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In a city like New York, with thousands of burger joints, it is difficult to stand out, but there is a place in Brooklyn that is causing a sensation by offering a different, exotic and very delicious proposal. It is Akara House and its food is a mixture of Nigerian and American gastronomy. The typical Nigerian Akara sandwiches converted into burgers are one of its star dishes, and it is also plant based because they are made with beans.
Behind this hot spot is Funso Akinya, a Nigerian who moved to Brooklyn more than 20 years ago. He started working at McDonald’s and later moonlighted as a driver for platforms such as UberEats. In addition, he is also an entrepreneur running a medical supply shop. But it was definitely his dream to open his own food place and he has achieved it. The name Akara House refers to a typical Nigerian snack: a kind of fried fritter made of beans or black-eyed peas, which is also popular in other regions such as Ghana, Togo or Gambia.
Nigerian and vegan fast food
All the recipes served here are made with organic and indigenous friendly products (garlic, ginger, onions, bread…). Other specialities inspired by West African cuisine can also be found on the menu. One example is moi moi, a kind of cake also made with beans, garlic, ginger and onions. Another option to try is jollof rice, which consists of rice with tomato, onion, garlic and red pepper, to which you can add fish or meat, although Akara House only serves vegan options. Of course, sauces and condiments are also important in their gastronomic proposal, such as the spicy Ata dindin sauce, which has peppers, tomatoes, onion, ginger, habaneros, chilli flakes, garlic and ginger.
At a time when burgers and sandwiches are constantly on the rise, Akinya has managed to offer a different approach. What’s more, the prices are quite affordable. Akara sandwiches are less than €9, while the moi moi combo with jollof rice is served for less than €18.
If you want to discover other gastronomic proposals in the area, here are the best restaurants in New York, according to Forbes.
