Diaspora Eats: 7 African Restaurants in New York City That You Need to Try
Here are seven African restaurants to check out in New York City.
It’s “No Borders” month here at OkayAfrica, which means we'll be highlighting travel and intercontinental relations between people on the continent and in the diaspora.
Food is a major part of the traveling experience, and if your like us, then you're looking for tasty delectables in any city that you might find yourself in. Good food only amplifies the traveling experience and thankfully, the diaspora is brimming with a variety of restaurants that offer savory dishes that'll make your trip even more memorable. They might even remind you of mom's cooking.
Whether you’re looking for options to fit your dietary restrictions or you’re simply looking to stuff your face with quality eats, there’s a spot in the city that will cater to your palette. Below are 8 African restaurants to check out while you’re in New York City.
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La Savane
Located in Harlem, The Guinean and Ivorian-owned restaurant offers a plethora of West African dishes, and specializes in Ivorian classics like attiéké and foutou served with a variety of soups including okra and tomato stew with peppers.
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Ponty Bistro
With locations in Harlem and Gamercy, this fine-dining establishment offers a unique menu of Senegalese-French fusion, which includes dishes like Le Poulet Tagine, a chicken dish served with diced tomatoes and couscous, as well as an extensive selection of seafood entrees.
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DF Nigerian Food Truck
The vibrant DF Nigerian Food Truck can be spotted in Midtown, generally around 44th street and 2nd avenue. It's the stop if you're looking to get your fix of Nigerian jollof, fried rice, honey beans and pepper stew, suyaand more.
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Madiba
Located on Dekalb Ave in Brooklyn, the popular spot serves flavorful South African dishes in a colorful and casual atmosphere. You can try their beef and egg-based bobotie if you're looking for a traditional South African meal, and if you're in the mood for a meaty meal, try the classic sausage dish, pap and boerewors.
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Awash Ethiopian Restaurant
The well-known spot serves Ethiopian staples in locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Choose from their classic menu items like Shiro, Doro Wat, or Yebeg Tibs or try the Awash Special which comes with kitfo, marinated beef, lamb and seasoned veggies. It's a prime spot for vegans and vegetarians, as injera the sour-dough flatbread central to Ethiopian cuisine, is naturally vegan.
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Farafina Cafe & Lounge
Farafina Cafe & Lounge in Harlem offers an array of West African dishes, like Senegalese yassa and groundnut stew. It's appeal goes beyond just the food—get the full experience by catching some of the live performances by local talent and ordering from their extensive menu of drinks and cocktails.
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Accra Restaurant
This Harlem-based eatery offers Ghanian quick-bites like fried yam served with peppers, and fried fish with plantain. If your tastes fall on the Ghanaian side of the jollof rice spectrum, then Accra Restaurant should be on your list of stops.
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