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| - I know exactly zilch about African cuisine.
I don't mean North African, like Moroccan and Tunisian of which we have plenty in Montreal.
I mean equatorial Africa. Cuisines of countries like Congo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Senegal or Ivory Coast. I admit my ignorance completely on the foods of that part of the world.
But now, I don't have an excuse anymore. Gracia Afrika sits on a stretch of Notre-Dame street which is rapidly undergoing gentrification. Within walking distance of both Lionel-Groulx and St.Henri metro stations, it's a great place to stop off for dinner right after work. With simmered stew and curry-like dishes, if you like Indian food, it's not a hard stretch to appreciate Gracia Afrika either.
With dishes like Mwambe, a simmered chicken in peanut sauce dish or dishes like spicy catfish cooked in banana leaves, the food is spicy, but not hot, extremely flavorful and satisfying in a home-cooked meal kind of way. It's also BYOB. Ingredients like coconut milk, plantains, rice, beans, goat and lamb all are featured prominently.
We came in last night and were instantly welcomed warmly by owner and cook Bibi Ntumna. Articles which have featured the restaurant are all on display on the wall. Bibi has also cooked for the likes of former Governor General Michaelle Jean, introducing African food to the folks in government.
So if you want to get to know what African food is like, make a stop here. I'll be going back.
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