Small Businesses Empower Refugees and Enrich Serbia’s Culinary Scene

Restaurants in Belgrade and across Serbia are becoming increasingly diverse, with small hospitality businesses run by refugees contributing to the country’s flavors and cultural tapestry, as well as its local economy. Serbia’s culinary scene recently gained its first restaurant offering authentic Afghan specialties.

Eight years ago, Kochai Aryubi fled war-torn Afghanistan for Serbia, where he was granted asylum in 2018. He quickly learned Serbian, and with knowledge of seven other languages, he established a translation agency and began working as a translator and cultural mediator.

At the same time, he initiated the process of reuniting with his family. Two years later, his wife and children joined him in Belgrade.

During visits to their new Belgrade home, the Aryubi family’s friends and neighbors were impressed by the dishes they were served, from bolani—a savory pastry filled with vegetables, meat, and oriental spices—to Kabuli palaw—a Kabul-style pilaf with lamb, almonds, raisins, and vegetables.

“They loved the food so much. Everyone told me we needed to open something to share these flavors with others. We realized that such a business could support our family and children, who are growing and finishing schools,” says Kochai.

A few months later, “Ariana Yummy” was born—a takeout restaurant located in the heart of the city – Belgrade’s Savamala district.

Support Starts with Friends

Savamala has historically been a resting and recovery point for hundreds of thousands of people fleeing conflict from countries like Syria and Afghanistan. Some, like the Aryubi family, found peace and safety in Serbia, followed by friendships and opportunities.

“Nearly 70 of our dearest friends attended the restaurant’s opening. I was so happy and proud,” says Kochai, explaining that “Ariana” is an ancient name for the region that includes Afghanistan.

Though the restaurant, located at the corner of Gavrila Principa and Kraljevića Marka streets, resembles a fast-food kiosk, many of its menu items require proper cutlery to enjoy. In addition to the aforementioned pilaf and bolani, customers can try sabzi pulao, an aromatic rice dish with cumin, lentils and vegetables, banjan burani, a mix of eggplant and yogurt, as well as various meat-based dishes.

For those who prefer “on-the-go” options, the menu offers a variety of kebabs served with tortillas or rice, which can also be paired with fresh or warm, spicy pakoras, samosas, or Afghan rolls.

Every dish is prepared and served with love, just as it is shared with friends at Aryubi family’s home.

“The business is off to a good start. We’d like to attract as many people as possible to try these specialties, expand our operations, and one day see ‘Ariana Yummy’ grow into a restaurant chain,” Kochai emphasizes.

He is happy that his children help him and his wife with the business, particularly with managing social media and promoting the restaurant, while also excelling at school. They attend the Tehnoart Vocational School for Machinery and Crafts, Medical School, and the Zmaj Technical School.

Beyond this restaurant, people who were forced to flee their homes are establishing businesses in other Serbian cities, bringing experiences and perspectives from different countries and markets.

An increasing number of refugee entrepreneurs would welcome support* to help their businesses gain a solid footing. Financial institutions and other stakeholders can significantly contribute by offering training, mentorship programs, but also loan products or grants.

Each of us can also give encouragement and support, receiving in return a genuine smile, a piece of someone’s knowledge, experience, or culture—and perhaps even a new entrepreneurial success story – as was the case with the Aryubi family’s friends and neighbors.

 

*The opening of the restaurant was supported by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Jesuit Refugee Service.

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