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Walking into Karmel Mall in south Minneapolis feels like stepping onto a vibrant, bustling corner of East Africa. The soft sounds of Somali music float through the air mingling with the hum of conversation in Somali and other languages spoken by shoppers and vendors. The aromas of rich spices — cumin, cardamom and turmeric — pull you toward the many food stalls offering flavorful African dishes.
On a visit earlier this month, I explored the maze of small shops with my two daughters, who are 15 and 12 years old, and my son, who is 10. Vendors smiled and greeted us warmly as we admired the rows of beautifully embroidered hijabs — traditional Somali clothing — and shelves of colorful fabrics that filled many of the stalls. My children, who are often on their phones making TikTok videos or playing Fortnite, were wide-eyed, soaking in the sights and sounds.
We stopped at one of the bustling food stalls, drawn to it by the delicious aromas that are so different from the galanga roots, garlic and curry I use in Hmong dishes. I ordered a few sambusas — crispy pastries filled with spiced meat — and my kids devoured them with enthusiasm. As we sat, sipping shaah — Somali spiced tea — I noticed how welcoming everyone was. The families, elders and young people gathered here were eager to share stories about the food, worried we might not know what to order. It was not just a meal; it was an opportunity to learn about Somali culture and to immerse ourselves in the flavors and warmth of this community.
Karmel Mall, located along Lake Street, is more than a place to shop. It’s a cultural and social hub for the Somali community.
Many Minnesota families will head out of town later this week for a mini-vacation during the school holiday known as MEA weekend. I have a colleague who is taking her children to Ireland. One year, I took my kids on a Caribbean cruise during the four-day weekend. But for families who are planning to stay in town — perhaps you are on a budget, do not have the time to go on vacation, or just want to stay home — I have another idea for you to consider this week: visiting some of the Twin Cities’ cultural hubs.
You don’t have to go very far to experience the world. This region is incredibly diverse. Whether it’s exploring Karmel Mall, Hmong Village, Mercado Central or the American Indian Cultural Corridor, these spaces offer enriching experiences that introduce children to different cultures, languages and histories. And the best part? These experiences are not just educational, but also fun and interactive. As parents, we can open our children’s eyes to the vibrant multicultural fabric of our community, teaching them that they don’t need to leave the state to experience the beauty of various ethnic and racial groups.