This Friday, Philadelphia will once again embrace African culture and culinary diversity as African Restaurant Week returns for its second year, running from June 19 to 29.
The initiative highlights Black and African restaurants throughout the city, offering special deals and pop-up events to support small businesses within the community.
Akin Akinsanya, founder of African Restaurant Week, emphasized the cultural significance of the event, stating, “It came out of a sense of culture, of pride.”
Originally starting in New York in 2013 as a casual after-work event celebrating African cuisine, Akinsanya’s vision has grown into a widely recognized weeklong festival.
Over the years, this project has expanded to several regions, including New Jersey, Maryland, Washington D.C., and even the Bay Area.
This year’s event will feature around 20 restaurants in Philadelphia, representing approximately eight different countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Senegal, Jamaica, and the Ivory Coast.
Akinsanya himself has explored a wide range of dishes during the event, stating, “Doing African Restaurant Week also exposed me to dishes from different parts of Africa myself.”
The week aims not only to provide discounts to food enthusiasts but also to raise awareness about local dining spots, both established and newcomers.
Lauretta Hassann-Nwani, owner of The Saints Restaurant and Lounge in Rittenhouse, shared her thoughts on participating in the event, saying, “It’s really just important because it shines a spotlight on Africa and the diaspora – cuisine that we as a society often overlook.”
Opened in April, The Saints Restaurant and Lounge serves West African-inspired dishes with a modern twist.
In the evenings, the restaurant transforms into a vibrant lounge atmosphere with cocktails and afro-beats.
Hassann-Nwani described the venue as “more warm and welcoming,” perfect for both dinner or cultural date nights.
With roots in Sierra Leone, Hassann-Nwani’s concept takes inspiration from various West African countries, offering a diverse menu that includes snapper with green curry sauce and puffed plantain, seared Lagos lamb with signature jollof rice, and a bowl celebrating different West African cultures.
During African Restaurant Week, The Saints will offer a 10% discount on dishes along with hosting special events, such as a Sunday day party featuring brunch deals and a mixer on June 27.
Hassann-Nwani expressed her hopes that this week will introduce new customers to her restaurant and others.
“This week really gives us a collective moment to showcase not only our food but also our culture, our creativity, and contributions to the hospitality industry as a whole,” she elaborated.
She insists on the pride of being part of the African restaurant scene, particularly in Rittenhouse where West African restaurants are not commonly found.
A wide variety of restaurants are participating this year, including Eatwell Philly, Gou Restaurant, Gojjo, and New Era Cuisine, a fast-casual Nigerian eatery located on the lower concourse at 1500 JFK.
New Era Cuisine, run by Chef Olaoti Ajibola, aka Chef Tee, is known for its peppered chicken with sweet plantains and African shawarma.
Chef Tee is excited to announce special promotions and exclusive tastings throughout the African Restaurant Week festivities.
Her highlights include a ‘dinner with Chef Tee’ session hosted at Prime Fusion, with tickets available next week.
The theme for this year’s festival is “A Night in Lagos,” aiming to showcase Afro-fusion cuisine along with authentic Nigerian flavors in Philadelphia.
Additionally, New Era Cuisine will be one of the featured restaurants at the closing festival at LOVE Park on Sunday, June 29.
The festival will feature music, a marketplace, and a jollof rice tasting competition, a friendly rivalry that showcases the different styles of this popular dish across various African countries.
“We’ll have some local talents,” Akinsanya mentioned, describing the anticipated festivities.
Chef Tee is enthusiastic about connecting with fellow restaurant staff during this event.
“Philadelphia is very big, but I feel like it’s a melting pot as well,” she remarked, noting the city’s rich assortment of African restaurants from both East and West Africa.
As the city boasts diverse culinary offerings, events like African Restaurant Week help unite these cultural influences.
Chef Tee will be presenting a variety of Nigerian dishes at the festival, including puff puff with Zulu-inspired syrup, suya, and abula, a traditional Yoruba meal.
Much like Hassann-Nwani, she views this event as a valuable opportunity to highlight the richness of African food.
“I never even thought in my wildest dream that I would be a chef, let alone a restaurant owner,” she admitted, revealing her transition from a chemical engineering background to the culinary world.
Akinsanya echoed Chef Tee’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of increased foot traffic for restaurants.
“When the restaurants are happy and they appreciate the initiative, and they’ve been able to see a bounce during the week, that’s really, really satisfying,” he said, highlighting the success of the initiative.
As African Restaurant Week unfolds, it promises to showcase not only delicious food but also the rich cultural heritage that these establishments represent.
image source from：billypenn
