Anyone who’s a lover of good food will be familiar with the vast array of culinary trends that are making their way from every corner of the earth, gracing us with their delicious presence. Coming in the form of South East Asian Buddha bowls, Japanese miso, Korean kimchi… the list is quite honestly endless.
However, confirming what we’ve known all along, the ‘newest’ food that’s set to hit the trends in 2018, takes the shape of glorious African food. Nigerian, Ghanaian and Ethiopian food are top of the list and we don’t need to be told why.
According to BBC Good Food, West African favourites such as grilled tilapia, Jollof rice, Scotch bonnet stew and Baobab are all going mainstream this year. We’re pretty sure this lineup has your mouth watering so we’ve sourced a list from ‘one of London’s hottest chefs’, Zoe Adjonyoh, founder of Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen, on where to eat the best African dishes around London.
Blue Nile
The chirpy Eritrean family-run restaurant in Woolwich has a name for itself as the best Eritrean restaurant in the area. A delicious fusion of Italian colonial influence on Eritrea’s amazing cuisine, this restaurant will leave you wanting more. Its relaxed and informal vibe the perfect ambiance to enjoy some hearty East African food, made with love.
73 Woolwich New Rd, Woolwich, London SE18 6ED
The Bantu Chef’s Kitchen
Chef Ray’s grill takeaway in South Norwood is a delicious and authentic place to enjoy South African cuisine. Ray recommends the Savoury Coconut & Vegetable Rice or “Ghango” Wok Mixed Meat on the menu and Zoe recommends the Kalahari Peri Peri Chicken Half. You won’t regret it.
17 Portland Road, South Norwood, SE25 4UF
http://www.bantu-chefs-kitchen.co.uk/
The Bash Restaurant
Visit The Bash for amazing, traditional Congolese food such as the Makayabu salt fish dish and Liboke ya Mbika (ground melon seed like Egushi). The cake-mixture consistency is wrapped and served in a banana leaf and is truly delicious. They also serve some mean Jollof.
71-73 West Green Road, Tottenham, London, N15 5DA
Sokhna Diarra
This cosy Senegalese restaurant is a tucked away treasure in Rye Lane Market in Peckham. Expect aromatic grilled meat and their Yassa Guinar (chicken and rice) is not to be missed. It’s a true South London gem.
48 Rye Lane Market, Peckham, London SE15 5BV
https://www.facebook.com/restaurant.sokhna.diarra/
Suya Spot
“Let’s go grab some Suya from the Suya spot” is something you’ll be saying every Sunday after trying this. It’s a Sundays only affair at Buster Mantis in Bermondsey. They serve everything Suya & Spice and lots of delightful Nigerian food. Expect a relaxed, party atmosphere and banging food.
The Bermondsay Yard Cafe, 40 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3UD
Buy a copy of Zoe’s bestselling cookbook, Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen, here.
