AKWABA

by Madeleine Lamah

“On this September day, I was transported to Africa!”

Unless you mysteriously disappeared on the Manifest’s Montego Air Flight 828 (If you know, you know), then you know that viral videos go global with 'digital' speed. And even then, trends like the Akwaaba Dance can quickly take 'top billing'.

It is a song by Afro Beat singers Mr. Eazi and Guiltybeats. Even Janet Jackson did it in a performance. What most people don't know is that there is also an African Restaurant called “Akwaba.” 

Here’s a pro tip from an experienced traveler: there are very few amazing African restaurants outside of Africa. And even scarcer are authentic West African restaurants that thrive away from their native continent. 

The day was September 17th, 2022, when things changed.

I had just landed at the Denver international Airport after attending a wedding in Sioux -Falls, SD, and because my broke self could only afford the cheapest and longest flight, I had a 7-hour layover and time to kill in Denver.

Hungry and eager to explore, I looked up African restaurants to see if, by any chance, I'd find any around. I found a couple but the one that stood out the most, was a restaurant called "Akwaba restaurant.” 

“Akwaba means welcome.”

The first thing you will notice when you land on their website is the meaning behind their name: “Akwaba means welcome,” in the Akan Languages of Ghana and Ivory Coast “so it’s only fitting that our name reflects the openhearted hospitality for which we are known. We are proud to serve traditional Ivorian dishes with an Afro-Caribbean twist that will transport you to Africa without ever having to leave America. Our menu features delicious plates like Jollof Rice & Plantains (from West African Cuisine) and many more!” And on this September day, I was transported to Africa! 

First, the restaurant’s design is welcoming and nearly flawless. The first thing that caught my eye was the cute sink set-up you see the moment you enter the restaurant. This is to wash your hands. Let me say this loudly: IT IS PRACTICALLY IMPOSSIBLE to enjoy most traditional African dishes without your natural human forks (hands) and I for one, was glad they had thought of this. It took me ages to decide on a menu item and ultimately, I decided on three dishes. (Trust me, that decision was one of the hardest of my life.) I combined the first two dishes. I ordered the Attieke with a whole fish, and plantains on the side. Now this dish combo, although traditional to West African cuisine, especially Ivory Coast and Guinea (my home country y’all), is often considered classy and fancy and it does not require hands to eat … but the food will taste 10 times better with your hands. 

The third dish was a more traditional, not as classy, and most definitely requires your hands to eat. It was Palm Butter with Dried Okra Soup with Fufu on the side. Now, of course, you could eat fufu with a fork or spoon but that will take away 99% of the taste; Ok, just kidding, but… it will definitely take away 99 percent of the experience so just forego the utensils this time around, TRUST ME. 

I usually prefer Fufu with Peanut Butter and Dried Okra Soup, but I had never tried the Palm Butter experience, so I went for it. I’m glad I did because I absolutely LOVED IT! 

Now, remember how I had planned to go grab food and explore Denver? Well, I spent my entire layover at the restaurant. Eating, working (yes, they have WiFi), and listening to the Afro Beat music playing in the background. Six 6-hours in Denver turned into a whole virtual lifestyle in Africa. 

Again, trust me: the next time you have a layover in Denver, or if you’re visiting Denver, or you’re in need of some excellent West African cuisine, definitely, order you plane to stop at Akwaba Restaurant. Your body, your soul and, yes, your ‘hand forks’ will thank you. Profusely.

www.akwabarestaurant.com