The Absolute Best African Food in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Having explored the vibrant culinary landscape of this city, I've had the pleasure of tasting a diverse array of African cuisines that reflect rich cultural traditions.

In this article, I’ll share my top picks from a thorough review of twelve exceptional restaurants that showcase the flavors of Africa.

From fragrant West African stews to delightful East African dishes, each spot offers something unique.

Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, I invite you to embark on this delicious journey with me!

Dozzy's Grill

Highlights
Excellent Senegalese & Nigerian food
Flavor explosion in every bite
Welcoming and kind staff
Delicious peri peri chicken
Live music on Thursday and Friday

When I stepped into Dozzy's Grill, I felt an immediate wave of warmth, not just from the welcoming staff, but from the tantalizing aroma of spices wafting through the air. This spot specializes in Senegalese and Nigerian cuisine, and boy, does it deliver a flavor explosion in every bite!

I couldn't resist trying their renowned peri peri chicken, and let me tell you: it was an absolute delight. The chicken was perfectly marinated, with just the right amount of spice to tickle the taste buds without overwhelming the senses. Paired with a side of rich jollof rice, I was in culinary heaven.

What truly sets Dozzy's Grill apart, though, is the ambiance. The kind staff not only serve up delicious dishes but also create an atmosphere that feels like a warm hug. And if you choose to visit on a Thursday or Friday, you're in for a treat as the restaurant hosts live music, adding an extra layer of joy to your dining experience.

In short, Dozzy's Grill isn't just a restaurant; it's a celebration of culture and flavors that every food lover in Chicago must experience!

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Badou Senegalese Cuisine

Highlights
Flavorful Thiebou Djen Jolof
Friendly staff
Great vegan and vegetarian options
Huge portions for the price
Amazing chocolate cake

Review of Badou Senegalese Cuisine

Stepping into Badou Senegalese Cuisine in Chicago is like being welcomed into a vibrant Senegalese home. The atmosphere buzzes with warmth, partly due to the exceptionally friendly staff who treat every guest like family. As I perused the menu, my eyes landed on the star dish: Thiebou Djen Jolof. This flavor-packed treasure, beautifully presented with succulent fish, will dance on your palate and is perfectly complemented by a medley of seasoned vegetables.

For those with dietary preferences, fear not! Badou offers an array of vegan and vegetarian options that tantalize the taste buds without compromising on flavor. Plus, you'll leave with your appetite satisfied, as the portions are huge for the price—it's great to share or to take home for left overs.

And if you have room for dessert (which I strongly recommend), the amazing chocolate cake is a must-try. It’s rich, moist, and the perfect way to round off your meal. Overall, Badou Senegalese Cuisine is a delightful adventure for anyone craving authentic flavors. I can't wait to return for another serving of culinary bliss!

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Abusua Kitchen

Highlights
Great customer service
Delicious taste
Good value for money
Perfect portion size

First off, I was greeted with great customer service from the moment I stepped in. The staff were friendly and patient with my indecisiveness of what to order. Speaking of ordering, the menu had a variety of options that made it hard for me to choose just one dish.

Eventually, I settled on the Jollof Rice with Chicken and let me tell you, the delicious taste left me wanting more even after finishing the dish. The spices were perfectly balanced and complimented each other well, making every bite enjoyable.

What surprised me was that despite being so good, Abusua Kitchen's food is also a good value for money. The prices are reasonable and you definitely get your money's worth in terms of quality and quantity. Plus, the perfect portion size meant I didn't feel uncomfortably full or hungry either.

Overall, Abusua Kitchen is definitely one of my top picks for African food in Chicago. With great customer service, delicious taste, good value for money, and perfect portion sizes, it's easy to see why this place is a favorite among locals!

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African Soul

Highlights
Live entertainment
Delicious food
Friendly staff
Great atmosphere

First off, let me just say that African Soul is the real deal. From the moment I walked in, I was blown away by the great atmosphere. The warm colors and decor really set the tone for an authentic african experience. And speaking of authentic, the delicious food definitely did not disappoint.

