From Hidden Jamaican Restaurants to Rare Cultural Archives: Garden of Afruika’s Top London Spots
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From Hidden Jamaican Restaurants to Rare Cultural Archives: Garden of Afruika’s Top London Spots
London's multicultural heart is by far the city's best quality—and with its many diaspora communities comes a host of different, delicious foodie worlds to explore.
Garrden of Afruika is a food initiative that celebrates culture through cuisine. From community cooking clubs and restaurant pop-ups to event catering, their events honour diverse culinary traditions.
They know the best culinary spots in the city, and respect and acknowledge the culture and communities behind them. Check their guide below.
This article is part of Assemble.
Passa Passa
“Run by amazing chef Zae Millen, she does some of the best pop-ups and supper clubs you'll find. Her food has been served in Jumbi, Bone Baddies, My Neighbours the Dumpling, plus loads more spots. She is the biggest bundle of energy and her focus is good authentic African & Caribbean flavours.There are always some really good plant-based options, for me and my fellow plant eaters. ”
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Andu Cafe
“My go-to place in London for good plant-based Ethiopian. I actually went for my last birthday with my family. It's in the heart of Dalston and the food never disappoints. It's BYOB, the prices are reasonable and they only take cash — real old school settings. ”
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Tasty Vybz / Wenty's Caribbean
“A tiny little Jamaican spot in Forest Gate. You can just about fit four people in there, but the food is up there. It doubles up as a Caribbean grocery store called Wenty's Tropical Foods, which has been a staple in Newham since the 80s. When you go, you must get the Ital stew with rice and peas and plantain — thank me later!”
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Black Rootz
“Black Rootz is a Black-women-led growing collective based in Wolves Lane, Wood Green. Anybody can go down there to volunteer on a Thursday, learn more about growing fresh fruit and veg and just help support such a wonderful and selfless community of people. It's a gem that more people should know about and I really implore you to give it a go. If you do go, ask for Paulette, Pam or James and tell them Garden of Afruika sent you.”
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Seed Archives
“This one is run by a real good brother, who deeply cares about his African cultural heritage and takes archiving, as well as sharing knowledge and resources very seriously. Seed in an incredible, free research library in the heart of Tottenham, which displays books, objects and sounds on African and Caribbean culture and design. Just give Seed a DM on Instagram to book an appointment.”
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