Nyota’s Ting

Ok, so I had not heard of Nyota’s Ting until yesterday, when I saw their stand at the DC Green Festival. The other stands were all local companies, which I figured I could get anytime, right? Let’s try something different and exotic!
So, before I order my food, I ask the lady if they accept credit cards (since I had a whopping $ 1 with me). She said yes, I proceeded to order. She then hands me my food, I give her my credit card, and am then told that the machine can’t send the signal, so my card won’t work. Great! She then held my food hostage while another friend came to my rescue with some cash. Get your act together, Nyota, this is the 21^st century and you’re using some old-​school credit card machine?
Then I finally get to taste my food. If you like overly-​processed, extremely high sodium food, then this might be your thing. If you also like food that’s drowning in long, slimy onion strands (aka worms), then this is DEFINITELY your thing. Quantity-​wise, it was well worth my $ 9 but quality-​wise, I feel like I need to detox until the winter solstice.
My advice? If you want delicious vegan food that will also make you feel good, Nyota’s Ting is not it.

I’ve attended the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival several times, which is where I have encountered (and subsequently, craved) the amazing vegetarian Caribbean food at Nyota’s Ting.
The operation is clean and well-​run, and their stand at the festival turns out amazing, wholesome, richly spiced and always delicious food for thousands of festivalgoers. Needless to say, if they can handle the hustle and bustle of a huge music festival, they definitely have the expertise to cater your event.
My favorite thing is the vegetarian curry goat. It is the stuff of dreams. I’m not sure what vegetarian protein they use – probably seitan? – but it is toothsome and hearty. The spices are intoxicating. You can get the curry goat and any of their other entrée items either as a platter or a salad in a deep-​fried tortilla bowl (which is delicious and perfect if you are spending a long day at a festival).
If you see their stand at an event, definitely check it out, and if you are looking to feed a bunch of vegetarians at a party or other event, give them a call. I myself am truly looking forward to the next time I get to eat their wonderful food.