I tried a few different dishes but my absolute favorite was the Jollof Rice with Grilled Chicken. It was perfectly seasoned and had just enough spice to give it that extra kick. But what really made my visit to African Soul stand out was the live entertainment! While enjoying my meal, I was serenaded by traditional african music which really added to the overall experience.

In addition to the fantastic food and entertainment, I have to give a shoutout to the friendly staff who were attentive throughout my entire visit. They even took time to explain some of the dishes on the menu which was really helpful.

Overall, if you're looking for a true taste of Africa in Chicago, look no further than African Soul. It's an experience you won't forget!

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Yassa African Restaurant

Highlights
Fantastic food
Authentic West African cuisine
Must-try salmon patties
Delicious Yassa chicken
Bomb Jollof rice

First of all, let me say that the food at Yassa African Restaurant was beyond fantastic. As soon as I walked in, I could smell the aromas of authentic West African cuisine that immediately made my mouth water.

The salmon patties were a must-try and did not disappoint. They were perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The Yassa chicken was also deliciously cooked in a tangy onion sauce that gave it a unique flavor.

But what really blew me away was the Jollof rice. It was so bomb that I had to get seconds! The rice was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of spice and flavor.

Overall, Yassa African Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic African food experience in Chicago. The food is amazing and the staff are friendly and welcoming. If you're ever in the area, make sure to stop by and give it a try!

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The Mukase African Restaurant

Highlights
Top West African restaurant
Delicious food
Motherland combo
Great service

Firstly, I must say that The Mukase is undoubtedly one of the top West African restaurants in the city. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with a warm welcome and immediately felt at home.

The menu had a wide range of options but I decided to go for their signature dish, the Motherland combo which included jollof rice, plantains, chicken and beef skewers. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Each bite was packed with flavor that made my taste buds dance with joy.

The food was so good that I even tried some dishes that were new to me like Egusi soup and Fufu. The delicious food combined with The Mukase's cozy atmosphere made for an unforgettable dining experience.

Another highlight of The Mukase is their great service. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable about the menu which helped me make my selections. They also went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was top-notch.

Overall, if you're looking for authentic West African cuisine in Chicago, then look no further than The Mukase African Restaurant. Trust me when I say that they will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more!

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Palace Gate Restaurant - Ghanaian cuisine

Highlights
Authentic taste
Flavorful Jollof rice
Reasonable price

Firstly, I was impressed with the authentic taste of the dishes served. The aroma of spices and herbs filled the air as soon as I entered the restaurant. I was guided to my table by a friendly waiter who recommended their signature dish - Jollof rice. And let me tell you, it was one of the best Jollof rice I've ever tasted! The rice was perfectly cooked and had a blend of flavors that left me wanting more.

The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy and inviting. The decor is simple yet elegant with African motifs on the walls that give it an authentic feel. The staff was courteous and attentive, making sure that my dining experience was nothing but enjoyable.

Another highlight of Palace Gate Restaurant is its affordability. For a reasonable price, you can indulge in a fulfilling meal packed with flavor.

In conclusion, if you're in Chicago and looking for an authentic Ghanaian dining experience, then Palace Gate Restaurant is definitely worth checking out. From flavorful Jollof rice to deliciously spiced meat dishes, this restaurant has it all at a reasonable price. So don't hesitate to give it a try!

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Osas African Restaurant - Nigerian cuisine

Highlights
Delicious Nigerian cuisine
Perfectly seasoned chicken
Good atmosphere

First and foremost, the food was absolutely delicious! As an avid fan of Nigerian cuisine, I was impressed by the authenticity of the dishes. The perfectly seasoned chicken had me licking my fingers clean. The flavors were bold and rich, which is a testament to their use of fresh ingredients.

The atmosphere at Osas African Restaurant was also a highlight. The space was cozy yet spacious enough to accommodate a group of friends or family. The decor transported me back to Nigeria with its vibrant colors and traditional patterns.

One dish that stood out for me was the Jollof Rice - a popular West African dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions and spices. It had just the right amount of spice and flavor to satisfy my taste buds.

