This feature, written for Uncle Sam’s Immigrant Café, tells the story of Chef Hamidullah Noori — a refugee, chef, and visionary behind one of Richmond’s most meaningful dining spaces. Through personal interviews and a deep appreciation for place, I explored how food, memory, and resilience come together at The Mantu. It remains one of my favorite pieces: a reminder of why I write — to connect people, elevate voices, and tell stories that matter.