Charlotte: A Taste of Home Meets Exciting West African Cuisine
In the vibrant city of Charlotte, a culinary revolution is brewing, and it’s bringing the deep, rich flavors of West Africa right to your plate. With a palette as vast as the region itself, local newcomers like Tima are setting up shop to offer diners an authentic taste of home that showcases the diversity of the continent.
The Heart of Tima
At Tima, a delightful restaurant in the Queen City, owner Fousseini Sacko is on a mission. “When people ask if my food is Senegalese, Ghanaian, or Nigerian, I ask what they are in the mood to eat,” Sacko says with a warm smile. This charming eatery serves a medley of mouth-watering dishes, including dibi (Malian smoked lamb), thieboudienne (the beloved fish dish from Senegal), and attieke (riced yucca from Burkina Faso). With a menu designed to satisfy all palates, Tima is truly a treasure trove for food lovers.
Exploring the Flavors of West Africa
West African cuisine is gaining momentum in Charlotte, and it deserves to be celebrated. With over two dozen West African restaurants popping up around the city, the culinary scene is buzzing with excitement. Events like the East Meets West dinner series highlight the unique flavors from chefs Awo Amenumey and Ammalu Saleh from Ghana and Tanzania, respectively. Mama G’s has just marked 11 successful years serving the community, while Lagz’s monthly Nigerian brunch has folks lining up for a taste!
A Culinary Connection Across Borders
What sets Tima apart is its dedication to showcasing the diverse culinary traditions from former French colonies, including Mali, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. “On the French side, we don’t eat with so much spice and oil,” explains Mariam Togola, who co-runs Tima with Sacko. It’s a refreshing contrast to the spicier dishes from English-speaking nations like Ghana and Nigeria. This approach allows guests to savor rich flavors without an overwhelming kick.
One of the all-stars on Tima’s menu is the famed jollof rice, a dish that has sparked playful “jollof wars” across the globe. Every country claims it as their own, but Charlotteans can taste the unique twist Tima brings to this beloved classic. Other menu staples include warm peanut butter soup and fluffy fufu, making it impossible to choose just one dish!
From Family Traditions to Culinary Dreams
Fousseini brings a rich family legacy to the table. His mother ran a restaurant in New York City, igniting his passion for food. “In my culture, men don’t cook, but I learned all the recipes by heart while prepping the food,” he reminisces. His partnership with Mariam is formidable; they both enrolled in culinary school after the pandemic turned their catering dreams into reality. “My husband is crazy about cooking! Together, we turned a tough time into an opportunity,” Mariam proudly shares.
The Recipe for Success
What’s the secret behind Tima’s deliciousness? It starts with quality ingredients cooked with love and care. “We don’t half cook it. Everything is natural and fresh,” Sacko insists. Each dish is meticulously prepared, some requiring a 24-hour braise to achieve perfection. Freshness is paramount, as he personally sources every ingredient, from vibrant vegetables to halal meats, ensuring that each dish is a burst of flavor.
Join the Feast!
So, whether you’re a West African cuisine aficionado or trying it for the very first time, Tima invites you to dive in. They encourage sharing and exploring the flavors together – perfect for friends or family gatherings. And don’t forget to save room for dessert! The puff-puff, a sweet, crispy pastry, paired with a cup of special tea from Ivory Coast, will leave you on a deliciously high note.
If you’re in Charlotte and craving a culinary adventure, Tima is a must-visit! Located at 4438 The Plaza, Tima offers a taste of authentic home-cooked West African goodness, bringing the rich traditions and flavors to the heart of the Queen City.
