NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute’s (NOCHI) Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts Spring 2025 cohort invites guests on a journey to East Africa at Waliimo (pronounced wah-LEE-moh). NOCHI shared that this student-created pop-up café will blend the bold, diverse flavors of Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea and beyond. The pop-up opens for lunch beginning Tuesday, May 20, at NOCHI’s downtown campus, 725 Howard Ave.
From smoky grilled meats to vegetable-forward stews and fragrant rice dishes, Waliimo will offer a vibrant exploration of East African culinary traditions, all imagined and executed by students as their capstone project and final step toward graduation from NOCHI’s 100-day certificate programs.
NOCHI says guests can expect to enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu and an immersive dining experience that reflects the hospitality and flavors of East Africa. There will be a focus on authentic regional spices, including cardamom, cloves, ginger, and paprika. Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options will all be featured. A full menu will be released soon.
Reservations are now open for this culinary experience at www.nochi.org/waliimo. Seatings are available from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the following dates:
Tue., May 20 – Fri., May 23
Wed., May 28 – Fri., May 30
Tue., June 3 – Fri., June 6
Tue., June 10 – Fri., June 13
Proceeds and donations from Waliimo will support the NOCHI Scholarship Fund, helping to open doors for aspiring chefs and bakers who rely on financial assistance to enroll. Guests can donate by attending or contributing online at nochi.org.
“Waliimo is more than a pop-up restaurant; it represents months of growth and hard work,” said Gerald Duhon, NOCHI executive director in a release about the opening. “This capstone project allows students to take ownership of their learning by showcasing their skills to our community and experience firsthand how food can bring people together.”
NOCHI’s certificate programs in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts include over 650 hours of hands-on instruction covering 25 industry-relevant subjects. Graduates emerge prepared for immediate employment in New Orleans and beyond.
For more information or to make reservations, visit www.nochi.org/waliimo or contact NOCHI at (504) 635-0017.
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