Akoko’s Aji Akokomi on Leading the Way for West African Cooking in London

"I opened Akara in Borough Market to celebrate the spirit of the black-eyed bean fritter that inspired it — akara — and to show another side of West African food: playful, approachable street food rooted in authenticity and diaspora influences rather than being a simplified offshoot of our fine-dining work. The concept honours the dish’s Nigerian Yoruba origins and its journey (including its Brazilian incarnation, acarajé), and the menu features original fritters and other items inspired by a wider span of West African and diasporic flavours, all intended to open people’s eyes to the breadth, perspectives and creativity of the cuisine." - Andrew Young