Ackee Bamboo: Serving Jamaican With a Side of Love

A metal dish is full of golden brown fry dumplings piled on top of one another. They are oval shaped and sit on a yellow parchment paper to drain oil. — A platter of fry dumplings from Ackee Bamboo cool before serving. | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

By Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

March 22, 2022

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This article is presented in partnership with the Natural History Museum's "Kneaded: L.A. Bread Stories," a project that celebrates L.A. history, heritage and communities through the lens of bread.

For Marlene Beckford, founder of Ackee Bamboo Jamaican Cuisine, food is love. In a video interview with Marlene, she shares with us the story of how her mother poured love into family meals and how the nostalgia for a home-cooked meal inspired her to open an authentic Jamaican food restaurant in L.A. For Marlene, her food is an outward expression of well-being, communication and caring for the community — and her fry dumplings are a manifestation of this love for her family and her community.

To view Marlene's story, watch the video below.

Marlene Beckford of Ackee Bamboo shares her bread story in this video produced by the Natural History Museum as part of "Kneaded L.A.," a project that celebrates L.A. history, heritage and communities through the lens of bread.

To see what's cooking at Ackee Bamboo check out ackeebamboo.com or visit them in Leimert Park at 4305 Degnan Blvd. Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90008.

What's your L.A. bread story?

Have you visited Ackee Bamboo or know of another L.A. breadmaker who lovingly connects with their community? We want to hear from you! Join the conversation on social media and tag us @NHMLA with #KneadedLA.

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