LITTLE BAOBAB FOUNDER, CHEF KHADIM'S INSIDER GUIDE TO SOUTHWARK
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
The king of London's African dining scene gives us the lowdown on where to eat and drink in the vibrant, foodie hotspot
Chef Khadim has been making waves in London’s African dining scene, since founding the capital's only dedicated Senegalese restaurant, Little Baobab.
For the past 10 years, Khadim has brought Little Baobab’s soul food to London via hit, East London pop-ups, UK festivals, and his permanent site at the Africa Centre in Southwark.
Renowned for bringing people together through food, music and tradition, the award-winning restaurant has quickly become a vibrant cultural hub with its seasonal, set menus and live music events.
Expect dishes like Plantain with bissap salt, Soupou Kandja, an okra and palm oil stew with tiger prawns, or their sweet potato and quinoa fritters.
He has turned his discerning palate to the cafes, restaurants and bars around his Southwark destination, to bring us the best places to eat and drink in the vibrant, riverside hotspot, from morning to night.
Little Baobab, 66-68 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 0BL
COFFEE
Cutter's Yard
I go to Cutter's Yard, which is a coffee shop inside a barbershop. It's just up the road from my restaurant, the staff are really friendly and the coffee is great. My go-to order is an oat flat white.
Cutter’s Yard, Bankside, 28 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 0UE
BREAKFAST
Paul Bankside
I'm not normally in Southwark for breakfast, but if I am I go to Paul Bankside - up towards the Tate Modern. Their tarte a la pomme is delicious and reminds me of the French bakeries we have in Senegal.
Paul Bankside, Unit 4, 16 Sumner St, London SE1 9JZ
LUNCH
Coconut Thai
If I'm not eating lunch at my restaurant, I would go to Coconut Thai up the road. A small takeaway Thai spot with dishes cooked to order - super busy and efficient service, I love watching them handle the woks.
Coconut Thai, 52 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 0BL
DINNER
Akara
I always have to shout-out Akara restaurant in Borough Market. It's a great spot for dinner - the menu is fun and interesting with a Brazilian West African fusion. The akara they have are really great. I also really enjoyed Rambutan when I went recently - I loved the flavours and the spice of the meals there.
Akara, Arch 208, 18 Stoney St, London SE1 9AD
DRINKS
The Africa Centre Bar
I don't drink alcohol, but love the bar that we have upstairs at the Africa Centre, run by Manya London. They stock African beers and wines from black-owned wineries, and have a great range of African juices (bissap, baobab, etc) and soft drinks.
Africa Centre, 66 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 0BL
INSIDER TIP
Free Outdoor Salsa Sessions
A friend of mine organises free outdoor salsa on the South Bank every Friday. It's open to all levels and is really fun - either to take part or just to hang out.
South Bank Salsa Sessions, Queen's Walk, South Bank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX (every Summer Friday from 7pm, free)
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