African That's Not Ethiopian (or Moroccan or Tunisian) in LA
Unless you're totally satisfied with Ethiopian cuisine (which is, don't get me wrong, deeply satisfying) and tantalized by Moroccan cooking (which is, in and of itself, tantalizing), it's near impossible for the international foodie to get a thorough African fix in LA. Where are the West African eateries, the Central and South African cafes? The truth is, they're disappointingly few and far between. We Angelenos have got more couscous, tagine, and doro wot than we know what to do with, but if you're looking for thiebou diem or fufu, you're pretty much out of luck. Aside from a (very small) handful of restaurants, African flavors in LA are restricted to Ethiopia, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. The restaurants that do stray from that model vary in their offerings, authenticity, and quality. Though they don't require a passport, some involve a serious safari, so I guess the question is: Just how far are you willing to go for an outstanding bowl of Egusi soup?
Springbok
16153 Victory Blvd
Van Nuys, CA 91406
If traditional South African dried beef, Vasco Da Gama's Peri-Peri Chicken Livers, Naidoo's Durban curry, and a bar burger with "monkey gland" sauce sound good to you, … Springbok is your dream come true. With locations in Van Nuys and Long Beach, Springbok is the enthusiastic answer to LA's need for South African food and sports, including rugby. But that's on TV, not your plate. [link]
Sola African & Caribbean Food
8720 Sepulveda Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 91343
Feeling creative, and want to try your hand at your own African feast? The friendly proprietors of Sola market make it their business to import specialty items such as … pounded yam, garri, kenke, and a number of non-alcoholic malt beverages from West Africa. [link]
Saari's Restaurant
307 E Hillcrest Blvd
Inglewood, CA 90301
It's not exactly a well known spot, but for many who have partaken of its delicious culinary offerings, it's the first, the last, and the only. Saari's serves up … spectacular Nigerian food, from their lauded Egusi soup to their various fufu selections. [link]
Nkechi African Cafe
2717 W Manchester Blvd
Inglewood, CA 90305
[link]
Ngoma
5358 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Just east of LACMA on the south side of Wilshire, this Pan-African restaurant is currently the only one of its kind in LA. With dishes drawn from across the continent, … the menu is split into three sections: East, West, and vegetarian. Appetizers such as sambusas, dodo, and cassava chips are also available, and the service is always friendly and warm. [link]
Bamboo Cafe
901 S Prairie Ave
Inglewood, CA 90301
Literally next door to the Hollywood Park Race Track lies this oft-overlooked Nigerian cafe. Touted as truly exceptional by lovers of the cuisine, everything from the … pounded yam to the Jollof rice is delicious. This is where the staff at Sola African & Caribbean Market goes when they don't want to cook for themselves. [link]
