By Bryona Colyar / The Jambar
To most, food is a love language that sustains the stomach and soul. Its most important property is that it replicates the feeling and place that people miss most — home.
Dalia’s Caribbean Kitchen is a piece of paradise that owner Dalia Edwards opened in 2021. Since then, she created a close bond with Youngstown residents and newcomers through Caribbean cuisine.
During the costumers first visit, she serves guests with a sample plate of her most popular items, including oxtails, jerk chicken, steamed cabbage and her pineapple iced tea.
Despite having a passion for cooking, Edwards got her start in other fields. After making the move from Panama to Brooklyn, New York, she worked as a seamstress. She then decided to open her own cleaning company, Express Cleaning By Dalia.
After finally moving to Youngstown, Edwards had little luck finding food that reminded her of the Caribbean. She said she got the idea of starting her establishment after studying to become a dental technician.
“My grandparents are from different islands. My grandparents on my mother’s side are from Jamaica. On my father’s side, my grandparents are from Barbados. I was born in Panama, which is a hispanic country,” Edwards said. “What happens [as a result] is a mixture of all of those flavors. That’s why it’s so welcoming because it feels warm and it invites the soul to enjoy.”
Along with cooking and serving the community, Edwards extends her talents by teaching Youngstown State University students how to make meals that remind them of home.
“I had a warm reception from YSU. I have been invited to several programs where we’ll have cooking shows for the students sponsored by the college. [I would teach] 20 at a time. I did that three years in a row. I had another college professor that would bring international students here and they would have a meal,” Edwards said.
Opening doors to a new audience can be daunting, but Edwards said she was determined to open her shop to give locals a taste of the Caribbean.
“I’m a focus-driven person. I don’t allow what’s going on outside to interfere with what I want to do or get done. With all the stuff going on with the pandemic, it did not affect me. I followed the rules and obeyed the laws, but I was consistent,” Edwards said. “If you are consistent in anything and people can trust that consistency, they will come. They know that there is a place that is open, safe and [they will be] satisfied.”
Those interested in trying Edwards’ Caribbean cuisine can visit her restaurant at 832 Elm St., and is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
