Why We Created Kin and Spice DC

Exploring the Flavors, Stories, and Soul of the African Diaspora

Kin and Spice DC was born from a simple truth: food tells the story of who we are.

For years, I searched for dining experiences in Washington, DC that felt intentional, soulful, and culturally grounded. I wanted something that celebrated the flavors I grew up with, the traditions passed down in our families, and the culinary creativity that exists across the African diaspora. I wanted a space where people could slow down, savor, and really connect. Not rush from one tourist stop to another.

But I couldn’t find anything that felt like that.

So I created it.

Kin and Spice DC is my love letter to culture, community, and cuisine. It is a guided dining experience designed to bring people together around the dishes and stories that make our heritage so rich and diverse. Whether you are familiar with the flavors or exploring them for the first time, our goal is to create meaningful moments that stay with you long after the night ends.

What We Mean by African Diaspora Cuisine

When we talk about the African diaspora, we are honoring the flavors and food traditions that trace back to Africa and evolved across the Caribbean, Latin America, and the American South.

It is jollof and jerk.
It is stews and spices.
It is plantains, greens, grains, and roots.
It is creativity born from culture, resilience, and movement.

Every dish we highlight carries memory and meaning, whether it is a classic preparation or a modern riff on tradition.

Our purpose is not to recreate every iconic dish. It is to celebrate the chefs and restaurants in DC who bring these flavors to life in their own unique ways.

Why Our Experiences Feel Different

Kin and Spice DC is not a typical food tour.
We do not do tourist stops.
We do not rush through bites.
We do not water down culture.

Instead, we offer intimate group sizes for real connection.
Small plates with big stories.
Chefs who share the heart behind their dishes.
Luxury transport between each stop.
A guided host who keeps the evening flowing naturally.

Each route is curated with intention.
Each restaurant is chosen with care.
Each experience is crafted to honor the culture, the craft, and the community.

Food as a Bridge

One of my favorite things about Kin and Spice is how food brings people together. I have seen complete strangers laugh, share stories, and connect simply because they were tasting something new together.

That is what makes this meaningful.

Our dining experiences create space for conversation, curiosity, and celebration. And that is exactly what the African diaspora has always represented: connection across time, distance, and tradition.

What’s Coming Next

This is just the beginning. Kin and Spice DC will be rolling out:

Signature Dining Tour for 8 to 12 guests
Private Dining Routes for celebrations and special occasions
Vendor and chef collaborations
Curated keepsakes and cultural add-ons

And of course, more stories, more flavors, and more ways to explore the richness of our food culture.

Join the Table

If you want to be among the first to experience our curated dining journeys, join the waitlist.
We can’t wait to share this with you.

Culture. Connection. Cuisine.
That is Kin and Spice DC.