Review: Dakar Street Food

Among the hidden gems of Houston is a little pocket where Senegal, Jamaica, and other West African countries meet to make an explosive fusion of flavors. Located on 2923 Walnut Bend Ln this is the perfect place to hang out with friends and family to enjoy the relaxing mood. Dakar Street food is a special place to visit. 

As soon as you walk into the restaurant you are met with the scent of warm sultry spices. Rich sounds of West African songs fill your ear and immerse you into the culture. Sculptures from West Africa decorate the restaurant in every corner.

Once you are seated you are greeted with warm smiles and comfort. As I enteredI immediately felt at home at the restaurant, as everyone that ventured into the restaurant seemed to be searching for good vibes and a hearty meal.

Dakar Street food’s menu covers traditional cuisine from the Caribbean and West African countries. One dish that surprised my taste buds was the Senegalese traditional Jollof Rice. The exotic spices burst in your mouth setting it on fire ( in a good way of course). When I first tried it, my eyes widened from how appetizing it was. The side of Tilapia fish balances out the jollof with its smoky seasoning. 

From Jamaica there is a savory oxtail. The meat of the oxtail falls right off the bone. Put together with the flavorful rice, the combination is delicious. Meat pie, a dish that is eaten in all three regions, has the perfect crunch, with a fried pastry that is filled with cooked meat and vegetables. I was surprised by how flaky and crunchy the pastry was but soft from the meat inside. These dishes are just a few to name from the vast menu of Dakar Street Food. My personal favorite is the jollof paired with the Tilapia, however oxtail is a close second. 

The drink selection at Dakar Street Food has great options as well. Bouye, a traditional Gambian drink and Bissap are both thick textured drinks. They are very sweet, sugary, and perfect for the warm weather that we receive in Houston.  The Passion Fruit lemonade is also another delectable drink. It is refreshing, a great palate cleanser, and my go to order. 

The restaurant provides its customers with quality service.The food was prepared fast and was plated with huge portions that are worth the price. My waitress, a young woman, helped me pick out the star dishes of the restaurant. She also advised me on the hot sauce levels to try. 

 The servers and cooks treat you like part of their family. They converse with you and make sure you are having a great time. All the workers at the restaurant all have a story to tell. Makhtar, the owner of the restaurant, was inspired to open it because of his mom. When he immigrated to Houston, Makhtar would call his mom in Senegal and ask for recipes for his favorite childhood dishes. This inspired him to share a piece of his life with the world. 

If I were to give Dakar street food a rating I would give it a 5 out of 5 stars. Dakar Street Food engages its customers into the ambience of the motherland and makes everyone feel right at home.