Not for the faint of heart or the "uninitiated". This is not a place where you go to try things for the firs time. You go there with a mission to eat West African delicacies, order confidently, and walk out with a full belly. Let's get to the details...
I have had my fair share of West African cuisine - ranging from yassa poulet, fufu, kedjenou, palm butter, poisson braisse, goat pepper soup....even sauce d'agouti. I grew up in the region and returned to work in the region in my adult professional life. However, I haven't been in the region in about 3 years. The last time I had decent West African food was during my last trip to Nigeria in 2013.
We were staying in the area on our annual trip to Paris. Husband and I were walking to our rented AirBnB flat after a long day of eating and drinking, and noticed Magic Afrique on our way. I saw a sign advertising all the goodies. My heart skipped a beat and I immediately walked in.
I am not joking when I say this place is not for the uninitiated. Nobody will explain the different items on the menu, and no signs on the dishes that are sitting in the display case. ALmost no English is spoken. The lady behind the counter was patient with my poor French and I appreciate that. Everyone seems to know everyone eating here. It is the true definition of an "ethnic restaurant" that caters to its clientele. Seating space is very small so I got my food to go. The Sauce Arachide Ivorienne was spectacular. Poisson braisse took me back to when I used to frequent the maquis in Abidjan, and the attieke was freshly prepared. I wish I had found this place the day before we left Paris. I would have definitely returned for Kedjenou and Ago Glain. I was happy and full after my take-away meal (paired well with a red sancerre). It is a very divey restaurant that is frequented by locals, not a place where you order a bottle of wine and get table service. People go here to do one thing - eat well and hang out with other members of the diaspora. I was the only non-African when I visited and some of the people looked surprised that I walked in. However, I was greeted with smiles and nods of "we know why you came here for" as soon as I opened my mouth and ordered what I want as I would do in the maquis of Abidjan.
If you are not familiar with West African food get yourself a friend who is familiar...or make new friends who can take you to Magic Afrique. Life is too short to be missing out on these delicacies. read more