Houston's Ghanaian Central — My Southern Brand

Houston is known as an African immigrant mecca due to its low cost of living, acceptance of all immigrants, and dynamic economy. The bustling metropolis of almost 7 million has about 90,000 foreign-born Africans, and of that number, around 5,000 are from the beautiful country Ghana. Clustered on the Southwest side, one of the most diverse areas in the country, Ghanaian Americans have created a sense of community along with other Africans. Along Bissonnet Street, one can find this sense of community in the restaurant, Afrikiko. Afrikiko is more than a restaurant. It is a laid back meeting space where Ghanaians can eat, laugh, share members with each other, and watch TV together. Let me take on a journey to this casual restaurant...

LOCATION

Located among several African grocery stores, clubs, restaurants, and churches on Bissonnet Street, Afrikiko is right in the heart of Houston's African community. Shan, who studied abroad in Ghana's capitol city, suggested this restaurant.

The restaurant is very intimate and accommodating; it reminds me of someone's home or of a small store/restaurant duo back in rural Alabama. There weren't many patrons, and it seemed like everyone who was in there knew each other. We, Shan and I, were greeted by one of the cooks, a Ghanaian woman who was enjoying table conversations with family and friends. A warm and graceful woman, she took our orders, after Shan helped me pick a meal.

FOOD

The food came out fairly quickly...

Shan ordered Jollof Rice, which is like a jambalaya style fried rice. The rice is served with your choice of meat, and Shan had chosen fried tilapia; the tilapia is served whole. Her Jollof rice was good and reminded so much of jambalaya but drier and without the seafood.

**Jollof Rice with a choice of Fried Tilapia - $15.00**

For me, I ordered Waakye, which is a combination of African black eyed peas and rice. Just like Shan's meal, Waakye is served with your choice of meat, so I'd chosen fried tilapia. Waakye is also served with a scoop of shito, which is spicy hot pepper that has an acquired taste and smell; it can be viewed as Ghana's version of hot sauce. The Waakye was really flavorful and kind of reminded me of black eyed peas back home. The tilapia was hot and fried to perfection; despite it being fried whole, it was easy to eat. The shito definitely added spiciness and some extra flavor, which isn't bad, to the Waakye and the fish; it does smell similar to mulch, which can be a turn off to the average patron. Nevertheless, we both enjoyed our dishes and was well satisfied with the portions.

**Waakye with a scoop of shito and a choice of Fried Tilapia - $15.00**

For drinks, Shan had water, and I had Sprite.

CONCLUSION

This was my first time trying Ghanaian food. I must say that I can definitely see the African influences in soul food, after consuming food at Afrikiko; the way the food is prepared and the flavors of the food are very reminiscent to what African Americans consume in the Southern United States.

I'm very big on the Holy Trinity: flavor, portions, and cost! Afrikiko didn't disappoint. Shan's Jollof Rice meal was $15, and my Waakye meal was also $15. Shan's water was $1.50, and my sprite was $2.00. I'm definitely looking forward to going back to Afrikiko to try something different off the menu!

All in all, I give Afrikiko 4 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️).