Dishes inspired by Kenya, Botswana and Ethiopia

I checked out @afrikanakitchen a new addition to the food court at Lakeside shopping centre in Essex. 

They have a restaurant which I've not been to, so I was happy to check out this new version that offers up food inspired from regions of Central Africa. The menu has different options from wraps, burgers and chicken. Here's what I ordered. 

Lady Fingers £4.95
High on Halloumi £5.95

We goat your back £12.95
Phat Chicken Box £15.95

Mocktails £3.95 each
Island Dream
Passion Please

Pistachio Bombe £5.95

I really liked the flavours of the goat curry, it was reminiscent of a traditional bengali homemade curry, the meat was soft and tender and full of flavour. Really liked this. 

The phat box what filled with loads of elements, massive bit of fried chicken, mac n cheese, spicy prawns, Grilled chicken wings, jollof rice, Steamed tender stem broccoli and fried plantain. This was good, the wings and mac N cheese were a bit average, but the large chicken, rice and prawns were yum. 

Liked the lady Fingers a lot and the Halloumi was massive. I enjoyed all the food I ate, but do feel that the price on the mains are reflective of a restaurant and not a food court, a bit too expensive but the cost of everything has risen lately. 

The Mocktails, under £4 were really nice, a bit too much ice but the balance of sweetsness and fruit flavour was good. 

Overall a good addition to the food court at Lakeside and worth checking out. All food is halal. No alcohol is present in the food court area. My meal was complimentary.

@halalfoodguy's review of Afrikana Lakeside on Instagram

Afrikana Restaurant Lakeside

This is my first time at afrikana and I am absolutely blown away. The service was bang on with attentive staff which helped with my choice and selection. And I can seriously say this is some of the best chicken you can ever taste. I would suggest going for the africana flavor. It hits differently.

I was happy to see the recyclable packaging also.

Great food, really enjoyed the spice and flavours. Recommend the goat curry with plantain. Kids enjoyed the wings with the milder lemon and leaves sauce. Jollof rice side had a nice kick to it. Friendly service and not a long wait for food to be prepared.

Delicious food with rich flavors and amazing presentation. The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive throughout. A fantastic dining experience. I’ll definitely be back!

Had a free chicken rice box (with jerk BBQ sauce) today, as they were celebrating their anniversary. The taste and quality were amazing. Thank you so much. Looking forward to trying the goat curry one day soon.

If I could give 0* I would. Everytime I come here the service is very dismissive. I ordered something different as a recommendation from my colleagues. My food looked completely different to theirs even though it was the same thing. Not sure if its because I am a female and they are males. My food took 15 minutes, was not even fresh, was very very stale.

Asked for a bag, was dismissed and told only for uber eats and deliveroo they give bags but again my colleagues always get bags. On top of that the man was speaking to me with airpods in his ears which I find very rude.

We are a fully certified Halal place; all our meals are Halal. None of our stores serve alcohol.

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Afrikana