Are you looking to spice up your taste buds with some exotic flavors?
Look no further than the African restaurants in Washington, DC! From Ethiopian stews to Ghanaian starchy sides, DC has some of the best African cuisine in the country. 😋
In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of our favorite restaurants and give you tips on what to order. Get ready for a culinary adventure that will transport you to the heart of Africa!
Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant
Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant, located in the bustling Shaw neighborhood, is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Ethiopian cuisine.
One of the most popular dishes is the vegetarian combo, which includes a variety of lentil and vegetable dishes served on top of injera, a sourdough flatbread that’s a staple in Ethiopian cuisine. The combo typically includes yemisir wot (spicy red lentil stew), gomen (collard greens), and shiro (a ground chickpea stew).
For meat lovers, the doro wot is a must-try. This spicy chicken stew is made with berbere, a traditional Ethiopian spice blend, and is typically served with injera. It’s rich, flavorful, and will definitely warm you up on a chilly day.
👨🍳 Ethiopian
📌 1334 9th St NW, Washington DC 20001
☎️ (202) 299 9703
🌐 https://www.chercherrestaurant.com
Bukom Cafe
For a taste of West African cuisine with a Caribbean twist, look no further than Bukom Cafe in Adams Morgan. This cozy restaurant offers a unique menu featuring dishes inspired by the cuisines of Ghana and the Caribbean.
One of the standout dishes is the jollof rice, a popular West African dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices. Bukom Cafe’s version is infused with a Caribbean twist, making it a flavorful and filling meal.
Another must-try dish is the jerk chicken, a Caribbean specialty made with chicken that’s been marinated in a spicy blend of seasonings and then grilled to perfection.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the goat curry, which is a West African dish that’s infused with Caribbean spices. The goat meat is cooked low and slow in a blend of flavorful spices and served with a side of rice.
👨🍳 West African
📌 2442 18th St NW, Washington DC 20009
☎️ (202) 265 4600
🌐 https://www.bukomcafe.com
Keren
Keren Restaurant, also located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, serves up authentic Eritrean cuisine in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of traditional Eritrean dishes bursting with flavor and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
One of the standouts is the tsebhi dorho, a spicy chicken stew that’s cooked with berbere (a traditional Eritrean spice blend) and served with injera. Another must-try dish is the zigni, which is a spicy beef stew that’s cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices.
Vegetarians will love the vegetable combo, which includes a variety of flavorful vegetarian dishes like lentils, spinach, and collard greens.
👨🍳 Eritrean
📌 1780 Florida Ave NW, Washington DC 20009
☎️ (202) 265 5764
🌐 http://orderkerencafeandrestaurant.com
Safari DC
Safari DC, located in DC’s Shaw neighborhood, is a Kenyan restaurant that offers an authentic and flavorful dining experience.
The restaurant’s menu features a variety of dishes from Kenya, including the popular nyama choma, a dish of grilled meat that’s seasoned with a blend of spices and served with a side of kachumbari, a fresh and tangy tomato and onion salad.
Another must-try dish at Safari DC is the samosas, which are crispy and savory turnovers filled with either beef or vegetables. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian options, including the lentil stew, which is made with lentils, tomatoes, and a blend of spices.
👨🍳 Kenyan
📌 4306 Georgia Ave NW, Washington DC 20011
☎️ (202) 722 7400
🌐 https://www.facebook.com/safaridc/
Spicy Water African Grill
Spicy Water African Grill is a family-owned restaurant located in the heart of Washington DC’s historic U Street corridor. The restaurant specializes in West African cuisine and offers a range of dishes from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal.
Definitely try the jollof rice, a flavorful and spicy rice dish that’s cooked with a variety of vegetables and spices. Another must-try dish is the suya, a grilled meat skewer that’s seasoned with a spicy blend of peanut and chili powder.
The spinach stew, a savory dish made with spinach, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices, is a great option for anyone looking for a vegetarian dish packed with flavor.
👨🍳 West African
📌 2019 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
☎️ (202) 506 1746
🌐 https://m.facebook.com/people/Spicy-Water/100030756626519/
No matter what you order at these African restaurants in Washington, DC, be prepared for a flavor explosion! 🤯😃
Grab some friends and head to one of these fantastic restaurants for a culinary adventure you won’t forget!