Mansa Kunda is a much-needed West African food restaurant located in Takoma Park, Maryland. African food in general, as vast and diverse as it is, still has a relatively low profile. There is, however, something for everyone and this spot is a microcosm of that.

Rating: 4 star plates 🍽️ 🍽️ 🍽️ 🍽️

You can get a range of West African dishes at this spot, here are the ones I tried. Definitely get the fish pies those are delicious, get as many as you like they are snack size. Be sure to ask for the chili sauce to go with them, the spice enhances everything and they are definitely not dry at all. For a main if you like chicken and are looking for something comforting, try the tomato-based chu stew which is a traditional Gambian/Senegalese dish. Finally for dessert, order one of their cakes! Best cake I had all year (2020). If you like sorrel, that will brighten your day.

One of my favourite bites I highly recommend. The fish pie with chili sauce. It’s rich and crunchy, the perfect appetizer.

There are a lot of options when you are looking for an entrée, and you can get specific if you want something from a particular country within the West African region. I tried a simple chicken stew out of Senegal and Gambia, it was a generous portion enough for two. Delicious, but a little light on the seasoning, or salt at least.

When you are dining in you get to see the chairs, which are actually drums, very appropriate, and cool.

If you take away anything, take home some cake! They have some of the most creative cake flavours I have ever seen in a restaurant. If I could recommend one, it would be the bissap cake. If you are a fan of hisbus and floral notes, you will love this deeply flavorful, moist cake.