Mutton and grilled fish? You can find African cuisine at Madison

Coco’s Picks: Les délices de Awa – Madison’s West African Gem with Unforgettable Grilled Fish 🐟 I’ve always been fascinated by African cuisine—having tried dishes from various African countries at Chicago restaurants (check my previous collection for details). So when I found Les délices de Awa, a West African spot in Madison, I had to dive in. West African food is all about generous ingredients and bold flavors—unapologetically vibrant yet down-to-earth. For curious foodies like me, it’s a goldmine of unique tastes you won’t find elsewhere. 📍 Vibe & Location Name: Les délices de Awa Address: 2045 Atwood Ave STE 109, Madison, WI 53704 The space is perfect for family meals or colleague gatherings—bright, simple, and warm. No fussy decor, just a cozy spot to enjoy good food. 🍽️ Must-Try Dishes (Appetizers & Mains) These are the stars that made the meal memorable: Whole Grilled Fish ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This is the dish I’m still thinking about a month later—absolute top pick. It looks charred (even a little blackened) on the outside, but don’t let that fool you: the cooking is spot-on. The skin is crispy, the flesh inside is tender and flaky, with a rich charcoal aroma. Bite through the skin, and the delicate white fish and savory fish oil burst in your mouth. Pair it with the garlicky sauce, and it’s pure bliss. I’d come back just for this fish. Beef Pastels ($10) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Think of these as West African empanadas—they hit similar delicious notes but with their own twist. The crust is thick, crispy, and fragrant with wheat. The filling is juicy, savory, and packed with seasoned beef. For $10, you get three hearty pieces—such great value. I could’ve eaten the whole batch if I didn’t want to save room for other dishes! Goat Meat ⭐️⭐️⭐️This was my most anticipated dish, but it’s a bit underwhelming compared to the first two. Goat meat is naturally low in fat, so the texture was quite tough—like a well-done sirloin steak. It’s not bad, but just not as standout as the fish or pastels. 🥘 Favorite Sides (Free with Every Main!) Every main comes with 2 free sides—here are my go-tos: Fried Yuca (next to the fish in Pic 1) It looks like French fries, but in my opinion, it’s way better. Crispy on the outside, soft inside, with a subtle earthy flavor. If you’ve never tried yuca, this is the perfect introduction. Plantains No need for a long explanation—if you love the sweet, caramelized taste of ripe bananas, this is a no-brainer. 🥤 Drink Highlight: Breadfruit Smoothie I tried a breadfruit smoothie here for the first time, and it’s fantastic! Tangy-sweet, refreshing, and super appetizing. A great way to start the meal. 📌 Final Verdict: A Must for Adventurous Eaters Les délices de Awa is a hidden gem in Madison. The whole grilled fish alone is worth the trip, and the beef pastels and fried yuca make it even better. It’s a wonderful spot to explore bold, authentic West African flavors without leaving town. Don’t miss it if you’re ready to try something new! #Coco’sPicks #MadisonEats #MadisonFood #MadisonLife #MadisonFoodie #WestAfricanFood #UWMadisonEats