A supper club bringing the taste of Zanzibar to Archway has raised more than £1,000 for a hunger charity.

Islington Gazette: The supper club went down a treat. Picture: @LondonViewpointsThe supper club went down a treat. Picture: @LondonViewpoints (Image: Archant)

Aaliyah Jaffer and her mum Siddika Jaffer hosted the event at the Archway Tower last weekend.

It was the first time Aaliyah had taken her MzuriKhana supper club out of her dining room since launching one year ago. And after the evening went down a treat she’s now planning to dish up more events.

“This is just the beginning for MzuriKhana,” she said. “Other than our regular supper clubs we will be collaborating with other charities to use food to give back. Cook for Syria is next!”

Aaliyah started MzuriKhana after growing up on the east African cuisine thanks to her mum, who was born in Zanzibar.

“From a young age I remember waking up to a home infused with aromas of exotic spices and herbs,” she said.

“I come from a big family and all my memories centre around food. Food is what makes me smile and feeding others is my passion.

“I am very lucky to have had my mother as my mentor, that alongside my inspiration from places I have eaten is what makes our dishes different.

“This is something different for friends and family to enjoy together. My mother and I are keen to share this unique cuisine with as many people as possible.”

The money will go to Action Against Hunger, which supports malnourished children around the world.

The event was part of the Great Get Together campaign, which focuses around Thanksgiving and celebrating food by raising funds for those less fortunate.

On the menu was east African biryani, barazi (black lentils cooked in a coconut cream sauce) and mandazi, which is soft, sweet African bread.

The event was almost cancelled after the death of Aaliyah’s father, but as he was MzuriKhana’s “number one supporter” she decided to hold it in his name.

And Aaliyah was also desperate to showcase the improving Archway far and wide, and even plans to start hosting brunch clubs early next year.

“I feel like Archway is sometimes hidden between Highgate and Highbury and forgotten about,” she said. “I want to be able to show other that Archway is worth coming to.

For future events check out MzuriKhana on Facebook.