Diaspora Eats: 7 of the Best African Restaurants in Houston

DIASPORA—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 travelling experience, and if you're like us, then you’re looking for tasty delectables in any city that you might find yourself in. Good food only amplifies the travelling 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 7 African restaurants to check out while you’re in Houston.

Check out some of the best African food in London, DC, New York, and Paris.


Cafe Abuja 

This family-owned restaurant on Westheimer Road serves traditional Nigerian food like egusi soup and ewedu in a simple, clean setting. This picture pretty much says it all:

A post shared by Cafe Abuja (@cafe_abuja) on May 12, 2017 at 4:26pm PDT

Suya Hut 

Seriously, who doesn't love suya?  This restaurant off of Airport Blvd is known for its Northern Nigerian dishes and its scrumptious meat kebabs. A meat lover's fantasy.

A post shared by Suya Hut - 📲281 265 2411 (@suyahut_) on Mar 30, 2016 at 1:34pm PDT

Blue Nile 

This family-owned restaurant on Richmond Street, offers a selection of classic Ethiopian dishes in a homey atmosphere. Be sure to sample their kitfo—seasoned mince beef and miximita mixed with spiced butter.

A post shared by Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant (@bluenilehouston) on Sep 8, 2016 at 8:36am PDT

Afrikiko 

This low-key family-owned Ghanaian restaurant on Bissonnet Street offers a variety of West African dishes. Be sure to choose from their many Nigerian staples like pounded yam with ogbno soup.

A post shared by Feng Li (@whatthecapybara) on May 31, 2015 at 12:35pm PDT

Peli Peli Kitchen 

This eatery on Katy Freeway, blends South African cuisine—and the many influences that make up its rich flavors—with American, Vietnamese, Mexican and other cuisines. As a result, you’ll be able to sample unique dishes such as South African fajitas and South African Banh Mi.

A post shared by Peli Peli Kitchen (@pelipelikitchen) on May 12, 2017 at 2:25pm PDT

Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant and Lounge 

The restaurant named after Lucy is a nod to the groundbreaking, skeletal remains found in Ethiopia, offers authentic Ethiopian cuisine in a classy setting. Doesn’t their injera look yummy?

A post shared by KK (@kk_bbt) on Oct 17, 2016 at 1:14am PDT

Finger Licking Bukateria 

This Naija-Ghana restaurant on Bissonnet Street is known for its finger-licking fufu, egusi, and goat pepper soup. It certainly lives up to its name.

Come spice fall up today with the taste of Home! 9811 Bissonnet St. Houston TX, 77036. pic.twitter.com/dC0YrXIMup

— FingerLicking (@FingerLickingTX) October 26, 2013