Dining at America’s Only Native American Restaurant 🪶
I’ve had the enormous privilege of dining at America’s only full service Native American restaurant twice this year, and honestly it was just as emotional of an experience the second time as it was the first. 😭
I’ve posted about this before, but it really is emotional. Because… how often do we get the chance to try a new cuisine anymore? As foodies, especially living in NYC, I feel like I’ve tried almost everything. And yet somehow, in the “melting pot” of the world, with the Thanksgiving Day Parade and everything, there’s barely any representation of the original people of this land. No Native American restaurants. No real presence. It still blows my mind.
And that’s why I truly think traveling to Minnesota is worth it. They have this treasure. I really hope we start seeing more around the country someday. 🤞
The duck, the quail, the turkey with greens, the wild rice harvested by Indigenous hands, the mocktails made from native ingredients… everything tastes like the land itself. It tastes like stepping into a National Park, breathing in earth and wind and history.
Thanksgiving has really become a holiday of family and food, mostly because so many of us reject the stories we were told when we were kids. (Avoiding the P word so I don’t get blocked 😊) For the Wampanoag’s, the original tribe that helped pilgrims the survive, it is a day of mourning. Maybe one day, we will collectively see it that way too.
In Minneapolis, they sell small packets of wild rice harvested by Indigenous people. I was lucky enough to bring one home, and I’m planning to cook it for National Day of Mourning even though I’m not hosting a big feast this year. It will be the first time we have true Indigenous American food in our home!! 😭 And maybe in the coming years, I’ll learn to cook some indigenous dishes too. Insha Allah.
Follow: @Owamni by The Sioux Chef
*Sorry if I got some things wrong I’m still reeducating 🥺
#nativeamericancuisine #nativeamericanfood #owamni #thesiouxchef #indigenousfood
Dining at Owamni offers a truly unique experience that goes beyond just eating—it’s about connecting with the land, history, and original peoples of Turtle Island. The restaurant emphasizes a decolonized culinary philosophy by excluding colonial ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, dairy, wheat flour, and refined sugars, focusing instead on indigenous foods like wild rice, bison, game birds, corn, beans, and squash. This approach not only highlights traditional Native American agricultural products but also educates diners about centuries of Indigenous resilience and cultural preservation. The menu showcases an array of dishes that are deeply rooted in Indigenous food systems, including wild rice harvested by Indigenous hands, smoked turkey, duck breast with native sauces, and the innovative use of local berries and herbs in their preparations. Each dish tells a story of the region and Indigenous food identity, offering a taste that is connected to the earth and embodies the spirit of the original inhabitants. Dining here also invites reflection on the complex history of Thanksgiving, a holiday that for many Indigenous people, including the Wampanoag tribe, marks a time of mourning rather than celebration. This recognition offers a chance for guests to engage thoughtfully with Native American perspectives and promote greater cultural understanding. Owamni’s mission extends beyond food; it is owned and run by the non-profit organization North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS), which supports Indigenous food education and accessibility. By prioritizing Indigenous producers and seasonal menus, the restaurant plays a vital role in fostering the sustainability of Native food traditions. For food lovers and travelers, supporting establishments like Owamni helps amplify Indigenous voices and ensures these rich culinary traditions gain the recognition they deserve nationwide. Cooking indigenous foods at home, such as wild rice, further strengthens this connection and appreciation. If you are passionate about authentic, meaningful food experiences that honor Native American culture and history, Owamni in Minneapolis is a must-visit, representing a rare culinary gem and hopeful sign for growing Indigenous representation in the American food scene.