Mama Essi African restaurant — Restaurant in Rotterdam

Saturday, on a rainy grey day in Rotterdam I am thumbing through meal ideas on Thuisbezorgd. I came across Afrikaans food via Mama Essi... So my girlfriend has a look as well, calls up and orders directly to ask questions and let them know what we'd like to try. Fast forward to my showing up to pick up the food and I'm blown away at home much food I am grabbing! I get home with saliva drippings all over my shirt from smelling the food all the way home. I unpack everything and inspect what we will be eating with great enthusiasm as this mountain feast is just so well presented and all of it smelling AMAZING!! We eat serve ourselves from the multiple items we picked up and sit down in the living room, wish each other a great meal and not one word from either of us, other than lip smacking and the MMmmmmm's from the flavours we are experiencing, We both sat looking like Zombies, until I say, that was soooo good! My partner agreed.. So with that I call to say, WOW! That was AHHHHHMAAAAZING!! The pure laughter and pleasure on the other end amused by me, asks if I can post a review, YA I CAN DO THAT!!! Here is my review;

If your life is les than colourful and you've a need to feel good, real good, like your momma just fed you well and you need that after dinner glow and a slight bump in your belly, call and order, think of nothing else, you'll be glad you did!!!!!

10 out of 10!

(Could not fit all the stuff in one photo, plus lighting is not complimentary for what it looks...

After eating West African on a few previous occasions, my favorite time being in Paris, I was craving it again and decided to visit Mama Essi.

It sadly was a pretty big disappointment. While the restaurant was pretty cozy and the waiter who served us was very friendly, the food we were served was quite dry and kinda flavorless.

From previous experience we know West African food to be juicy and flavorful, but the chicken served with our jollof rice was dry and the lamb with our 'signature Mama Essi lamb' was too. We also ordered 'Spicy chicken wings' on the side, but these were not spicy, not flavorful and also quite dry.

This is especially sad when you consider the high asking price for the dishes on the menu. An average dish is about 24 euros, but this is steep.

I know certain ingredients can be hard to get in the Netherlands, but the dishes we had did not include many special ingredients. And as an avid home-cook dabbling in all sorts of European, Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine, I don't see why it should be so expensive. Especially considering the location and furnishing of the restaurant.

All in all I'm disappointed, as this seems to one of only few options for West African food.

Because our experience seems so different from others, maybe they were having a bad day?...

We had such a warm welcome when we arrived which already set the mood. As for the main attraction - the food, this was absolutely delightful. Just from looking at the menu it was hard to choose. As a group we ordered several dishes from the menu which all looked and tasted great, and for me, I ordered the Fufu with light soup and goat meat, also a dish of Grandma Essi’s Lamb. Let me tell you, I was beyond pleased with my order. The Lamb dish was so tender and well seasoned where the spices held the dish together nicely, the rice was well cooked and was complimented by a salad and of course this was served with a generous portion of fried plantain. I’d say if you’re a big eater, this dish alone may not fill you completely but it keeps you satisfied!! As for the Fufu, that was my first time and I was so pleased with my choice. The goat meat was also stewed down perfectly, making it tender and keeping a rich taste. The light soup really blended well to match the flavours of the goat and the fufu, making every bite a magical experience!

Highly recommended gem. I’m looking forward to another visit. Just love the vibe here as well as the food. If this place is not on your list, add it and place it...