Bennachin

Bennachin's is the one and only African Restaurant in the New Orleans area. I have been to this establishment about 3 times now, and every time has been delightful! Let me start off by mentioning the decor is fabulous. Bennachin's has African tapestry's, art work, and artifacts. This restaurant is full of color and authenticity! The food is absolutely delicious and prepared fresh in a nook of a kitchen by women who are native to Africa. Don't be alarmed or scared by the unfamiliarity of ethnic food. There are plenty of items on the menu New Orleanians are accustomed too, especially considering a lot of our cuisine originated in Africa. For example, Jolaf Rice, my mother and I made this dish when I was in 4th grade for my report on Nigeria. This West African dish is actually where jambalaya originated. So give something new a try! A lot of the entrees are served with with fried plantains (yum), spinach and a delicious roll. Not too scary, right? I believe the last dish I got was a cashew chicken with a curry sauce. Now I will say, some dishes are spicy! There are three levels of cayenne pepper you can get added to your dish. I regretted level one, so be aware, it's spicy. Two appetizers I must mention are the black eyed pea fritters and fou fou. The black eye fritters are basically black eyed peas mashed down in a mortar and pestle, balled up and fried. They are served with a sauce for dipping and are very yummy! I love black eyed peas! The fou fou is like a mashed potato/roll like consistency, you can dip it in your stew dishes. Now don't tell me ya'll don't dip rolls in your stew, I don't believe it! Ok so what about the prices? Stellar! Most entrees are in the $9-$13 range. Anytime I have gone I have always felt like I was getting a bargain, and there was always food to bring home! Now, this place is small, so large groups may want to call ahead. I'd say it's half the size of my classroom, maybe not even that. There is usually only one waitress and she's always on top of her game. The service is wonderful! One down side, soda's come in cans, they do not have a soda fountain, but alcohol is BYOB. (which can always be fun)

***** Five Stars

I highly recommend Bennachins, you will not be disappointed! Support local businesses! Take a trip to the bathroom too. You have to walk straight through the kitchen. Chat it up with the chefs, they're always very friendly.