I cannot recommend this restaurant enough for anyone who wants to experience authentic Nigerian cuisine in Chicago. From the friendly staff to the mouth-watering dishes, Osas African Restaurant is definitely one of the best options in Chicago for african food lovers like myself.

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Dynamic African Cuisine Inc

Highlights
Vegetarian option
Nice attitudes
Spicy red stews
Well seasoned meats
Generous portions

Firstly, I was pleased to see that they had a vegetarian option on the menu. As someone who enjoys a good meatless meal every now and then, it's always refreshing to find a restaurant that caters to all dietary preferences.

The staff at Dynamic African Cuisine Inc were also incredibly welcoming and had nice attitudes throughout my visit. This made my dining experience much more enjoyable.

Now, let's get down to the food. The spicy red stews were mouth-watering and had just the right amount of heat for my taste buds. The meats were also well seasoned, making each bite an explosion of flavor in my mouth.

But what really stood out to me was the portion sizes. They were incredibly generous! I left feeling full and satisfied, yet still wanting more because everything was so delicious.

Overall, I highly recommend Dynamic African Cuisine Inc for anyone looking for authentic african cuisine in Chicago. With their vegetarian options, nice attitudes, spicy stews, well seasoned meats, and generous portions, you won't be disappointed!

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Qaato African Restaurant

Highlights
Flavorful dishes
Perfect spices
Must-try Soup

From the moment I walked in, I was transported to Africa with the decor and music. But the real star of the show was the food. The dishes were bursting with flavor and had just the right amount of spice. Every bite was truly an explosion in my mouth.

One dish that stood out to me was their soup. It's a must-try! The combination of spices and ingredients made it simply irresistible. Honestly, I could have had several bowls of it.

The staff at Qaato African Restaurant were also very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They were able to suggest different dishes based on my preferences which was really helpful.

Overall, my experience at Qaato African Restaurant was fantastic. The flavorful dishes, perfect spices, and must-try soup make this restaurant one of the best african food options in Chicago. If you're looking for a taste of Africa, then Qaato African Restaurant is definitely worth checking out!

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BULSHO restaurant

Highlights
Delicious, fresh, generous portions
Respectful service & welcoming atmosphere
Perfect fluffy/sweet bread and tea included
Unique hidden gem with heart
Fresh and clean Somalian cuisine

Walking into the restaurant, I was immediately greeted by a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The decor was simple yet elegant with traditional African accents that added to the charm of this hidden gem.

I started off with their complimentary tea and was pleasantly surprised by its sweetness and depth of flavors. But then came the star of the show, the food! BULSHO certainly knows how to serve up some delicious, fresh, and generous portions of Somalian cuisine.

I ordered their signature dish, the goat curry with rice and vegetables. The meat was so tender it melted in my mouth and was perfectly balanced by the spices used in the curry sauce. The accompanying rice had a fluffy texture that made it an ideal pairing for the rich curry.

To top it all off, they served freshly baked bread that was both fluffy and sweet. It's no wonder why they're known for it!

The service throughout my meal was respectful and attentive without being intrusive. I appreciated how they took care to keep everything clean and fresh.

Overall, BULSHO is definitely worth visiting if you're looking for authentic Somalian cuisine in Chicago. It's a unique hidden gem with heart serving up fresh and clean dishes that will leave your taste buds dancing!

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K I AFRICAN RESTAURANT

Highlights
Delicious food
Friendly service
Jollof rice is great

First of all, the food was absolutely delicious. I could taste the authentic African spices and flavors in every dish. The menu had a wide variety of options, but I decided to go with the chicken yassa and it did not disappoint. The portion sizes were generous and I left feeling completely satisfied.

The service was also top-notch. The staff were friendly and accommodating, willing to answer any questions about the dishes or make recommendations for those new to African cuisine.

But let's get to what everyone really wants to know about: the Jollof rice. And let me tell you, it was great. The seasoning was on point and the rice wasn't too dry or too mushy, it was just right.

Overall, K I AFRICAN RESTAURANT is definitely one of the best African restaurants in Chicago that I've had the pleasure of visiting. With delicious food, friendly service, and amazing Jollof rice, this place is a must-try for anyone looking for an authentic African culinary experience.