An African-inspired market, café, and halal butcher shop in Roxbury is expanding.
Nubian Markets, a community hub known for celebrating the flavors of the African diaspora, has announced plans to open a second location in Boston. Though an exact address hasn’t been disclosed yet, the team broke the news in an Instagram post: “We’re expanding! Our mission to nourish Roxbury is growing, and we’re thrilled to announce the opening of a second location.”
Founded in 2023 by Ismail Samad and Yusuf Yassin, the original Nubian Markets was envisioned as more than just a place to shop or eat. Samad, an experienced zero-waste chef, set out to create a space that would highlight the richness of African cuisine while also serving as a gathering place for the community.
Inside the 2,000-square-foot flagship space at 2565 Washington St, visitors wander a vibrant market inspired by the streets and villages of Africa, where imported goods meet locally grown produce through transparent, equitable sourcing.
At the halal butcher counter, every cut meets the highest standards, while an adjoining event room hosts both public and private gatherings. Catering services are also available.
The café menu brings the market’s mission to life with dishes like chickpea peanut stew, jerk chicken, black-eyed pea fritters, and peri peri chicken salad. Breakfast lovers can enjoy sandwiches and omelettes, while vegans and vegetarians will find plenty of options too.
“Nubian Markets is more than just a market,” reads the website. “It’s a model and an embodiment of the African history that is so deeply rooted within the soils of this nation.”
As a part of the expansion, the team is seeking a seasoned executive chef who shares their passion for celebrating African culinary heritage and “believes in the power of food to connect and uplift.”
