What if London played host to the world's first African food hall? You could drool over Cameroonian pepper fish, before chowing down on coriander-spiced lamb chops too. Luckily for us, Alkebulan is delivering just that. Curated by renowned Harlem chef Alexander Smalls and TGP International, the company behind 3 Henrietta Street, it's coming to our capital after great success at their Expo 2020 pop-up in Dubai.
From promoting Black chefs to uncovering the flavours of countries across Africa and African diaspora, including Kenya, Senegal and North America, the dining hall's Dubai venue is brimming with diversity. The result? Innovative flavours galore. Even Smalls' own Afro-Asian wok bar, Sweet Ophelia's, is serving up Carolina Bourbon BBQ shrimp and okra skewers, alongside oxtail dumplings with green apple curry sauce. Swoon.
Other offerings included black-eyed pea and plantain stew, cocktails whipped up with African spirits and nose-to-tail dining, literally. While the chef residencies in Alkebulan's London edition haven't been confirmed yet, you can be sure that the 10 spaces will be packed full of flavoursome grub, with a few boozy offerings to boot.
Alkebulan is set to open in London in 2022, with a date to be announced. Looking for more? Read all about London's best African restaurants.