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The flavors and variety of African and Caribbean cuisines have found a home on Canada’s east coast. In the city of Halifax, the capital and largest municipality of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, thrives a culinary scene worth exploring.
“Nova Scotia is at the heart of Black culture and heritage in Canada, and the largest Indigenous Black community in the country is here. There were about 30,000 Black Nova Scotians across the province in 2021, three-quarters of whom were in Halifax,” notes Clare Tidby, vice president of Marketing and Visitor Experience for Discover Halifax.
“As Halifax’s population grows and diversifies, our collective palate has broadened and improved.”
Tidby pinpoints downtown Halifax as the place to find the largest concentration of restaurants. “In this area, several restaurants with African or Caribbean cuisine thrive,” she shares.
Here’s a spotlight on four foodie destinations worth exploring while in the city.
Mary’s African Cuisine
The goal for Mary Nkrumah, founder/owner of Mary’s African Cuisine is to serve authentic African fare. The Accra, Ghana, native has been doing just that for the past five years with her full-service restaurant. Dishes from all over Africa—like Senegalese chicken yassa, Nigerian egusi soup and Ethiopian injera bread—have a spot on her menu.
What’s most requested by diners? “Stewed oxtail with its deep and rich flavor. People say it is West Indian, but we have been eating it in Ghana forever, much the same way with all of the deep umami tones,” she shares. “And egusi with pounded yam. This is a dish that fills your mouth with flavor and texture.”
As for upcoming plans for the eatery, Nkrumah reveals, “We are working on a cookbook and want to take people for culinary tours of Ghana over the Christmas break. We also want to expand … at the right time.”
Efty Dishes Restaurant
“The vibes I want my customers to feel is having a delicious and beautiful meal … a home away from home,” explains Efty Dishes Restaurant owner/manager Fatimah Ogunsanya. “There was already a Nigerian community established in Nova Scotia, but I also wanted to introduce our food to local Nova Scotians. I saw a need for authentic, homemade tasty Nigerian meals,” she shares.
The Nigerian restaurateur says jollof rice, egusi soup and ayamase are repeat-order dishes by customers. If trying Nigerian cuisine for the first time, Ogunsanya offers, “I would recommend our popular jollof rice and barbecue chicken.”
What’s next for Efty Dishes Restaurant? “Expansion,” declares Ogunsanya. “We aim to be able to get our delicious food to our customers here and outside of Nova Scotia by offering our food by frozen takeout, which can [then] be microwaved.”
Franyz Kitchen Nigerian Cuisine
Originally a take-out and catering establishment, Franyz Kitchen Nigerian Cuisine has focused solely on catering flavorful Nigerian dishes, accommodating all spice levels, and offering vegan and vegetarian options.
Owner Frances Dadin-Alli says customer favorites include jollof rice (“It takes me roughly three hours to cook”), egusi soup (“I don’t use spinach but a different vegetable to give it that unique, earthy taste from the south of Nigeria”) and peppered chicken (“It’s sautéed in a scratch peppered sauce and garnished with green and red peppers, onions”).
“I love cooking and showcasing my culture and tradition in my meals,” reveals the Nigerian-born chef/entrepreneur who hopes to eventually shift from catering to restaurant mode.
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Brawta Jamaican Jerk Joint
When asked to describe the dining experience at her restaurant, Brawta Jamaican Jerk Joint owner Christine Allen draws inspiration from her background. “Casual captures the relaxed atmosphere of the Jamaican culture. Formal brings airs that doesn’t allow you to fully relax and enjoy the moment.”
Jerk chicken, Jamaican patties and oxtails are just some of the dishes most often enjoyed by customers, says Allen, who utilizes locally sourced meats and produce for her menu offerings. “The Jamaican patty is a delicious comfort food, but the jerk is synonymous with Jamaica and a must try,” offers the Kingston, Jamaica native.
“We make our own spice blend and we put our heart in our food.” Adding more items to the menu and shifting back to pre-pandemic hours are just some of the things Allen hopes to accomplish soon.
“As hard as the pandemic has made the running of a food business, it’s still great that I am living a dream of cooking and seeing people enjoy our food.”
