Culture and community: Black Restaurant Week shines light on West African cuisine in Baltimore 

By Goundo Gueye
AFRO Intern

Black Restaurant Week began on July 13 and will run through July 27, encouraging residents to support Black-owned establishments throughout the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area. For many West African restaurant owners, the week is more than an opportunity to increase business– it’s a chance to introduce customers to authentic West African cuisine while sharing the traditions and stories behind every meal.

AJ’s Restaurant and Carryout, located at 4405 Belair Rd. in Baltimore, is owned by Euloge Bathily. Known to customers as “AJ,” his business is in operation Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For him, the journey to success has been anything but easy. 

Fifteen years ago, Bathily operated another carryout. During the restaurant’s early years, there were days when sales totaled less than three hundred dollars. Rather than giving up, he continued investing in the business by serving traditional dishes made with ingredients imported directly from Africa. 

Though it fell on hard times and eventually had to close, Bathile’s passion remained. He reopened the business under the same name with the goal of bringing authentic Senegalese food to Baltimore. 

“Hard work and dedication is key. There were so many times I wanted to give up,” he says.

Bathily believes customers return because they know they will receive fresh food, generous portions and a clean dining environment. He spoke passionately about the importance of quality and community. 

“We are in business to make money, but first you have to do things with love,” Bathily told the AFRO. “People work hard for their money, so you have to give them quality.”

AJ’s Restaurant consistently serves up flavorful Thiebou Yapp, a Senegalese jollof rice served with tender lamb, making it a standout among Senegalese restaurants in Baltimore. The generous portions and affordable prices have helped make the restaurant a favorite for customers looking for authentic Senegalese cuisine.

Today, he employs five people and says quality comes before everything else. He believes Black-owned businesses should focus on serving customers well and making a positive impact in their communities, rather than relying on the “Black-owned” label alone. He also hires local students when possible and says giving young people opportunities is one way he invests back into the neighborhood.

Kalabar Kitchen Foodtruck, located at 3217 Eastern Blvd in Middle River is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Tuesday and Thursday the truck operates from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Kalabar Kitchen offers authentic Nigerian dishes, prepared fresh inside a colorful food truck. 

Jane Anikwe, also known as “Janny,” is the owner of Kalabar Kitchen. She opened her business in 2024 after leaving her job as a case manager following the birth of her fourth child. With savings, money from refinancing her home and a payment plan for her food truck, she has turned a lifelong passion for cooking into a business. 

Since childhood, Enigwe’s life has always involved the culture that comes with cooking. By the age of 12, she was already helping prepare meals for large family gatherings and learning how to butcher and cook meat, experiences that later inspired her to open her own restaurant. She said there were times she questioned whether the business would succeed. 

“The first year I opened this business was the hardest. I used to go home and cry every day,” Enigwe says. 

Despite the challenges, she continued building both her grocery store and food truck and now serves customers from across the region. Today, she prepares authentic Nigerian dishes fresh on a daily basis and her passion is reflected in every meal she serves. 

“We sell out every single day,” Enigwe says. “I don’t do frozen food. Most of my food is cooked that day, and people notice it.” 

Enigwe warmly welcomes guests and shares the story behind her business while introducing them to authentic West African cuisine. Her version of jollof rice stands out for its bold spices, fresh ingredients, and rich flavor, leaving a lasting impression. 

Enigwe said nearly 90 percent of her customers come from outside the Nigerian community, showing how West African cuisine continues reaching new audiences in Baltimore. She also said referrals have played a major role in the food truck’s growth, with many first-time customers arriving after recommendations from friends, coworkers and family members.

As Black Restaurant Week continues, residents and guests in the area have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to West African cuisine. Take a look at more West African dining options, also personally experienced and reviewed by AFRO News, below. 

Mary’s Catering and African Restaurant

Location: 5138 Belair Rd, Baltimore, MD 21206

Hours of operation: Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Located on Belair Road, Mary’s Catering and African Restaurant has been a favorite for families looking for authentic Nigerian cuisine in Baltimore. From the outside, the restaurant blends into the neighborhood, looking more like a house than a restaurant. However, inside inside, the cozy and welcoming atmosphere makes customers feel at home. Popular menu items include the fufu with egusi and fish, along with sweet plantains, and puff puff (deep fried dough). The fufu is soft, the egusi is rich and flavorful without being overly spicy, and the portions are generous for the price.

Nailah’s Kitchen 

Location: 5722 York Rd, Baltimore, MD 21212

Hours of operation: Wednesday, Thursday 1 p.m.  to 10 p.m.; Friday 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For those looking for a more fancy dining experience, Nailah’s Kitchen is more of a modern take on traditional Senegalese cuisine. Located on York Road, the restaurant has been completely renovated from its former location as Tam Tam into an elegant dining space with neatly set tables and a warm atmosphere. Popular menu items include the dibi (seasoned lamb) served with vermicelli and plantains, while the shrimp nem and refreshing bouye (Senegalese baobab fruit juice) are also amazing. 

The owner welcomes guests from the moment they arrive and creates an inviting atmosphere for customers from all backgrounds, even speaking French with French speaking guests to make them feel at home. The attention to both hospitality, beautifully presented dishes, and authentic Senegalese flavors makes Nailah’s Kitchen one of Baltimore’s top destinations for Senegalese food.

The post Culture and community: Black Restaurant Week shines light on West African cuisine in Baltimore  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.