New York's First African Food Festival Debuts In Brooklyn This Weekend

Moi Moi (and chicken) is a Nigerian steamed bean pudding dish. (Courtesy: NYC African Food Festival)

Traditional Nigerian dishes like Moi Moi (steamed bean pudding), Jollof, a popular rice staple from West Africa, Lahoh, a spongy, pancake-like bread from Somalia, and other mouth-watering seasoned dishes will be featured in New York’s first annual African Food Festival this weekend.

The food festival will span two days on August 13 and 14 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard to offer locals the opportunity to taste a broad range of African cuisines, as well as enjoy the beauty of the African diaspora through arts and entertainment.

Ishmael Osekre, the festival’s founder, assures that locals can get a feel for Africa through its diverse lineup. Originally, he wanted to host a smaller concept in DUMBO for 500 people, but as word quickly spread through the borough and on social media, Osekre took his vision to a larger venue by recruiting chefs, artists, and food vendors.

“African music and fashion have always had steady momentum and exposure in mainstream American culture; African food hasn’t,” Osekre told Brooklyn Based.

Kelewele is a traditional Ghanaian snack dish of fried plantains seasoned with spices. (Courtesy: NYC African Food Festival)

In addition to food, neighbors can also participate in mini-cooking lessons, and there are VIP tickets that offer access to mingle with celebrated African chefs.

On Saturday, Nigerian-born chef Grace Odogbili will cook up a vegan brunch that introduces diners to foods of Africa and the Caribbean. She will add Cajun spices to her five-course pan-African dinner, which includes Egyptian stuffed vine leaves, wine, beer, curry goat ravioli, and steamed bean cakes.

Feijoada (Southern Africa, Brazil), a stew made with beans, beef, and pork will be featured at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. (Courtesy: NYC African Food Festival)

Festival goers will also have vegetarian food options such as Kelewele, or spicy sweet plantains, a popular snack dish from Ghana. And for carnivores, the Feijoada (Southern Africa, Brazil) is the perfect dish to savor the stew made with beans, beef, and pork.

The cultural festivities will have live entertainment each night featuring local African artists and those based in Africa.

Overall, the festival grants New Yorkers the chance to step out of their comfort zone to experience the city’s multicultural community. We want to hear from you, so foodies make your way down to the Brooklyn Navy Yard this weekend and take food pictures. Send them our way to editor@bklyner.com.

New York African Food Festival
Where: Brooklyn Navy Yard, 63 Flushing Avenue
When: Saturday, August 13; Sunday, August 14
Prices: Tickets start at $20

(Courtesy: NYC African Food Festival)