London’s culinary landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with African cuisine emerging as one of its most exciting offerings. From Nigerian suya to Eritrean injera, the city serves up an impressive array of authentic African flavours that tell stories of tradition, innovation, and cultural fusion.
Friday Evening: Start Your Journey in East London
Begin your African culinary adventure in the heart of East London, where the bustling streets of Dalston and Shoreditch house some of the city’s finest Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurants. Adulis, a beloved Eritrean establishment on Caledonian Road, offers the perfect introduction to East African cuisine. Here, the ritual of sharing injera (sourdough flatbread) topped with richly spiced stews becomes a communal experience. Don’t miss their derek tibs (spiced lamb) or the vegetarian beyaynetu platter.
For those seeking a more contemporary take, head to Ikoyi in St James’s Market. This Michelin-starred restaurant, while not strictly traditional, draws inspiration from West African ingredients to create innovative dishes that have earned international acclaim. Their signature dish of plantain dusted with raspberry salt has become legendary among London’s food enthusiasts.
Saturday: Markets and Street Food
Start your Saturday at Broadway Market in Hackney, where various African street food vendors showcase their crafts. The Nigerian street food stall, with its aromatic jollof rice and perfectly grilled suya (spiced skewered meat), often draws the longest queues. Take time to chat with the vendors – their stories add an extra layer of flavour to the experience.
For lunch, venture to Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle, where you’ll find Ethiopian coffee ceremonies and Moroccan tagines. The market’s vibrant atmosphere mirrors the energy of an African marketplace, complete with music and cultural performances on weekends.
As evening approaches, book a table at Chishuru in Brixton. Chef Joké Bakare’s West African-inspired menu has earned critical acclaim for dishes like ekuru (black-eyed pea dumplings) and sinasir (fermented rice pancakes). The intimate setting allows you to watch the chefs at work while they craft modern interpretations of traditional recipes.
Sunday: Modern African Brunch and Food Shopping
Sunday calls for a leisurely brunch at The Lighthouse Café in Catford, where British breakfast meets African flavours. Their akara (black-eyed pea fritters) with eggs and the fried plantain with house-made sauce have earned a devoted following among South London’s brunch crowd.
Spend your afternoon exploring the African food shops in Peckham. Visit Alhaji Suya on Rye Lane for Nigerian spices and ingredients, or stop by one of the many Ghanaian grocers for essential items like kenkey (fermented corn dough) and palm oil. These shops are treasure troves for home cooks looking to recreate African dishes.
Round off your weekend at 805 Restaurant on Old Kent Road, a London institution that has been serving authentic Nigerian cuisine for over two decades. Their egusi soup and pounded yam offer a fitting finale to your African food journey.
Tips for Your Culinary Adventure
- Book ahead for popular spots like Ikoyi and Chishuru, especially for weekend dining
- Don’t be shy about asking servers for recommendations or explanations of unfamiliar dishes
- Many African restaurants are cash-only, so come prepared
- Consider joining a food tour specifically focused on African cuisine for a guided experience
- Follow African food bloggers and influencers based in London for up-to-date recommendations
London’s African food scene continues to evolve, with new restaurants and pop-ups emerging regularly. This guide merely scratches the surface of what’s available, but it offers a solid foundation for exploring the diverse and delicious world of African cuisine in the capital. Whether you’re an African food enthusiast or a curious newcomer, London’s African food scene promises a weekend of unforgettable culinary discoveries.