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Spice Up Your Life! 9 Phoenix Restaurants Where You Can Savor the Flavors of Africa
Are you a foodie looking to explore the delicious cuisines of Africa but can’t afford a plane ticket just yet? Well, Phoenix, my friends, holds the key to a delicious African adventure, right in your own backyard.
We’re talking stews that simmer for hours, fragrant spices that tickle your nose, and injera so good you’ll want to use it as a napkin.
There are nine amazing African restaurants that offer a world of flavor right in your backyard. So keep scrolling and prepare to spice up your life with Phoenix’s best African eats!
1. LATHA
Website: https://www.lathaphx.com/
Address: 628 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Contact details: +14806406183
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
LATHA is a chef-driven establishment that takes you on a broader journey, exploring the historical connections between African cuisine and the foodways of Brazil, the Caribbean, and even the American South.
The chefs pay homage to historical recipes while infusing them with modern creativity. Don’t be surprised to find delectable dishes bridging the gap between jerk chicken and Jollof rice, feijoada, shrimp, and grits.
| Pro tip: For an authentic taste of Latha’s unique concept, try the “Diaspora Trio.” This delightful sampler allows you to experience a bit of Africa, the Caribbean, and the American South all on one plate. |
2. Waamo
Website: http://places.singleplatform.com/waamo-restaurant-1/menu?ref=google
Address: 5050 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
Contact details: +16022441206
Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Waamo Restaurant is a hidden gem in Phoenix. It serves Somali and other East African cuisine. The menu features pita sandwiches, entrees, and a special Waamo section.
Waamo also offers a glimpse into Somali culture. If you’re new to Somali cuisine, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations. They’re happy to guide you towards dishes that suit your taste preferences.
| Pro tip: The chapati wraps are a popular choice, but for an authentic Somali culinary experience, consider trying their lamb dishes or stews. |
3. Caribbean African Kitchen
Address: 3543 W Dunlap Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85051, United States
Contact details: +14805325512
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Caribbean African Kitchen in Phoenix offers a unique fusion of flavorful dishes inspired by Caribbean and African culinary traditions. Their menu boasts a delightful selection of house specialties, showcasing both regions’ iconic dishes.
From the rich and hearty Egusi Soup, a Nigerian classic traditionally served with fufu, to the perfectly seasoned Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Caribbean African Kitchen offers a delightful culinary journey across continents.
| Pro tip:For seafood lovers, the red snapper with Attieke and Plantains is a must-try. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, the Cassava Leaf Soup with Rice is a flavorful and satisfying choice. |
4. West Hut African Cuisine
Website: http://www.west-hut.com/
Address: 3110 N Central Ave Ste D-183, Phoenix, AZ 85012, United States
Contact details: +16025954279
Operating hours: 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
West Hut African Cuisine is a cozy restaurant that shares its passion for fresh, high-quality ingredients and delicious, authentic home-style cooking. Their mission is to introduce the unique flavors of West Africa to the Phoenix area.
Their menu features various West African staples, from stews and soups to grilled meats and seafood dishes. Their dishes are prepared slow and low, allowing the flavors to develop fully and creating a truly authentic dining experience.
| Pro tip: I Love Spinach is a hearty and satisfying option for a cold day. This dish features cut spinach cooked in a rich and flavorful stew with mushrooms and egusi seeds. |
5. Authentic Ethio African
Website: http://authenticethioafrican.com/
Address: 1740 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States
Contact details: +16022522286
Operating hours: Thursday to Saturday, Monday to Tuesday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Authentic Ethio African serves traditional Ethiopian cuisine, focusing on vegetarian and vegan options alongside flavorful meat dishes. They recently transformed into a whole sit-down experience, complete with warm decor imported from Ethiopia.
The menu features a vibrant array of wats, served on a bed of injera, a large, spongy flatbread made from teff flour. Injera plays a dual role: a plate and utensil for scooping up the delicious stews.
| Pro tip: A must-order at Authentic Ethio African is their combination platter, which allows you to sample a variety of their wats, both vegetarian and meat-based. You can choose your spice level to match your preference. |
6. Authentic Liberian Cuisine
Website: https://authenticliberiancuisineaz.com/
Address: 7017 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021, United States
Contact details: +16028139025
Operating hours: 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Authentic Liberian Cuisine is a family-owned gem. The restaurant is decorated with African masks, vibrant tablecloths, and Afrobeat music playing in the background.
It has a homey feel, and the owners, Cynthia, Tina, and James, are known for their friendly and welcoming hospitality. They take pride in using traditional recipes passed down through generations.
| Pro tip: The Liberian National Dish, Liberian Pepper Soup, is a must-try. It’s a spicy stew made with beef, chicken, fish, shrimp, and vegetables, traditionally served with fufu, a dough made from cassava flour. |
7. Cafe Lalibela
Website: http://www.cafelalibela.com/
Address: 849 W University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States
Contact details: +14808291939
Operating hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Cafe Lalibela is a Tempe institution serving delicious Ethiopian cuisine for over two decades. It specializes in traditional Ethiopian fare, with vegetarian options alongside meat dishes.
Their injera, a spongy flatbread that’s both utensil and plate, is made with gluten-free teff flour. You’ll find all the Ethiopian staples here, like Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew, and Kitfo, a unique dish of minced raw beef.
| Pro tip: If you’re new to Ethiopian cuisine, the vegetarian combo is a great way to sample a variety of flavorful stews. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Kitfo to taste something unique. |
8. Abyssinia Restaurant and Cafe
Website: http://abyssiniarestaurant.mobile-webview3.com/index.php
Address: 842 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014, United States
Contact details: +16027954113
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Abyssinia Restaurant and Cafe is a Phoenix gem specializing in Ethiopian cuisine. They take pride in the authenticity of their dishes, replicating flavors reminiscent of Ethiopian home cooking.
Their menu boasts a wide selection, including delectable lamb, beef, and chicken options for meat lovers. Abyssinia offers a generous amount of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes.
| Pro tip: Doro Wat is a must-try, a classic Ethiopian dish featuring chicken cooked in a spicy berbere stew. Served with injera, it’s a flavorful introduction to Ethiopian cuisine. Enjoy! |
9. Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant
Website: http://www.gojoethrestaurant.com/
Address: 3015 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, United States
Contact details: +16028403411
Operating hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant is a haven for those seeking authentic Ethiopian cuisine in Phoenix. They have classics like Doro Wot, a spicy chicken stew cooked in a fragrant berbere spice blend, and Siga Wat, a rich beef stew simmered with vegetables.
Beyond the delicious food, Gojo offers an experience of Ethiopian dining culture. Traditionally, communal dining is encouraged, with everyone sharing a platter of stews served atop injera.
| Pro tip: For an authentic Ethiopian experience, try their vegetarian or meat combo. This allows you to sample a variety of stews and experience the delightful contrast of flavors and textures. |
