African and Caribbean Restaurants in Memphis Mane: Celebrating Our Connected Culinary Heritage
In Memphis, we know two things, culture and food so Black History Month, we're exploring the rich tapestry of African and Caribbean cuisines and their influence in our city.
In Memphis, we know two things, culture and food so Black History Month, we're exploring the rich tapestry of African and Caribbean cuisines and their influence in our city.
These restaurants not only offer delicious food but also tell the story of how African culinary traditions traveled across the Atlantic, influencing and evolving flavors around the world. Let's explore these culinary gems that bring the diverse tastes of Africa and the Caribbean to the Bluff City.
The African-Caribbean Connection
Before we dive into our restaurant guide, let's understand this important cultural connection.During the transatlantic slave trade, enslaved Africans brought their culinary traditions to the Caribbean. These cooking methods, ingredients, and flavors merged with indigenous Caribbean, European, and later Asian influences, creating the vibrant Caribbean cuisine we know today. You'll notice similar ingredients like scotch bonnet peppers, plantains, rice preparations, and slow-cooking methods across both African and Caribbean cuisines.
African Cuisine Guide
New to African food? Here are some popular dishes and ingredients that reflect the diverse flavors of the continent:
- Jollof Rice A beloved dish across countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, Jollof Rice is a vibrant one-pot meal made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. Each region adds its own twist, making every plate a unique experience. Origin: West Africa
- Egusi Soup This rich, hearty soup is made from ground melon seeds and is often prepared with vegetables, meats, or fish. It's traditionally served with pounded yam or fufu for dipping. Origin: West Africa
- Injera A spongy, sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, injera serves as both a plate and utensil. It's paired with a variety of stews like doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and Misir Wat (lentil stew). Origin: Ethiopia and Eritrea
- Suya A popular street food, suya is grilled meat skewers seasoned with a bold peanut-spice mix. It's often served with onions and fresh tomatoes for a refreshing balance. Origin: Nigeria
- Tagine Named after the clay pot it's cooked in, this slow-cooked stew often combines meat, vegetables, and dried fruits like apricots, spiced with cinnamon, saffron, and ginger for a sweet-savory flavor profile. Origin: North Africa
- Plantains These starchy fruits are a staple in many African cuisines. They're prepared in various ways, from frying to boiling or roasting, and are served as a side dish or snack. Origin: Widely Used Across Africa
- Pepper Soup This aromatic, spicy soup is made with a mix of indigenous spices and is typically prepared with goat meat, fish, or chicken. It’s a comforting dish enjoyed for its bold flavors and warmth. Origin: West Africa
- Fufu A dough-like side dish made from boiled and pounded starchy foods such as yam, plantains, or cassava. Fufu is typically paired with soups or stews and eaten by hand. Origin: West and Central Africa
- Bunny Chow This street food consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with flavorful curry, showcasing the blend of African and Indian culinary influences in South Africa. Origin: South Africa
African Restaurants
Abyssinian Ethiopian Restaurant
Location: 2600 Poplar Ave #115, Memphis, TN 38112
Price Range: $$$
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Yes
Delivery: Available on Grubhub and UberEats
Abyssinian Ethiopian Restaurant offers a true taste of Ethiopia with its rich, aromatic stews and injera, the traditional sourdough flatbread. The communal dining experience and authentic flavors make it a must-visit for those looking to explore Ethiopian cuisine in Memphis.
What Makes It Unique: The restaurant offers unique traditional Ethiopian dishes like Kitfo, a raw beef dish made with minced beef, a spicy blend of chili powder, and clarified butter.
Must-Try Dish: Try the Yesbeg Tibes, a stir-fried lamb dish that’s pan-fried with onions, garlic, and butter.
Andalusia Authentic Moroccan Cuisine
Location: 5101 Sanderlin Ave #103, Memphis, TN 38117
Price Range: $$$
Cuisine: Moroccan
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Yes
Delivery: Available on Grubhub and UberEats
Experience the heartwarming flavors of authentic Moroccan tagines and other traditional dishes, served in a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a quick and delicious lunch, a leisurely meal on the patio, or the convenience of takeout, Andalusia has you covered.
