8 Top Spots for Authentic African Cuisine in Ontario

Ontario's vibrant culinary landscape embraces diverse global flavors, and among them, African cuisine stands out with its rich, aromatic, and comforting dishes. If you're searching for authentic African cuisine in Ontario, from bustling markets brimming with unique ingredients to takeout spots serving traditional meals, you're in for a treat. This article explores eight must-visit locations across the province, highlighting where to find the best African food and groceries to satisfy your cravings and connect with a cherished culinary heritage.

Table of Contents

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1. SUYA CITY express

Experience Authentic Nigerian Suya and Jollof

SUYA CITY express is a highly-rated spot where many come for a taste of authentic Nigerian flavors, particularly their famous suya and jollof rice. Customers often rave about the delicious food, especially the savory suya and the smoky jollof, alongside other popular items like their delicious patties and peppered meats. While some find the portions a bit on the smaller side for the price, the quality and vibrant flavors keep people coming back for more, praising the excellent customer service as well. It’s a true highlight for African cuisine in Ontario.

  • Rating: 4.5 (109 google maps)
  • Address: 1354 Weston Rd, York, ON
  • Phone: +1 416-247-6132
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Suya, Jollof rice, peppered meats, puff puff, chicken pie, Efo riro soup, fried yam, turkey, burger.

Image SUYA CITY express African cuisine in Ontario

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2. Queen Liz Kitchen

A Taste of Naija Jollof Right Here

Queen Liz Kitchen offers a culinary journey into West African flavors, with many customers singling out their jollof rice for its distinctive "Naija" party taste. While feedback is varied, this establishment focuses on providing traditional dishes that evoke a sense of home for those familiar with African cuisine. If you're looking to explore staples like jollof, ayamase, or efo riro, this spot aims to deliver authentic tastes, though some may find the spice levels intense.

  • Rating: 2.8 (12 google maps)
  • Address: 20 Lockport Ave, Etobicoke, ON
  • Phone: +1 437-245-2144
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Jollof rice, turkey wings, suya, Ayamase, Efo riro.

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3. Mosaic African Foods (Filad Enterprises)

Your Go-To for Authentic African Ingredients

Mosaic African Foods, also known as Filad Enterprises, is much more than a grocery store; it's a treasure trove for anyone seeking authentic African ingredients and products. Praised for its cleanliness, organization, and extensive selection, customers consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff who make every visit a pleasant experience. Whether you're looking for fresh produce, rare spices, or specialty items that are hard to find elsewhere, Mosaic African Foods truly feels like "home away from home" for many who enjoy cooking traditional African cuisine.

  • Rating: 4.7 (154 google maps)
  • Address: 54 Eddystone Ave, North York, ON
  • Phone: +1 416-744-1078
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: African groceries, produce, spices, beverages, cereals, tinned foods, biscuits, snacks (plantain/potato chips), tubers, grains, garri, poundo, vegetables, frozen foods, smoked fishes, seasonings.

4. Folak African Foods

Brampton's Hub for Authentic African Groceries

Folak African Foods in Brampton stands as a reliable destination for those looking to stock up on African, particularly Nigerian, food items and beauty products. Customers appreciate its well-stocked shelves and the authentic nature of its offerings, with many considering it their primary spot for sourcing familiar ingredients. While some minor comments on customer service exist, the overall consensus points to a welcoming environment where you can find a wide variety of essential items for preparing delicious African cuisine at home.

  • Rating: 4.4 (93 google maps)
  • Address: 9446 McLaughlin Rd N, Brampton, ON
  • Phone: +1 905-457-9079
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: African food (Nigerian), toiletries, cosmetics, periwinkles, panla, Pomo, frozen veggies.

5. Payless Afro International Food Market

Diverse African & Caribbean Groceries with Friendly Service

Payless Afro International Food Market in London offers a wide and affordable selection of African and Caribbean groceries. Many customers commend the friendly and professional staff, as well as the clean and organized store environment. It’s a convenient spot for finding essential raw African food items and other hard-to-find products, with positive feedback often highlighting the overall pleasant shopping experience and good value, making it a go-to for African cuisine essentials.

  • Rating: 4.4 (88 google maps)
  • Address: 577 Hamilton Rd, London, ON
  • Phone: +1 519-601-7797
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: African/Caribbean groceries, raw African food, goat meat, wigs, hair care products.

6. Naija Jollof Mississauga Goreway

Savor the Authentic Flavors of Nigerian Jollof

Naija Jollof at the Mississauga Goreway location is a popular West African restaurant, highly regarded for its immensely flavorful Jollof rice. Customers consistently praise the rich and authentic taste of their jollof, often noting generous portion sizes that make it a truly satisfying meal. Beyond the jollof, items like moi moi, assorted beef, and goat pepper soup are frequently lauded. The restaurant is also commended for its top-notch customer service, making it a welcoming spot to experience delicious African cuisine.

  • Rating: 4.0 (96 google maps)
  • Address: 7215 Goreway Dr, Mississauga, ON
  • Phone: +1 905-676-1515
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Jollof rice, moi moi, assorted beef, white rice with red stew, plantain, goat pepper soup, meat pie, yam porridge.

7. AFROCAN Supermarket

Brampton's Premier Destination for Diverse African Foods

AFROCAN Supermarket in Brampton is widely recognized as one of the best African grocery stores in Canada, celebrated for its incredibly wide variety of products and a consistently clean, well-organized environment. It serves as a one-stop shop for everything from Ghanaian staples like banku and kenkey to a vast array of African and Caribbean food items and even hair products. Customers appreciate the comprehensive selection and the overall professional and neat shopping experience, making it a top choice for authentic African cuisine ingredients.

  • Rating: 4.4 (363 google maps)
  • Address: 70 Devon Rd, Brampton, ON
  • Phone: +1 905-458-5004
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: African/Caribbean food, Ghanaian foods, meat, yams, banku, kenkey, spices, snacks (plantain chips).

8. Unik Afrifoods. African groceries and take out restaurant

Your London Oasis for African Groceries and Delicious Takeout

Unik Afrifoods in London offers the best of both worlds: a well-stocked African grocery store and a fantastic takeout restaurant. Customers frequently praise their authentic and flavorful cooked meals, with highlights including the jollof rice, egusi soup, and suya, often described as the best in London. Beyond prepared dishes, the store offers a broad range of African groceries at affordable prices, making it a convenient and highly-rated spot for both fresh ingredients and ready-to-eat African cuisine.

  • Rating: 4.8 (36 google maps)
  • Address: 1472 Dundas St, London, ON
  • Phone: +1 548-888-8645
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: African groceries, jollof rice, egusi soup, okro soup, meat pie, suya.

Conclusion:

Whether you are looking for a place to dine out and savor delicious African cuisine, or to find authentic ingredients to recreate your favorite African dishes at home, Ontario offers a fantastic array of options. From vibrant restaurants serving smoky jollof and spicy suya to bustling supermarkets stocked with unique African goods, these eight locations provide diverse choices to explore the rich culinary traditions of the continent. Choose a place that suits your preferences and needs, and don't forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below this article!