The Wake

Africa is fascinating, mainly for its relative mystery to us in the western world. We are so far removed from the culture that a trip to the West Bank can sometimes serve as a miniature culture shock.

Stepping out of the car on 6th St., I was greeted by a myriad of men and women chattering in Somali and other foreign languages. I turned onto Cedar Ave., then into Tam-Tam’s African Restaurant – a safe haven from the cluttered crowds outside.

The restaurant’s ambiance is peaceful, with muted lighting and a red and burgundy-tiled ceiling. The tables are a deep, rich mahogany and the scent of African spices hangs in the air. The liveliness of the exterior failed to find its way inside; at 5:30 pm on a Friday the restaurant was empty.

Tam-Tam’s menu reflects all of Africa – stretching from Ethiopia to the West Coast, and their selection is quite good.

To start, I ordered lentil Sambosa, which costs $2.50. The flaky triangular pastry was served with lemon and, upon request, a tick red hot sauce. With the condiments, the Sambosa’s flavor potential was unlocked, flooding my mouth with rich flavors and spice.

For an entrée, I figured the signature dish, Tam-Tam Stew (for 10.49), would be the best choice. The plate comes with two different starch options, and I chose rice and steamed plantains. The stew was seasoned well, with a decent amount of spice (not too spicy despite the fact that it was ordered “very hot.”) The chicken is served on the bone, but it’s tender enough to slide right off.

The West Bank is full of hidden treasures, just waiting for you to discover and devour. Tam-Tam’s is a nice introduction to pan-African cuisine, though it is a little pricey for a college student’s budget.

Overall: 7/10