What Makes It Unique: Andalusia offers a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of dietary needs. In addition to traditional dishes, their menu includes vegan and vegetarian options, as well as Halal and Gluten-Free choices, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Must-Try Dish: The Chicken Pastilla showcases the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors characteristic of Moroccan cuisine. Vegetarians should try the vegetable tagine prepared with nine vegetables, a traditional meal prepared in Moroccan earthenware.
Bala's Bistro
Location: 4571 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
Cuisine: West African
Price Range: $$
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Yes
Delivery: Available on DoorDash and UberEats
Bala's Bistro offers a modern take on traditional West African cuisine, with a cafeteria-style setting that allows you to pop in quickly for a grab-and-go meal or sit down to explore African flavors casually and conveniently.
What Makes It Unique: The bistro expertly blends traditional West African recipes with American flavors and dishes that Memphians are accustomed to, making it an excellent introduction to African cuisine for newcomers. The restaurant offers a buffet so dinners have the option to try multiple dishes.
Must-Try Dish: Vegans can enjoy a Make Your Own Vegan Plate with over 8 vegan options to choose from including Okra Stew, Peppered Curry, and Sweet Plantain.
Dianka Restaurant
Location: 3275 Millbranch Rd, Memphis, TN 38116
Cuisine: Senegalese
Price Range: $$
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Not Available
Delivery: Available on UberEats
Dianka offers an authentic taste of Senegalese cuisine, known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. The restaurant provides a casual, welcoming atmosphere perfect for exploring the diverse flavors of Senegal.
What Makes It Unique: Their use of traditional Senegalese cooking techniques and spice blends create truly authentic flavors.
Must-Try Dish: Now the debate for who has the best jollof still hasn't been settled however, sources say, Nigeria and Ghana can have a seat because the crown goes to Senegal. So make sure you try the Jollof with Fried Fish to see if it’s true.
Horn of Africa Restaurant
Location: 693 Avon Rd, Memphis, TN 38122
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Price Range: $$
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Options Available
Delivery: Available on UberEats
This vibrant establishment brings the rich flavors of Ethiopian cuisine to Memphis. The atmosphere is warm and communal, perfect for experiencing the traditional shared dining style of Ethiopian culture.
What Makes It Unique: The only African restaurant in Memphis that offers a breakfast menu.
Must-Try Dish: Their Fetira, a crispy wheat flour pancake with eggs often served with a side of honey offers an excellent introduction to Ethiopian breakfast food.
Le Fuuta Restaurant
Location: 4527 Millbranch Rd, Memphis, TN 38116
Cuisine: Senegalese
Price Range: $$
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: No
Delivery: Unknown
Experience the unique flavors of Senegalese cuisine in a welcoming, casual atmosphere. Le Fuuta brings the authentic tastes of Senegal to Memphis with traditional preparation methods and spices.
What Makes It Unique: Their lunch menu provides daily lunch specials giving diners the option to try a different dish every day of the week.
Must-Try Dish: Their Didi Lamb, marinated grilled lamb served with caramelized onions and a tangy mustard sauce.
Malal African & American Food
Location: 1886 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38116
Price Range: $$
Cuisine: African with Senegal influence
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: No
Delivery: Unknown
Offering a unique fusion of African and American cuisines, Malal provides diners with a bridge between familiar flavors and traditional African dishes.
What Makes It Unique: Their attention to blending African spice with American dishes makes this restaurant a great introduction to African food in Memphis.
Must-Try Dish: Their Yassa Chicken is a braised chicken dish marinated with onions and citrus juice served over a bed of rice.
Mande Dibi
Location: 6825 Winchester Rd Suite D, Memphis, TN 38115
Price Range: $$
Cuisine: West African
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Available
Delivery: Available on DoorDash
Mande Dibi welcomes diners with traditional African art, textiles, and music, creating an authentic West African atmosphere. The decor and ambiance make it a comfortable space for those new to West African cuisine, as well as those already familiar with it.
