-law), Nikki (daughter), and two wonderful grandkids, Grace & Luke Why are you teaching at Columbus? I wanted to help empower these wonderful refugees and immigrants to have a successful and productive life. I love to serve and the opportunity to meet new people. Being my Savior's hands in any way, including in a small way at Columbus, I genuinely appreciate it. Interests/Hobbies/Education/ Etc.: I love to do anything water….waterski, snorkel, and especially be at a beautiful sunny beach! I love to do all kinds of sports. Some of my favorites are pickleball, wallyball, gymnastics, and tennis. I love to go on crazy adventures like backpacking trips, rappelling, and ziplining! Anything outdoors is wonderful… camping, hiking, or just walking outdoors. I love to read, and I want a fantastic book club. I love to learn! Currently trying to learn Spanish! I graduated in Computer Science from USU. I love being a mom and vgrandma! We raise a big garden but mostly say we were mostly trying to raise hard-working kids through the garden. I cherish my family and spending time with them. I like to cook and bake for them, which speaks to their hearts and warms our home. I am a Christian and deeply value His teachings; I try to let them guide my life.

Adam Blanco

Adam was born in Caracas, Venezuela, on March 29, 2003. His mother has a student at Columbus, Magdalena Blanco. Both are currently living in Caracas. Magdalena’s mother lives with them also.

Adam lived with his dad in New Jersey, USA, for three years and attended an American school at that time. Adam loves movies. He often makes references to film during class that has a connection to a lesson that is being taught. He especially loves Superheroes and Ghostbusters. He loves Legos of dinosaurs and animals. Adam’s favorite foods are pasta, rice, plantains, lemon pie, and Oreo pie. Adam walks every day and loves to play tennis. Adam works with fabrics taking inventory for his job. He studies Art Graphics. He has created beautiful graphic butterflies, which he has shared via Zoom. Adam is delightful. We love seeing his beautiful smile, which makes us smile every time

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