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Taste the Flavors of Africa in Vancouver at These 10 Authentic African Restaurants

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It’s late in the evening, and you crave African cuisine’s rich spices and vibrant flavors. If only there were a way to satisfy that hunger without hopping on a plane, right?

Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll take you on a delicious journey through Vancouver’s top authentic African restaurants, each offering unique dishes celebrating the continent’s diverse culinary heritage.

Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey as we unveil the best spots to savor authentic African cuisine in Vancouver. So grab a snack and settle in—your next favorite meal is just a scroll away!

1. Nando’s Davie & Howe

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Website: https://www.nandos.ca/find/davie-howe-downtown

Address: 828 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2S2, Canada

Contact details: +16046781217

Operating hours: 10:30 AM–11 PM

Nando’s Davie & Howe brings a fiery taste of Africa to the city. With its roots in South Africa, this popular restaurant chain has carved a niche by specializing in flame-grilled chicken marinated in their signature PERi-PERi sauce. 

The PERi-PERi sauce, made from African chili peppers, is the star of the show, and customers can choose from different spice levels. Beyond the chicken, Nando’s offers a selection of sides and accompaniments that perfectly complement the main dish. 

2. Harambe Ethiopian Restaurant

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Address: 2149 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4B3, Canada

Contact details: +16042161060

Operating hours: 12–10 PM

Harambe Ethiopian Restaurant’s warm, orange-hued interior is adorned with colorful artwork that transports diners to the heart of Ethiopia. Meat lovers will appreciate options like the tender Awaze Tibs, while vegetarians can indulge in plant-based dishes. 

One of the most distinctive aspects of dining at Harambe is the communal style. Traditional Ethiopian meals are served on a large, shared platter, encouraging diners to share and savor the various flavors. 

3. Jambo Grill

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Website: http://www.jambogrill.ca/

Address: 3219 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5K3, Canada

Contact details: +16044335060

Operating hours: 11 AM–10 PM

Jambo Grill is a culinary adventure that takes you on a flavorful journey with its innovative fusion of East African and Indian cuisines. The menu is a delightful blend of traditional recipes and modern interpretations, resulting in a distinctive taste profile. 

The chefs expertly combine time-honored cooking techniques with contemporary flair, creating authentic and innovative dishes. The extensive menu offers various options, from vegetarian delights to succulent meat-based entrees. 

4. Simba’s Grill

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Website: http://www.simbasgrill.com/

Address: 3300 Boundary Rd, Burnaby, BC V5M 4A4, Canada

Contact details: +16049740649

Operating hours: 11:30 AM–10 PM

Simba’s Grill is an unassuming eatery that offers a captivating journey through the vibrant flavors of East Africa. With its warm, family-run atmosphere, Simba’s Grill invites diners to experience authentic cuisine that is both comforting and exhilarating.

The menu at Simba’s Grill is a treasure trove of tempting dishes. Every bite celebrates East African flavors, from succulent grilled meats marinated to perfection to aromatic curries bursting with complex spices. 

5. Fassil Ethiopian Restaurant

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Website: http://www.fassil.ca/

Address: 736 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X9, Canada

Contact details: +16048792001

Operating hours: 12–10 PM

Fassil Restaurant is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Vancouver. It offers an authentic taste of Ethiopian cuisine. The menu at Fassil showcases the diversity of Ethiopian flavors, with a tempting array of meat and vegetable stews known as wat.

One of Fassil’s most distinctive aspects is its commitment to preserving the essence of Ethiopian dining. The restaurant eschews traditional cutlery in favor of the iconic injera, a spongy, slightly sour flatbread that serves as both plate and utensil. 

6. Moltaqa Moroccan Restaurant

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Website: https://www.moltaqarestaurant.ca/

Address: 1002 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6J8, Canada

Contact details: +16048411182

Operating hours: 12–11:30 PM

Moltaqa Moroccan Restaurant’s menu is a treasure trove of traditional Moroccan dishes, meticulously prepared with the freshest ingredients and a blend of time-honored spices. 

From the delicate, flaky pastilla to the hearty and flavorful tagines, each dish is a testament to Morocco’s rich culinary heritage. The restaurant often hosts live Qanun music and belly dance performances, adding a layer of cultural richness.

7. Gojo Café Ethiopia

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Website: http://www.gojocafe.com/

Address: 2838 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C6, Canada

Contact details: +16047085394

Operating hours: 4–10 PM

Gojo Café Ethiopia is a culinary gem offering an authentic Ethiopian cuisine taste. The menu showcases a wide array of traditional Ethiopian dishes prepared with time-honored recipes and using the freshest ingredients.

From hearty stews simmered to perfection to flavorful vegetarian options, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The cornerstone of Ethiopian dining, the spongy injera flatbread, is made in-house daily, ensuring its distinctive texture and taste.   

8. Safari Snack House 

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Website: https://safarisnackhouse.com/

Address: 5121 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5E 3N1, Canada

Contact details: +16045159211

Operating hours: 10 AM–4 PM

Safari Snack House is an unassuming eatery a world away from the typical Vancouver dining experience. It transports patrons to the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality of countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.

The menu is a delightful fusion of East African and Indian culinary traditions. The menu boasts a variety of grilled meats, including the tender beef mishkaki and flavorful beef ribs, all marinated with a secret blend of Indo-African herbs and spices. 

9. Axum Restaurant

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Website: http://axumrestaurant.ca/

Address: 1279 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1S4, Canada

Contact details: +16042532986

Operating hours: 12–10 PM

Axum Restaurant is a culinary gem offering an authentic taste of Ethiopian cuisine. The restaurant’s interior is adorned with traditional Ethiopian artifacts, creating a visually captivating ambiance to complement the dishes.

The menu boasts a wide array of traditional Ethiopian dishes, from hearty stews to savory vegetarian options, catering to diverse palates. The restaurant also offers a selection of Ethiopian-inspired beverages, providing a complete cultural immersion.

10. Kilimanjaro Snack House and Catering

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Website: http://www.kilisnackhouse.com/

Address: 789 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5V 3C2, Canada

Contact details: +16045597050

Operating hours: Sunday, 11 AM–7 PM

Kilimanjaro Snack House and Catering’s menu is a flavorful journey through the heart of East Africa. The restaurant’s dedication to preserving traditional cooking methods shines through in the quality and taste of its offerings. 

One of the standout features of Kilimanjaro Snack House is its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chefs meticulously prepare each dish, ensuring an explosion of authentic flavors in every bite.   

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