Hadja Marley — Restaurant in New York

Hadja Marley is truly a gem in Brooklyn, New York for anyone craving authentic West African cuisine. What can I say? The buffet spread speaks for itself! Even at 11 PM, everything was fresh, and the place was buzzing with energy. I wasn’t surprised—it had been on my oldest’s list for a while now. He remembered eating here as a youngster. We came as a family of five, and it exceeded all expectations.

The variety was incredible—fragrant rice, tender braised meat, perfectly fried whole fish, and an array of chicken dishes, each more flavorful than the last. Every bite was absolutely mouthwatering. The boys were so impressed that they insisted on packing extra for lunch the next day!

On the car ride home, the conversation was unanimous: it’s not about the decor or ambiance—it’s the food that truly matters. And Hadja Marley delivers on all fronts. We’re already counting down the days until we...

Excellent food and prices but arrive early for lunch before the best dishes on the steam table are picked over. Ask the cashier or one of the ever friendly customers always eager to be helpful to explain the various west African offerings to you. If you say a few words in French, you are guaranteed a heroes welcome! Also consider an order of Senagalese "cheb" (fish with rice and vegetables) for take out and you won't have to cook supper tonight. It easily feeds 2 and it's the best I've tasted in NYC. I sure wish they'd wash the windows...

It's food by the pound. It's a buffet. A broad assortment of rice and couscous and vegetables and meat prepared in a variety of ways. You build your plate and bring it to the cashier and they weight it and tell you what you're paying. Stay away from the kabobs. They're 3$ apiece (compared to a whole plate of food for 6$) and were somewhat dry.

Speaking French is a bonus, but not necessary. It's a buffet, so there isn't much customer interaction. You grab your food. You pay. You eat. You throw away your plates. You leave. No...