Mulu’s Kitchen and Catering brings Ethiopian and Eritrean food to Winooski

Mulu Tewelde presents a traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean dish. Mulu’s Kitchen and Catering company brings colorful food and big flavor to Winooski. Photo courtesy of Mulu Tewelde.

On July 9, 2022, Mulu Tewelde set up a tent at the BTV Market selling homemade Ethiopian and Eritrean food.

Brightly colored signs marked traditional dishes, and Tewelde busily served hungry customers.

“They love the food; I love cooking!” said Tewelde.

After leaving Eritrea, a country in East Africa, at 18, Tewelde landed in South Burlington in 2006.

She described Eritrean meals in her native country as community events where food was shared. Tewelde brings this same ideology to her catering business. 

“Food connects us with people,” she said.

She did not begin a cooking career until her friend returned to Vermont from a trip to East Africa with spices and asked Tewelde to cook for him. 

Little did Tewelde know that this inquiry would spark the beginning of Mulu’s Kitchen and Catering.

“Everything started here, in Vermont,” Tewelde said.

Eritrean and Ethiopian food is not eaten with utensils, although Tewelde always gives folks the option to use forks and knives. 

A special fermented bread called injera, known for its tangy and crêpe-like consistency, lines the bottom of any Eritrean or Ethiopian dish, allowing folks to scoop mouthfuls of curried, stewed, or vegetable dishes.

While many Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes contain meat, Tewelde also offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options for her customers.

A spice mixture called berbere is a staple ingredient in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. Berbere consists of dried red hot peppers, onion, coriander, cardamom, cumin, nutmeg, garlic, ginger, and herbs. But have no fear, Tewelde swears, “It’s not so spicy!”

Many other Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes contain curried vegetables, lentils, and meat, although berbere is a key flavor profile. 

Tewelde does all the cooking herself so preparing for catering events often takes three to five days. 

Mulu’s Kitchen and Catering has been featured at events around Winooski, including Winooski’s Juneteenth Celebration and Winooski Wednesdays. 

Tewelde offers cooking classes at City Market in Burlington and occasionally hosts takeout dinners. She has catered for Shelburne Farms, the Burlington School District, and birthday parties.

Tewelde works for Burlington Parks and Recreation, but she dreams of opening a storefront in Winooski or South Burlington one day.

Visit www.muluscatering.com for more information on Mulu’s Kitchen and Catering and upcoming events.

Click recipe image to download.