5 Restaurants, 5 different nations: why you should get out and explore African Cuisines

Wanting to explore a cuisine you may have little to no experience with?

Here's five restaurants representing five styles inspired by the African continent

The evening approaches and you’ve decided to treat yourself to a meal out. The usual litany of popular cuisines bounce around in your head: Italian, Indian or Chinese being some of the usual suspects. But as comforting and tasty as these familiar cuisines are, oftentimes many of us end up cycling the old favourites round and round without searching for new or different alternatives, sometimes even having the audacity to complain that we can’t find anything exciting before we’ve actually had a look!

With a depth and vibrancy akin to its thriving music culture, the African continent provides us with amazing food from north to south; east to west. Here in the UK, members of the African diaspora showcase their culinary prowess in a multitude of exciting tastes and dishes. Here are 5 restaurants, at various price points (so there is something for everyone) that are influenced by different regions and traditions of African cooking.

1.Ikoyi (London)

Decidedly far away from what most would call an authentic West African restaurant, the sleek, modern and intriguingly different Ikoyi offers Sub-Saharan West African flavours creatively entwined with the highest quality, seasonal British ingredients. Gracefully presented dishes accompany pleasant and efficient service, with flavour combinations that will offer a new experience to even the most well acquainted aficionados of West African cooking.

2.Zeret Kitchen (London)

Ethiopian cuisine is characterised by powerful and inviting aromas, strong and punchy flavours and an emphasis on the communal dining experience. Large sourdough-esque bread platters, known as injera, are topped with a variety of delicious stews, vegetables and spiced meats are meant to be shared together with friends and family alike. Zeret Kitchen is a stylish and friendly restaurant offering authentic Ethiopian fare at a very reasonable price, and with an ample selection for vegetarians and vegans too!

3.Al-Farid (Exeter)

Nestled in a picturesque corner of Exeter’s Cathedral Green, Al-Farid is an elegant and beautifully decorated restaurant that serves classic Moroccan food. Included in their selection are of course the most well-established and famed dishes of the country, tagine and mezze. Moroccan tradition extends far beyond the general western consciousness though; other more unusual dishes, such as Fesenjan - succulent slow cooked duck with pomegranate molasses and ground walnuts - fill out the rest of their delicious menu. Warm, lively flavours accompanied with lavish Maghrebian décor create an enchanting pocket of North Africa in the heart of Devon.

4.Khamsa (London)

Another North African restaurant, Khamsa showcases flavours from Algeria in a cosy Brixton eatery with warm lighting, plush cushions and rugs alongside a bring your own alcohol policy (£2.50 corkage) giving it a friendly, familial feel. Algerian cuisine is little-represented in the British restaurant scene, best known for its association with couscous, Algeria’s national dish. Couscous takes centre stage in Khamsa as well, with a multitude of tagines on offer as well as Rechta Bel Djajdj, a fragrant Algerian noodle dish that every newcomer should try!  

5.Kudu (London)

This trendy restaurant in Peckham offers a primarily South African menu with an international flavour. Relaxed yet luxurious, diners can expect a wide array of interesting flavours and combinations - especially for uninitiated palates. Kudu also serves some dishes cooked on the braai - a traditional Afrikaner way of cooking over an open wood fire. With a fantastic selection of South African wines to boot, Kudu is an excellent place to visit to expand your knowledge of the culinary atlas, as well as simply to eat good food with outstanding value for money.

Despite not being particularly widespread, restaurants serving African cuisines have entrenched themselves in the British culinary scene, from Michelin-starred fine dining to rustic family owned restaurants. It is about time that these vibrant, compelling cultures have their food celebrated on a more prominent stage.