Laud Shawarma, the Nigerian street-food counter that built a loyal following for its creamy, spice-forward wraps and house-made vegan Agege bread, has quietly popped up inside Takoma Eats, bringing bold Naija flavors to northwest Washington. Owner and chef Kaosarat “Kozy” Fawehinmi, who launched the business during the pandemic, said the Takoma stall is part of a broader DMV expansion. The new counter joins Laud’s other food-hall setup as the brand leans harder into grab-and-go orders and catering.
Fawehinmi talked through the move and the menu on Good Day DC, giving viewers a taste of what is now available in Takoma. In a segment on FOX 5 DC, she explained that the counter is geared toward customers who want fast, affordable Nigerian-style shawarma without having to leave the neighborhood.
The Laud Shawarma website now lists the Takoma Eats address, along with hours, pickup details, and catering options for the stall. The DC operation is described as running out of the Takoma Eats food hall, while Laud continues to maintain a presence in other local dining halls and through its catering channels.
From Silver Spring To Takoma
When the Solaire Social food hall in downtown Silver Spring abruptly shut down last fall, a number of vendors were left scrambling for new kitchens, and Laud was one of them. MoCo Show reported that Laud resurfaced at The Common Kitchen in Clarksville earlier this year, and the food-hall operator currently lists Laud among its vendors, signaling a strategy built on teaming up with multiple venues rather than betting on a single address.
What To Order
The Takoma menu sticks to Nigerian street-food hits. There are rolled shawarmas with chicken, beef, shrimp, or plant-based fillings, plus shawarma cups, honey-glazed wings, and a Laud Bento Box that packs in jollof rice and zobo. The Washington Informer has also spotlighted Laud’s use of Agege bread and the signature “Laud 1981” sauce, which together help give the wraps their distinct flavor.
Practical Details
Takoma Eats functions as a walk-up food court, and Laud’s posted hours for the DC stall are roughly 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with pickup and catering available through the restaurant’s online ordering page. Customers who are farther out still have the option to visit Laud at The Common Kitchen in Clarksville or to book the business through its catering services.
The Takoma opening is another example of how small, immigrant-founded food businesses around the DMV are using food halls to scale up without taking on the costs of a standalone restaurant. Local outlets have tracked Laud’s journey from Solaire Social to new partners like Takoma Eats and The Common Kitchen, according to Source of the Spring.
