How a local catering business brings people together through traditional Afghan cuisine
When Abdul Samad Ibrahimi arrived in Halifax at the end of 2023, he went looking for Afghan food but couldn’t find a local caterer offering it. He met people from Indian, Pakistani, Arab, and Canadian communities who had tried Afghan cuisine and loved it, but the food was not readily available in the city.
“At the same time, I noticed that Halifax is becoming increasingly multicultural, with people coming from many different countries, including international students,” says Ibrahimi. “I thought this could be an opportunity to introduce Afghan food to people here through catering.”
The idea began to take shape at his son’s school, where Ibrahimi met his son’s teacher. After several conversations about life in Canada and the foods they missed from home, the two became business partners and close friends. Together, they launched Afghan Yummy Food Catering Services.
Building trust through care
Within its first month, the business catered an event for 60 people from the African community, serving a selection of African and Afghan dishes, fast-food options, and tea. The positive response helped open doors to further catering opportunities with the YMCA, ISANS, RRA, and CSAP, as well as Afghan, African, Pakistani, Arab, and other international communities.
One event that stands out for Ibrahimi was a Pakistani family’s graduation celebration in May 2025. The family was nervous about hiring a new caterer for 200 guests, and Ibrahimi promised they would not regret their choice. Throughout the event, guests complimented the food and asked for business cards.
The following day, the family returned with flowers, gift cards, and a thank-you letter.
“That meant a lot to me,” says Ibrahimi. “It showed me that when you put genuine care into what you do, people notice.”
The successful event led to several more bookings from the Pakistani community, demonstrating how a positive experience can build lasting relationships and generate new opportunities.
Flavours worth discovering
Qabili Palau is the company’s most requested dish. Its halal menu also features kebabs, dumplings, and lamb and beef dishes. Ibrahimi hopes more Haligonians will discover favourites such as Chapli Kebab, Afghan dumplings, and Rosh, a traditional lamb dish.
“Afghan cuisine has many different dishes, and one of the things I enjoy most about catering is having the opportunity to introduce people to foods they may have never tried before,” says Ibrahimi.
Word-of-mouth recommendations have played an important role in the business’s growth.
“When someone tries our food, enjoys it, and then recommends us to their friends, family, or organization, it creates a connection that goes beyond one event,” says Ibrahimi. “For me, Yummy Food has been a way to become more connected to Halifax while also sharing a part of my culture with the community.”
Gathering with love
As the holiday season approaches, Ibrahimi sees every catered gathering as an opportunity to make people feel welcome. For him, catering is about more than preparing and serving food; it is about creating an experience that brings people together.
“To me, hospitality means working with love, providing the best service possible, and making an event memorable for everyone,” says Ibrahimi.
His advice for holiday hosts is to plan ahead and consider guests’ needs, including dietary requirements, while remembering what makes a gathering special.
“The most important thing is to spend time with your family and guests, enjoy the food, and enjoy being together.”
Find out more about Afghan Yummy Food Catering Services at:
