Beijing is now the fourth most innovative city in the world, but it’s not just enlightened by developments in AI and autonomous driving! It’s also enriched by a diverse mix of Chinese provinces and international cultural influences that we can see, touch, smell, hear, and taste every day. Now you can try to heighten your Beijing senses in the colder days ahead with an eclectic induction to African food.
As with China, an African country can produce one dish that is made in a variety of ways depending on what province or city you are in. Luckily for us, we don’t have to travel too far outside the 3rd Ring Road to discover some of the best options for African food in Beijing.
East Meets East with Dee’s Cookout
For those nights when you want to order in, consider Dee’s for a great introduction to East African food. Khadija “Dee” Osman from Kenya was featured as one of the chefs in Beijing Africa Week 2019’s culinary experience. She prides herself on passionately catering and delivering the most popular dishes found across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Recommended Dish: Try a Mahamri, which is a fried doughnut-like dessert glazed with sweet syrup originating from the Swahili coast of Kenya and Zanzibar. Cost: RMB15 per pack.
Dee’s Cookout, takeout and catering orders only, WeChat (deejahmarik), 15201565160
All Aboard the Caravan
This Beijing restaurant has been successfully bridging Moroccan and Cajun dishes on the belt of Guanghua Lu for some time. Caravan is a great choice for a unique dining experience that provides tasty soul food, cocktails, live music, and sport, making sure that every sense is taken care of and all the family are happy.
Recommended Dish: Try Casablanca’s iconic lemon chicken tajine with potatoes, as this is a hearty dish that’s “tajined” to tasty perfection. Indulge in the fresh flavors inspired by the largest city in Morocco on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and a beloved destination for Caravan owner, musician, and serial entrepreneur Badr too. Cost: RMB 90
Caravan, 44, Guanghua Lu. Across from Brazilian Embassy, 光华路44号。巴西大使馆对面, 8563 0801, www.caravanbeijing.com
Africa’s Big Brother in Beijing
Get away from the high streets of Sanlitun and into the haven of this popular Nigerian dining treasure at the basement of Sanlitun Soho. Nigeria is often fondly referred to as the “Giant” and “Big Brother” of Africa, and here’s a chance to taste authentic Nigerian dishes which Andy’s creates to stand head and shoulders above the rest. Andy is a chef, entrepreneur, and DJ who has provided great Nigerian flavors in food and sounds for some years now in the heart of Beijing’s expat and Chinese playground.
Recommended Dish: Jollof rice with chicken or fish is a winner, as it’s one of West Africa’s favorites dating as far back as the Senegalese 13th Century Jollof Kingdom. Made with rice, tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, cooking oil, and chicken, goat meat or beef, in modern times it’s a dish that generates heated arguments in the West African community as whether you are Nigerian, Ghanaian, Sierra Leonean or Senegalese, we all claim to make the best version of this extremely popular dish. Cost: RMB 80
Andy’s Restaurant & Bar – 北京市朝阳区三里屯Soho B1 521, Sanlitun Soho B1 521, Chaoyang District. 13521044632 or 1851127611.
Photos: Kente & Silk, Caravan, dianping.com
