SUWANEE’S NEW HOT SPOT IS FULL OF GLOBAL INFLUENCES, HIGH-QUALITY INGREDIENTS, AND ORIGINAL DISHES THAT PUSH THE CREATIVE ENVELOPE.
Story By Francesca Augello / Photos By Alexis Dunston, Jon Rogers, and provided by Moringa Kitchen
Suwanee is a city known for its diversity, growth, and sense of community — qualities that are at the heart of its newest fine-casual dining destination, Moringa Kitchen. Owner Mohan Rao Manchu and Executive Chef/ General Manager Antonio Parker have seamlessly woven these values into the framework of the restaurant, creating a space that truly embodies the vibrant spirit of the city.
A hot spot full of global influences, high-quality ingredients, and original dishes that push the creative envelope, Moringa Kitchen is making strides in Suwanee as a 
restaurant that appeals to everyone who walks through its doors. With dishes inspired by flavors from South America, Italy, New Zealand, India, and South Asia, Moringa Kitchen’s main goal is to “produce original flavors that keep people curious, satisfied, and coming back for more.” After celebrating its grand opening in March, the restaurant made a strong debut with more than 100 reservations on each of its first two days in business.
“We took our time with this place,” Chef Parker says. “The dishes are nothing like you can get anywhere else. Every ingredient in this restaurant is fresh, and the menu is designed to grow and change with the seasons.” Their first appearance at Taste of Suwanee proved that their hard work has paid off. They sold out three times, auctioned 746 tickets, and received endless praise from local customers who have been “waiting
for a restaurant like Moringa to open in this area for years.”
The restaurant’s symbol, the Moringa tree, often referred to as the “tree of life,” represents resilience, vitality, and connection. These themes are significant to Moringa Kitchen’s story and beautifully mirror the restaurant’s own narrative and mission. “Mohan came up with that idea because the Moringa tree is a healthy tree,” Chef Parker says. “You can actually eat the whole thing — the leaves, the bark, everything. So, once we came up with that concept, Mohan wanted a restaurant that brought multiple cultures together under one roof, and that was my inspiration for creating the menu.”
The Culinary Mastermind 
Chef Parker, the mastermind behind Moringa Kitchen’s brand, is a self-taught chef who has been in the food industry since he was 18 years old. He moved to Lawrenceville four years ago from a small town south of Augusta where he grew up on a 186-acre farm. It was here that he learned culinary tips from his grandma, his primary inspiration, formed a positive relationship with fresh ingredients, and created a dream to establish himself in the culinary world. His career began with a catering business he started with his identical twin brother, followed by a role as the food and beverage director at a local senior living facility — all experiences that eventually led him here. His most recent endeavor is opening Suwanee’s first globally inspired fine-casual dining restaurant, which he defines as “a place where you come and enjoy a variety of anything, but where all of the dishes are at a level that you can’t get anywhere else.”
Culinary Tour of the World
Moringa Kitchen is the perfect spot for people seeking dishes that take them on a tour of the world without having to travel further than the end of Moore Road in Suwanee. Patrons can indulge in brunch specials, watch parties on the patio for events like the Masters tournament or other sports- related specials, and enjoy themed event nights. The restaurant also offers an elaborate kids’ menu that Chef Parker describes as a simplified version of the meals on the adult menu. “Of course the portions are smaller, but we wanted to make sure the kids also get to experience what fine dining is, and that includes getting a fancy, healthy meal at an affordable price.”
Chef Parker is no stranger to the demands of running a restaurant, and his involvement promotes interaction and feedback that constantly propels Moringa Kitchen to new heights. “Every day I come out here, meet people, observe what they eat, and ask questions,” he says. “I’m a chef that can take criticism; I welcome that conversation, and I strive to apply their feedback because that’s how improvement happens.” Despite being the executive chef, handling the bar, jumping between the front and back of house, and establishing relationships with the guests, Chef Parker’s passion has “always been food,” and that intense love and dedication for his craft is evident in every meal that gets sent through the kitchen doors.
Together, Chef Parker and Mohan have created a culinary gem that is sure to transform 
the way Suwanee residents think about fine dining — and the restaurant industry — as a whole. As they often tell guests upon arrival, “Moringa Kitchen is not just a restaurant, it’s a brand. We bring something that a lot of places don’t have, and that’s a culturally diverse kitchen.” So far, Moringa’s impact on the Suwanee community has been one filled with excitement and intrigue. Moringa Kitchen’s main goal is to share the knowledge, experience, and flavors that define global fine-casual dining. With owners and managers who are focused on “keeping smiles on people’s faces when they come into the restaurant and ensuring they enjoy the food,” it’s evident that the newest addition to Suwanee’s culinary repertoire is destined for greatness.
Moringa Kitchen is located at 1039 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Suwanee. For more information, call 770-430-2301 or visit MoringaKitchen.com.
