Meet Chef Hamid Noori, this week’s guest editor, and owner of The Mantu and the soon-to-open The Mantu Market! Before coming to Richmond, Chef Noori was an executive chef in his native Afghanistan. In 2015, he and his family sought refuge in the U.S. amid increasing violence in his home country. When he moved to Richmond, he brought with him his lifelong dream of opening a restaurant, which came to fruition in 2019 with The Mantu, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Afghan cuisine in the modern style. Located in Carytown, The Mantu name has two meanings: the mantu dumpling, and also, “me and you,” which connects people – and Chef Noori’s story.
Since his arrival, Chef Noori has established himself as a culinary force in Richmond dining. In 2021, he made his first appearance on the Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay," and in spring 2022, he was profiled in The New York Times story, “They Fled Afghanistan for America. Now They Feed the Newest Arrivals.” Chef Noori is committed to helping other refugees coming to Virginia and the U.S. feel at home and welcome as they rebuild their lives and make a new start.
With the success of The Mantu, Chef Noori is now preparing to open The Mantu Market, a new café, bakery, and grocery in Henrico County.
This week, Chef Noori shares a few of his favorite RVA places. Take it away, Chef ...
International Rescue Committee
When I first arrived in the U.S. from Afghanistan, I connected with the International Rescue Committee, a humanitarian organization that helps refugees rebuild their lives, to help me find a job in a restaurant. That spirit of support has further inspired me to give back and help people who are in need. Through the IRC, I hired an Afghan refugee to work as a chef at The Mantu, and I’ve helped make and deliver meals to newly arrived immigrants. I encourage anyone to learn more about the IRC, meet people rebuilding their lives, and support their good work as a volunteer.
On Mondays, which is my day off, I usually go with my wife and kids to a local Indian restaurant on West Broad Street called Junoon Indian Cuisine, which has everything from eggplant masala and shrimp tandoori to coconut curry to North Indian-style biryani — so many delicious dishes to choose from. It’s a quiet place that’s great for families, and I love to support local, family-owned businesses that dedicate themselves to serving their authentic cuisines. Fortunately, Junoon is just down the street from The Mantu Market, so they might see me there more often!
My family and I also support the volunteer services of the local Ismaili Muslim community through the Ismaili CIVIC, whether that’s beautification work around the community or collecting food, donations, and supplies for new Afghan refugees resettling in Richmond. It’s in Afghan culture to serve people, and that’s what guides me, whether that’s at my restaurant or with the IRC or Ismaili CIVIC. I feel proud when I serve people, especially those from my homeland.
Coming this August, The Mantu Market will open its doors at 7510 W. Broad St. Get ready for authentically-made Afghani bread by Chef Norri plus grab-and-go Afghani dishes like kabobs, shawarma and chicken rolls. The Mantu Market will also offer a grocery area and a bakery!
Meet Soongyi Chung, this week's guest editor! Soongyi is the founder of RVA Girls Who Walk, a popular walking club that brings women in Richmond together to make friends and explore the city. Her goal is to offer a safe space to get in a mental health walk while meeting new people. Soongyi, a proud VCU alum, recently moved back to Richmond after a stint in Atlanta because the River City kept calling her name. When she's not orchestrating RVA Girls Who Walk, you can find her at Tiny House Marketing working as a digital marketing analyst. Look for her leading RVA Girls Who Walk as the crew explores city streets, parks, and green spaces this summer. Take it away, Soongyi ...
Get Outside
The walk from the Pipeline onto the Canal Walk to the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge is the reason I fell in love with Richmond. Having access to the history of Richmond, the river, the view of the skyline and the art in between, you’re able to experience something different in each area but all on one path. I used to walk this every day when I lived downtown – it kept me grounded especially during quarantine. When not walking the Pipeline, and exploring the rocks and sandy beaches along the way, I make my way to VMFA to enjoy hanging out on the lawn. Nothing makes me happier than setting up a picnic and having happy hour with my boyfriend and friends there!
