By COLlive reporter
A new takeout kitchen is set to open in Crown Heights in about a month, bringing a fresh homemade option to local families preparing for Shabbos.
Mama Kitchen, located at 462 Maple Street on a corner near Brooklyn Avenue, will begin with Thursday and Friday morning takeout, offering families a new option for the weekly pre-Shabbos rush. Limited seating will also be available on site.
The concept follows an existing model: the family operates in Queens at 67-25 Main Street, where they have already developed a customer base for a similar style of homemade, Shabbos-focused offerings.
Shay Asias, who already runs two cafés in Crown Heights—Almah Cafe at 87 Utica Avenue and a second location at 473 Albany Avenue—and commutes daily from Queens, said the focus will be on creating a food experience that feels warm and home-like from day one.
The goal, he said, is that customers should feel that atmosphere even before they taste the food.
One of the main challenges in preparing to launch the kitchen has been producing large quantities while maintaining the same homemade quality and taste.
The kitchen’s chef, Shira Asias—Shay’s wife—grew up cooking alongside her grandmother, learning how to prepare food for large family occasions while maintaining slow-cooked, traditional flavors.
Mama Kitchen will specialize in Moroccan-Mediterranean dishes, including several types of fish, meat, and chicken options, fresh sides, and more than 40 handmade salads. Their challahs will also be made by hand, one by one. The menu will be built around familiar home flavors, with dishes that rotate and change to keep things fresh each week.
Looking ahead, Shay Asias hopes Mama Kitchen becomes a regular part of Friday night tables across Crown Heights and nearby neighborhoods.
He said he would like the food to become part of family and friends gatherings in a way that adds warmth and enhances the overall Shabbos atmosphere.
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What a brilliant idea!!
שיהיה בהצלחה רבה !!
The bochurim and girls staying in crown heights or who grew up with middle eastern, Moroccan or Israeli background is going to LOVE THIS! Finally – back to good old traditional food! The cholent, potato kugel and farfel is going out of our ears jk lol! Looking forward!
Will there be hours and regular portions for in dining?
Which one?