What Makes It Unique: Their grilled meats are prepared using traditional West African spice blends and cooking techniques, offering Memphis diners a true taste of West African barbecue.
Must-Try Dish: Their Turkey Tail Suya. The meat is marinated in a rich blend of suya spices and grilled to perfection, served alongside a generous portion of flavorful Jollof rice and sweet, caramelized plantains.
M and M Kitchen
Location: 1249 Heistan Pl, Memphis, TN 38105
Price Range: $$
Cuisine: Nigerian
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian options available
Delivery: Available on Grubhub, UberEats DoorDash
This grab-and-go restaurant offers a variety of Afro-Caribbean dishes, including quick and convenient options for those on the move, as well as more substantial meals that showcase the rich and diverse flavors of the region.
What Makes It Unique: Their menu features a fusion of African and Caribbean culinary traditions, with dishes that highlight fresh ingredients, bold spices, and unique flavor combinations. The restaurant currently only offers their food for pick up or delivery.
Must-Try Dish: Their egusi and fufu, a West African dish made with ground melon seeds and leafy greens, served with fufu a boiled consisting of cassava, plantains, yams, or a combination of all three.
Shegar Ethiopian Restaurant & Grocery
Location: 6195 Macon Rd, Memphis, TN 38134
Price Range: $$
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Yes
Delivery: Available on Grubhub, UberEats DoorDash
Sheger Ethiopian Restaurant and Grocery offers authentic Ethiopian cuisine and groceries. They take pride in their ability to deliver an authentic African culinary experience with dishes prepared by highly skilled chefs. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere celebrates East African cuisine, inviting guests to immerse themselves in tantalizing aromas and flavors.
Must-Try Dish: If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Fish Kitfo, a raw fish dish made with finely chopped fish and mixed with seasonings of shallots, olive oil, lemon juice, and other Ethiopian spice blends.
BONUS: For the Home Chef
M&B African Food Market
Looking to create your own African dishes at home? M&B African Food Market is your go-to source for authentic African ingredients. They carry essential items like:
- Waakye Leaves
- Maggi Tablets
- Milo
- And many more authentic African ingredients
Stop by the market to explore their wide selection of ingredients and spices. The staff can help you find what you need to recreate your favorite African dishes at home.
Caribbean Cuisine Guide
New to Caribbean food? Here are some popular dishes you'll find at our local restaurants:
- Jerk Seasoning A spicy blend of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and other spices, originating from the Maroons of Jamaica
- Curry Goat A rich, spicy dish showing the influence of Indian immigrants in the Caribbean
- Oxtail Slow-cooked until tender, this dish demonstrates the African influence of making tough cuts of meat delicious
- Plantains Used in both African and Caribbean cuisines, these starchy fruits are often fried and served as a side dish
Caribbean Restaurants
Gully's Grill/ Gully's Jerk Hut
Location: 5992 Knight Arnold Rd, Memphis, TN 38115
Price Range: $$
Cuisine: Jamaican
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: No
Delivery: Available on DoorDash and UberEats
Located in the heart of East Memphis, Tennessee, Gully's Grill is a Jamaican restaurant and food truck that specializes in bringing the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to your plate. Their signature dish, Jerk Chicken, is a fiery and flavorful masterpiece that embodies the essence of Jamaican cuisine.
What Makes It Unique: Gully's is a restaurant by day and an entertainment spot by night, offering authentic Jamaican dishes and Game Nights every Thursday featuring Karaoke, Games, and BYOB.
Must-Try Dish: Their Jerk Big Bak Meal Special that comes with 4 pieces of jerk dark meat chicken, seasoned fries, and baked mac and cheese.
Memphis Jamaican Kitchen
Location: 237 Vance Ave, Memphis, TN 38126 & 1354 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN, 38104
Price Range: $$
Cuisine: Jamaican
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: No
Delivery: Available on DoorDash GrubHub and UberEats
Serving two locations, Memphis Jamaican Kitchen offers the most incredible Jamaican cuisine from both a mobile kitchen and a brick-and-mortar location. You can stop in or place your order online and enjoy a wide variety of authentic Jamaican dishes.
