After loving the unique fine-dining experience at Michelin-starred restaurant Akoko, I was keen to check out its younger, casual sibling, Akara Restaurant.
Akara Restaurant is tucked underneath the arches in Borough Yards and offers a delicious blend of West African and Brazilian flavours.
The Backstory
Akara Restaurant gets its name from the black-eyed bean fritter, which originated from West Africa and was carried by enslaved Africans to the Caribbean and Brazil, where you will find variations in local cuisine.
Akara is hugely popular in Brazil, where it is known as acarajé. It’s traditionally found in the northeastern state of Bahia, particularly in Salvador. It serves as a religious offering to the gods in the Candomblé religion and as street food.
Akara is made from grounded black-eyed peas or cowpeas, mixed with seasoning into a batter and deep-fried in small balls. In Brazil, acarajé is often cut open and stuffed with various fillings such as prawns or avocado.
Décor/atmosphere
Though Akara replicates its sibling restaurant’s contemporary take on West African cuisine, it’s a more casual dining experience and has the vibrant atmosphere you would expect in a location such as Borough Yards.
The Food
It is a reimagined version of Akara that is at the core of the a la carte menu, together with a diverse selection of dishes, each narrating the journey of Akara through various regions and countries.
We started by snacking on Rice Pancakes with Black-eyed Hummus, and it was the best hummus I’ve ever tasted.
Moving on to the Akara, we tried two – the BBQ Prawn Akara and Crab KuliKuli Akara. The Prawn Akara was delicious, and I’m not usually a big fan of crab, but this time I was – each bite was a mouthwatering balance of flavours. Both Akara were sharply executed perched on stone cubes and accompanied with a caramelised onion and scotch bonnet sauce.
I was pretty full after eating two Akara, but I had already ordered my main – Grilled Sea Bream with Caramelised Onion & Lemon Sauce. Other mains include ox cheek, BBQ King Oyster mushrooms, Short Rib Suya and Lagos Chicken.
We ordered plantain (because who doesn’t?!), and Brazilian Carrot Rice as sides.
By the time we got to dessert, it needed to be light, so I cleansed my pallet with a Coconut & Lime Sorbet.
The standout dishes were the prawn akara and rice pancake and hummus, which I am eager to return for.
In keeping with the journey from Africa to Brazil, expect cocktails such as Kojo, Mango & Acai and Cacao Negroni.
Service
Staff are attentive, knowledgeable, friendly, and warm and helped to guide us through the menu.
Price
Akara and sides (£7 – £11). Mains range from £16 to £ 28, with the most expensive dish priced at £28, so overall, they are reasonably priced.
Overall
A delectable taste of history.
Tip: You’re probably best off having one Akara if you plan to have a main as they are delightful but very filling.
Book
Address: 18 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AD
