Akoko (*), London – Lunch menu

Hey finediners,

I was in London last week and booked a lunch at Akoko, newly Michelin starred West African restaurant from Ayo Adeyemi.

Just to preface, I have no knowledge of African food (one of the reasons I wanted to come here). The lunch comes in at a reasonable £55 without supplements and service charge and was an amazing ride through the west of the continent.

Starting with Waina, a chicken liver parfait on top of a crispy pancake. Down in one and a lovely if understated way to start the meal.

The next dish was English caught red mullet on a wonderfully spiced sauce, a lovely heat with chilli and not over-spiced. We mixed this with the Moimoi – a steamed bean pudding made with red pepper. This was a gorgeous dish I could eat over and over again.

Decided to splash out on the Tatale dish because I am a baller (NB I am not a baller). Exmoor caviar (the U.K.s largest caviar farm) added a lovely saltiness to the cream cheese-like texture and taste of the cashew cream. Plantain in the tatale added a little sweetness. A new take on the tried and tested smoke salmon, cream cheese blinis. Delicious.

The main course was Jollof rice with herdwick lamb (famous high quality lamb from the U.K.). Smoked, barbecued fatty lamb with spicy, punchy, crispy rice. Highlight of the meal. A great main course and a generous portions.

There was an option for ox tongue in a sweet tangy sauce and a bone marrow emulsion which I of course took. I did enjoy this dish but I was a little full by this point.

Desert was a coffee mousse with Uda ice cream. Lovely light dessert.

Final sweets were absolutely delicious – a peanut cookie and black sesame fudge.

All in all this was a fantastic and unique meal in London. Service was professional and friendly. I feel that Akoko is a must try in the London dining scene and the lunch was very well priced and took about 2 hours.