Joyce Oladeinde

Beyond bold flavours, rich spices, and hearty dishes, west African food reflects a culture steeped in tradition and innovation, from classic Nigerian jollof rice to Ghanaian banku. Nigerian cuisine, in particular, has been a cornerstone of London's food scene for decades, bringing communities together through the smoky heat of party jollof, peppery cuts of suya beef grilled over an open flame and crunchy, fried chin chin. Whether it's a classic hall party or a naming ceremony, west African food has been instrumental in fostering connections and celebrating heritage. Today, contemporary west African restaurants are making waves across London, offering traditional dishes with modern twists and techniques. From bustling neighbourhood eateries in Peckham to upscale fine-dining establishments in Fitzrovia, and from sharing plates to high-end tasting menus, these restaurants showcase the diversity and vibrancy of west African cuisine, where food is more than just a meal – it's an expression of love and a home away from home. RECOMMENDED: The best Lebanese restaurants in London.  Joyce Oladeinde is a British Nigerian travel and food writer. Her passion for African food and travel reshapes narratives, drawing from her experiences living in Tanzania, Kenya, and Nigeria.

French speaking West Africans in Lewisham rave about this Ivorian restaurant’s meal combo; deep-fried tilapia fish with a side of ripe fried alloco plantain and attiéké, a light fluffy cassava couscous. You’ll find all the Côte d'Ivoire uncles at Sikatio watching football and enjoying Solibra’s Bock beer, an Ivorian favourite. Food here showcases the mild and soft taste of dishes from the Côte d'Ivoire, compared to their Ghanaian neighbour's bolder flavour profiles. Don’t miss the poulet braise, a smokey, wood-fired chicken leg and kedjenou de pintade (guinea fowl and vegetable stew).

The laidback Waakye Joint celebrates starchy, fibre-filled Ghanaian foods such as banku, fufu and kenkey, pairing them with nutritious vegetable soups and stews such as kontomire with beef, fish and turkey. You’ll find it on Streatham High Road, and once inside, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the large, hot food counter. This might be intimidating if you don’t know what to order, but you can’t go wrong with traditional tofi, deep fried turkey tails accompanied with crispy yam fries and a popular spicy shrimp-based hot pepper sauce, shito, a Ghanian condiment made of dried fish, peppers and spice. Their must-try dish is the eponymous waakye, a flavourful combination of rice and beans served with salad, noodles, fried fish, boiled egg, and shito, but you should also try the red red, a classic Ghanaian street food composed of soft black-eyed beans cooked in a rich tomato stew (the colour of which gives the dish its name), with fried sweet plantain. Expect long wait times, but it’s worth it; prices are cheap and you’re served with generous portions that emulate a chop bar (traditional eatery) experience in Southern Ghana. There’s a second branch on Tottenham’s West Green Road. 

With minimalist wooden furniture, African artwork and sculptures in a relaxed dining room, Kate’s Cafe in Plaistow is an inviting prospect. When you see aunties at the back of the kitchen preparing the food, you know everything is made with love. Serving excellently sized portions of flawless Ghanaian comfort food, Kate’s has an extensive menu with plenty of opportunities to feed yourself comfortably for under £20. Head here on Sundays to try the weekly special of tuo zaafi, a northern Ghanaian delicacy eaten with vegetable leaves, and make sure you try the nkatenkwan, a creamy peanut soup with fufu. Keep an eye out for the occasional celeb too – both Zendaya and John Boyega have been spotted here. Despite the recent passing of owner and head chef Kate, her family are continuing her legacy and keeping the spirit of the cafe alive.