Tawakal Restaurant: The Story of Burnsville’s First Somali Eatery

When Tawakal Restaurant first opened its doors at 12609 Nicollet Avenue, it wasn't just launching a new business—it was introducing an entire suburban community to the rich flavors of East Africa. Today, it stands proud as the very first Somali restaurant in Burnsville.

The journey from a small, family-bankrolled startup to a beloved neighborhood staple is a classic story of community, heritage, and perseverance.

The Bold Leap: The Startup Phase

The story began with a brother-and-sister duo, Yussuf and Ifrah Shafie. Having moved to Burnsville with their family in 2000 by way of Kenya and Somalia, they watched the local East African immigrant population grow rapidly over a decade. Despite the booming community, there was a glaring problem: anyone craved authentic Somali cooking had to make a 20-minute drive all the way into Minneapolis.

Yussuf and Ifrah saw an opportunity to bridge that gap. Betting on their dream, they combined their hard-earned personal savings—Yussuf from his job with a residential group-home provider and Ifrah from her career as a nurse—to bankroll the initial venture.

When they launched in the Nic-Burn strip mall, 23-year-old Yussuf set out with a clear, ambitious dual mission:

1. Provide a welcoming "home away from home" for local East Africans.
2. Educate and change perceptions among non-African neighbors through the universal language of incredible food.

Breaking Ground: Winning Over the Suburbs

In the early days, entering a market saturated with standard suburban chain restaurants was a challenge. Somali cuisine—with its fragrant fusion of African, Mediterranean, and Italian influences (a byproduct of historical trade routes)—was entirely new to many locals.

To break down barriers, Yussuf acted as an enthusiastic host and cultural guide, using a comprehensive picture menu to help newcomers navigate the options. Diners quickly discovered the joy of pairing savory beef sambusas with a complimentary banana—a traditional Somali practice where a bite of banana accompanies every forkful of spiced rice or spaghetti.

Within its first year, the word spread. Signature dishes like tender, slow-cooked goat meat and chicken curry began drawing steady crowds.

The Anchor of Nicollet Avenue: Tawakal Today

Years later, Tawakal Restaurant has fully transitioned from a risky startup to a verified suburban institution. It has been featured widely in regional Twin Cities publications, with glowing reviews proudly pinned to its walls. What began as a single eatery has even expanded to abut a grocery store and boutique bearing the same name, forming a localized cultural hub.

While the restaurant has grown, its core has never changed. It remains a deeply authentic, family-run space where a massive plate of Bariis Iskukaris (spiced rice) or Hilib Geel (camel meat) is served with a side of genuine hospitality. Yussuf and Ifrah succeeded not just in feeding a community, but in weaving their homeland's heritage permanently into the fabric of Burnsville.

🚗 How to Ride MVTA Connect To Tawakal Restaurant:

You can easily reach this location using MVTA Connect, an affordable on-demand, curb-to-curb microtransit service within Burnsville.

• Curb-to-Curb II Service: Accessible vans or small buses drop you off directly at your destination.
• The Flat Cost: A budget-friendly $3.00 per person each way.
• Payment Methods: Payable via cash, Go-To Card.
• Service Hours: Operates daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM (plan ahead for late-night game conclusions).

How to Book Your Ride

• Order via Smartphone: Use the RideMVTA App (iOS and Android). Input your pickup location, track your driver's real-time ETA, and purchase tickets directly in the app.
• Order via Phone Call: Call MVTA Customer Service at 952-882-7500 to place a live ride request with a representative.