What Makes It Unique: In addition to their regular lunch and dinner menu, they offer a special breakfast menu on weekends. This weekend breakfast menu features traditional Caribbean dishes like porridge ackee and saltfish, providing customers with an authentic Caribbean culinary experience any time of day.
Must-Try Dish: Their popular wet jerk chicken and their falling off-the-bone braised oxtail.
Island Paradise Takeout
Location: 5280 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122
Price Range: $$
Cuisine: Jamaican
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: No
Delivery: Available on DoorDash and UberEats
Island Paradise Takeout, home of Memphis Jerk, offers a wide variety of jerk dishes to satisfy your cravings. From the classic Jerk Chicken to the succulent Jerk Ribs, their menu is a testament to the rich and flavorful tradition of jerk cuisine.
What Makes It Unique: The dishes are made to order with fresh ingredients, so while there might be a slight wait, you can be assured that every bite will taste as if you've been transported directly to the shores of Jamaica. The vibrant flavors and authentic spices will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Must-Try Dish: Their famous Jerk Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is loved by Memphians and visitors alike.
Curry N Jerk
Location: 150 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Price Range: $$
Cuisine: Jamaican and Panamanian
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Yes
Delivery: Available on DoorDash and UberEats
Curry N Jerk, a restaurant that blends Jamaican and Panamanian cuisine, serves lunch and dinner daily, with happy hour specials Tuesday through Saturday.
What Makes It Unique: They have a full-service bar and island atmosphere that adds to the Caribbean dining experience.
Must-Try Dish: Their oxtail, which falls off the bone, and its flavorful side of cabbage, are must-try dishes.
Little Jamaica
Location: 2760 N Germantown Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38133 (Wolfchase Food Court)
Price Range: $$
Cuisine: Jamaican
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: No
Delivery: Available on GrubHub and UberEats
What Makes It Unique: The restaurant's simple menu offers the most authentic Jamaican dishes, eliminating the possibility of being overwhelmed by too many choices.
Must-Try Dish: The stew chicken with rice and peas and cabbage is a great introduction to Jamaican cuisine and perfect for those who prefer to start with a simple dish.
Jamrack Restaurant and Bar
Location: 150 N Avalon St, Memphis, TN 38104
Price Range: $$
Cuisine: Jamaican and Caribbean
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: No
Delivery: Available on DoorDash
Jamrack Restaurant and Bar features diverse Caribbean dishes, from spicy jerk chicken to slow-cooked curry goat and pan-seared Red Snapper. They offer fresh ingredients from Jamaica and other Caribbean nations for an authentic dining experience.
What Makes It Unique: A family-owned and the first full-service Jamaican restaurant in Memphis, their recipes have been passed down through generations, and they are dedicated to providing authentic Caribbean flavors.
Must-Try Dish: The Pulled Jerk Sandwich gives all the flavors of Jamaican with the nostalgia of Memphis.
The Cajun Jerk
Location: 3113 S 3rd St, Memphis, TN 38109
Price Range: $$
Cuisine: Creole Jamaican
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: No
Delivery: Available on DoorDash and UberEats
The Cajun Jerk artfully marries the rich and diverse flavors of Southern Louisiana's Cajun and Creole traditions with the vibrant and exotic tastes of the Caribbean islands. This fusion showcases the interplay of bold spices, smoky aromas, and subtle sweetness that characterize both culinary worlds.
What Makes It Unique: The Cajun Jerk creates an innovative fusion of Caribbean jerk spices and Cajun flavors, representing the beautiful blend of cultures in the American South and the Caribbean.
Must-Try Dish: Their Jerk Fried Rice with Catfish combines the heat of jerk seasoning with classic Southern preparation.
About This Guide
Prices are indicated as follows:
- $ = Under $15 per person
- $$ = $15-30 per person
- $$$ = $30-50 per person
- $$$$ = Over $50 per person
All information about operating hours, locations, menus, and delivery services should be verified directly with the restaurants as details may change. Delivery availability may vary by location and time.
About the Author
RobinWade
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