At Afrikiko, each dish tastes like it was made for you because you have an in with the cooks in the back. In other words, this is Houston’s best Ghanaian food. The tiny Westwood joint’s jollof rice is slightly sweet with a little acidity from the tomato base, the mounds of waakye have been smoked to high heaven, and the flaky, fried tilapia dissolves into fluffy, house-made banku.

Ghanaian, Nigerian, and Senegalese cuisines — the foundation of African-American foodways — are prepared with care and efficiency at Afrikiko. My meal of jollof rice with goat pepper soup was terrific, but it was impossible to leave without a bowl of their groundnut soup, a stew of ground peanuts and tender bites of poultry.

With origins in West Africa, groundnut soup—also known as peanut butter soup—is a staple of the Ghanaian diet. Afrikiko, a humble strip-mall spot that’s cooked up Ghanaian delicacies for more than 15 years, makes its version with peanut butter, chopped bell peppers, diced onions, minced garlic, tomato sauce, and pepper. It’s pureed until absurdly smooth, salty, and sweet with a strong, nutty bite, and is best enjoyed with goat meat and fluffy, steaming-hot fufu (a sort of bread made from cassava or other root vegetables that have been boiled and pounded with hot water) for dipping.

Afrikiko is famously named Houston’s Number One West African Cuisine with a one and only touch of authentic flavors. All can enjoy the dining experience by trying the wonderful and original taste of African cuisine, which offers visitors everything from spicy and tasty to downright mind-blowing dishes. For more than 15 years, Afrikiko has earned the title for serving heavenly lunches and dinners, each carefully prepared to give you the exquisite taste of popular African dishes.

Afrikiko Restaurant, nestled at 9625 Bissonnet St in Houston, TX, serves as a vibrant culinary hub that captures the essence of the African continent with a special emphasis on West African flavors. This popular dining destination is celebrated for its authentic and diverse menu, offering patrons a chance to savor a wide array of traditional dishes that are staples in African cuisine. One of the highlights of Afrikiko is the Ghanaian favorite, Fufu and Light Soup.

Amosu’s restaurant, ChòpnBlọk, located in the newly opened POST Houston building, bills itself as “a contemporary approach to traditional West African cuisine.” The Rice University MBA graduate’s modern fast-casual fare follows in the footsteps of many successful Nigerian and West African restaurants in the city, including Taste of Nigeria, Cafe Abuja, Aria Suya and Afrikiko.

Afrikiko manages to encapsulate an enchanting experience that defies comprehension. As you step foot into this Ghanaian establishment, you’ll immediately feel pampered with a thoughtful gesture—a bowl of warm water for hand-washing between dishes. Few places can rival the warm welcome and delightful offerings, including their delectable meat pies and outstanding jollof rice.

A family-owned Ghanaian place, Afrikiko is one of the best West African restaurants in Houston. Their fufu, a doughlike dish made from cassava, is delicious, and goes well with any of their soup options. Their spicy goat pepper soup, smooth peanut butter soup, and hearty egusi soup are all standouts.Where: 9625 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77036

Afrikiko is the finest location for authentic West African cuisine in the United States. The meal is given in ample portions, ensuring a full and complete experience. The restaurant also makes a sincere effort to imitate traditional Ghanaian cuisine, incorporating influences from other African countries.

This low-key family-owned Ghanaian restaurant on Bissonnet Street offers a variety of West African dishes. Be sure to choose from their many Nigerian staples like pounded yam with og bno soup. A post shared by Feng Li (@whatthecapybara) on May 31, 2015 at 12:35pm PDT

I was blown away by the rich and delicious flavors, combined with the very friendly staff. The menu was expansive and had something for everyone. From spicy to mild, there were plenty of options to try.