Somerville / Cambridge Guide: Kolika Chatterjee
Kolika Chatterjee from Somerville, Masssachusetts is our Little Local Guide for the Somerville / Cambridge area. Kolika is a glass artist who make individual work for sale and teaches community workshops all over New England. You can find her on Little Blue Cart, Facebook and Instagram.
Kolika has spent nearly half her life in Camberville (Cambridge–Somerville), and thinks that “part of what makes it so special is the abundance of independent businesses, strong community relationships, progressive values, and a deep, creative energy.”
Little Blue Cart is excited to welcome Kolika for a local’s inside look at the best progressive owned small businesses and restaurants in Somerville and Cambridge. But first, here’s some insight from Kolika about how and why it’s important to prioritize shopping small.
Why It’s Important to Shop Your Values
Kolika puts it bluntly: It’s important to shop your values “because money speaks louder than words alone.”
When making the switch to shop smaller, “start small and local. Because no matter what, when you spend your money with a small business, more than half of it stays within the community in the long run and that is an incredible flex.”
Money speaks louder than words alone.
Local Progressive Guide to Somerville / Cambridge
“There are so many other small indie places to go in Somerville Cambridge,” Kolika says. “We are so indie each neighborhood could have a list of their own.” Here’s Kolika’s list of favorites in Camberville.
Narrative Bookshop (387 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA).
Independent, immigrant-woman-owned bookstore in Davis Square since May 2024, with a curated focus on BIPOC and marginalized voices. Hosts community‑centered events, author readings, curated new + used collections that foster connection. Love it for the representation and for being in Davis Square.
Tiny Turns Paperie (Bow Market, Somerville, MA).
Stationery and paper studio filled with indie‑maker cards, journals, washi tape and fountain pens, including LGBTQ+ greeting cards. Organizes so many community events like Fluff Fest and Small Biz Saturday. We go for last minute gifts for everyone.
Colleen’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop (61 High St, Medford, MA).
Family‑run since 1990, serving locally-made ice cream, sandwiches and daily comfort food . Was bought by and is now run by Vicky and Colin, who used to work there as a teenager. Restored to 1950s diner vibes, true neighborhood gem.
Nine Winters Bakery (292 Concord Ave, Cambridge, MA).
Korean-American bakery by Marissa Ferola, blending nostalgic flavors (in‑jeol‑mi tart, doenjang brownies) with New England ingredients. Emphasis on family traditions and cultural connection—“if my kids won’t eat it, it’s not coming here.” Loved when they were at Bow Market and loving the spread out new location!
Dali Restaurant & Tapas Bar (415 Washington St, Somerville, MA).
Spanish tapas pioneer since 1989, quirky décor (Crying Gold Wall, interactive LED table) global free-thinker ethos. We go here for the tapas, the wine, but mostly for Julio (our favorite bartender- don’t ever retire!) I am very convinced that if Salvador Dali were in Somerville, he would be hanging out at this bar. It is for the creative and quirky.
Yafa Bakery & Café (594 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA).
Palestinian-rooted patisserie and café by Abdulla Awad, artisanal savory breads & luxury desserts in a “culinary art lab.” “This is your home” is their greeting. I go for the hospitality and the many different kinds of baklava. Don’t believe everything I said- Eater.com and Atlas Obscura love them too.
Andala Coffee House (286 Franklin St, Cambridge, MA).
Cozy, family-friendly Middle Eastern café since 2006, run by Palestinian immigrant Sami Herbawi. Diverse vegetarian/vegan menu (avocado press, Jerusalem egg sandwich, lentil soup), convivial gathering space—“a taste of the old City of Jerusalem.” I go for the tea, the grape vine and the decor. My friends know the best tea in Camberville is at my house, the second best is here.
Gather Here (1343 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA).
The most intentionally inclusive, progressive, community focused store that I have seen and that makes me wish I could sew. A women- and Asian-owned fabric, yarn & stitch lounge renowned for natural/sustainable materials, rallying up community events, open workshops, repairs, classes, and a “We Care Wednesday” program donating 5% of weekly sales to local causes. ADA-accessible, zero-plastic packaging, queer-friendly safe space. Staff rally community causes, from mask‑making during COVID to support for YWCA Cambridge and more. Go here for everything fiber arts and phenomenal craft events twice a year.
Flour Bakery + Café (Multiple locations Cambridge; Harvard Square, Mt. Auburn St | Central Square, 190 Massachusetts Ave).
Founded by James Beard Award–winning pastry chef Joanne Chang, Flour is beloved for its warm hospitality, ethically run operations, and community engagement. Joanne Chang supports her employees and is so great to her customers. The full cycle shows. Offers daily-made pastries (sticky buns!), sandwiches, soups, and salads. A portion of annual revenue is donated. Favorite thing on the menu: grilled cauliflower, egg sand, quiche, maybe the pies, must be everything. Independent, immigrant-woman-owned bookstore in Davis Square since May 2024, with a curated focus on BIPOC and marginalized voices.
A collection of Kolika’s Camberville favorites – including small businesses not featured above – can be found on the Little Blue Local Guide Somerville / Cambridge map.
Are you passionate about shopping small in you community? Do you have favorite progressive businesses you can’t stop talking about? We’re looking for Little Blue Local Guides! Email us at hello@littlebluecart.com.
