Bellingham’s demographics are primarily White-dominated, and diversity within ethnicities and cultures isn’t widely celebrated like Seattle or Vancouver. While the culinary scene in Bellingham is not as diverse, talented chefs across the globe have brought their home food to the city in hopes of spreading their culture and stories. The growing international cuisine in Bellingham reflects the city’s efforts to promote cultural diversity and for talented chefs to share their stories and food with the community.

Bryan Matamorosa is the owner and chef of Bry’s Filipino Cuisine, and grew up in the Bicol Province in the Philippines, where he later moved to the US when he was 19. Matamorosa’s culinary journey has brought him to various places in the United States. Now, Matamorosa recently opened his restaurant featuring local Filipino cuisine and dishes from his hometown province.

Mulunesh Belay was born and raised in Ambo, Ethiopia, and began her culinary journey at five years old, learning to cook with her mother. Since coming to the US from Ethiopia, Belay has fulfilled her two dreams of opening her restaurant and writing a cookbook with original recipes. Named after her hometown, Ambo Ethiopian Cuisine showcases Ethiopian foods and traditions through the culinary skills Belay has honed for years.