Historic
Significance

Calas emerged from the hands of enslaved Africans, originating from rice-growing regions of Africa and brought to New Orleans via the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The name "Calas" itself is derived from the Nigerian Nupe word "kara," meaning "fried cake."

Reviving a lost tradition

In the early 20th century, Calas shifted from a popular street food to a Mardi Gras and First Communion delicacy, evolving further into obscurity after World War II. However, efforts by food preservationists have sparked a revival of interest, placing Calas back on menus in local restaurants.

The original Calas coffee stand and cart

Harvest makes Calas using a traditional method. We use a unique and healthy recipe that includes organic, gluten-free ingredients. Calas Café is keeping an ancient culinary tradition alive by sharing historic context with our patrons and honoring the struggles of generations of enslaved women and free people of color.

Calas Café provides a community space to bring people together, learn, share stories and pay homage to our ancestoral legacies.