As a Scott’s Addition resident, I’m a regular at En Su Boca and Fighting Fish! Literally everything is delicious at both of these local gems. My favorite dish at En Su Bocais the Chicken Tinga Burrito paired with the Skinny Margarita and of course we always get the chips with salsa and guac – love their super generous portions. At Fighting Fish, my go-to meal is the poke bowl. They have arguably the freshest fish in RVA! And on Fridays, my boyfriend and I have a tradition we like to call "Take-Out Friday" where we pick a new, local restaurant each week to enjoy at our apartment. Some of our recent orders have been fromFire and Hops, The Eatery, and Tulsi. All delicious and should be on every reader's list! And when it comes time for cocktails, The Jasper is my go-to happy hour spot. I’m a creature of habit but this is one place I will try something different every time! I recommend the “Soup” Du Jour (not soup) which is their drink of the day - I haven’t been disappointed yet!
When it comes time to shopping, support Richmond's many local business owners found in every neighborhood around the city. Mod & Soul is a recent favorite that I discovered while scrambling last minute to find a dress for a wedding. This local boutique in Richmond's historic art district has the most convenient online shop and in-store pickup. They have the most gorgeous selection of dresses and accessories, and I can't stop recommending this place to all my friends! And in Carytown, I always head to Mongrel – THE cutest novelty shop in Richmond. I always get my cards and local gifts here for holidays, birthdays, and just for fun!
Get your mental health walk on while making new friends! Walks are hosted every Sunday at 2 PM (sometimes 10 AM). Locations are posted on @rvagirlswhowalk every Wednesday.
Meet this week's guest editor, Justin Black aka Saw Black! Justin is a recording artist and filmmaker based in the River City. He's best known for his indie-folk records released via WarHen Records and his debut film Headwaters Down, an eco-adventure film he co-directed with Dietrich Teschner and Will Gemma. The winner of the 2022 VA Environmental Film Contest, Headwaters Down will be playing at The Byrd Theatre as part of the 2022 Richmond International Film Festival on June 8th. Justin scored the film and operated one of the cameras on the crew’s 13-day, 250-mile paddle from the headwaters of the James to Richmond last May.
Take it away, Justin ...
RVA
Paddlesports
Hey y’all, I’m stoked to share some of my favorite things in my beloved hometown! To get started, let’s go whitewater rafting on the lower James! Book me as your guide through RVA Paddlesports and let’s get splashy! Patrick Griffin started RVA Paddlesports with just a couple of kayaks stored in his Richmond apartment way back in 2014. Now he and his rapid munching, hole punching whitewater certified team run trips through the River City on a colorful rainbow fleet (be it raft, kayak, paddleboard or canoe). Need some gear before you hit the river? Stop by Trail Hut for everything you need for your trip down the river, your next camping trip or for a hike on the Buttermilk Trail. Tell em’ Headwaters Down sent you!
After your day on the river, it's time to eat! Where to go is tough… but if you haven’t stuffed your face with a Cobra Burger then you're missing out on the best smash burger this side of the moon. The founders of Cobra Burger got their start back in 2017 when they hosted their first tasty, backyard pop up in Jackson Ward. Today, the crew cranks out a variety of legendary burgers with a side of Richmond attitude that is unmatched. And don't forget a local beer to pair with your burg. But where to start? There are so many solid breweries in Richmond these days, but The Veil never disappoints. I also love the fact that my taste buds have to figure out whether it’s cotton candy I’m tasting or weed – the hop ingenuity is A++.
Once you've filled your belly and your heart, consider giving a little something back to the James River Association. Since 1976, this local nonprofit has put in the good work for all of us in RIchmond! JRA has been instrumental in restoring our river and making it a safe place to swim, fish and relax on a sunny day. The JRA knows that if you help change the James, the James will change you. To make that possible, JRA invites Richmonders to become a "James Changer" by joining a network of passionate river lovers across the Watershed, from the Alleghany Highlands to the Chesapeake Bay. Donate or simply record your James River Changing Action! And give them a follow on Instagram where you can win tickets to see Headwaters Down at the Richmond International Film Festival by sharing your own story about how the James has impacted your life.
Join us at The Byrd to watch Headwaters Down together (get tickets here), help the team make our next film (with perks like a free t-shirt, your name in the credits, and a guided fishing trip), or go for a walk with us by the river to talk about making you a part of the Headwaters Down crew. CHEERS PARTY PEOPLE!
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