A Culinary Journey to Senegal in the Heart of London
London's diverse culinary scene offers a passport to global flavors, and for those seeking an authentic taste of Senegal, Little Baobab in Southwark stands as the city's only dedicated Senegalese restaurant. Located within the Africa Centre on Great Suffolk Street, this eatery provides a vibrant escape into West African culture, complete with coral pink walls, rustic wooden furniture, and a soulful soundtrack that transports diners to Dakar.
Menu Highlights and Dining Experience
The lunchtime menu at Little Baobab is a feast for the senses, starting with pre-meal snacks like fatayas—small patties filled with lamb, fish, or falafel, served with a zesty tomato onion sauce for £7. For mains, standout dishes include Chicken Yassa at £15.50, featuring boneless marinated chicken with caramelised onions and plantain, and Thiebou Dienne at £15, a sea bass fillet with jollof rice and tamarind sauce. The Chicken Dibi, priced at £16, is a marinated chicken drumstick dish served with fried plantain and mustard sauce on a bed of lettuce, though some diners note it could benefit from bolder spices.
Vegetarian options are plentiful, with the Vegetarian Mafe, a vegetable and peanut butter stew for £13, and a Roast Vegetable and Fonio Salad for £10. The restaurant's drinks menu shines with cocktails like the Baobab Blossom at £12, a pink gin concoction with baobab juice and pomegranate, and Nigerian lager Star at £8. Desserts include Chocolate Millet Cake at £5.50, offering a dense, malted chocolate flavor.
Ambiance and Value
Little Baobab exudes warmth with its cosy décor and hanging chainmail dividers, creating an intimate atmosphere. Despite minor critiques on spice levels, the restaurant delivers extraordinary value for money, with generous portions and a quiet ambience that encourages leisurely dining. It's a unique spot in London for exploring Senegalese cuisine without leaving the city.
