Tucked away inside Giant Farmers Market in Hackensack, NJ, there’s a hidden gem dishing out some of the boldest, most soulful Pan-African flavors I’ve ever tasted! It’s called Voila Afrique and it’s a family owned restaurant who made the move from NYC to NJ after the pandemic.
A Taste of Ghanaian Soul in New Jersey
At the center of it all is Chef Margaret who is the owner, head chef, mom, and self-made culinary powerhouse! Just a woman with a dream and a love of cooking.
“I love to see people eat my food,” she told me with the biggest smile and that energy is poured into every dish she serves.
What I Ordered: A Tour of Pan-African Flavor
Let’s get into it, because this meal? One for the books.
Egusi Soup with Boneless Goat & Fufu
Comforting, nutty, and perfectly spiced, this Egusi was rich and full of spinach. She makes this insanely flavorful tomato sauce and ladles some right on top before packing up the order. You can choose your protein but we got goat. Tender, flavorful and boneless (major points for that!).
This dish was so well-seasoned it didn’t need a thing. We paired with her fufu, which was the perfect texture and is made of plantains. I loved it.
Jollof Rice with Stewed Oxtail
The Jollof was fire. Smoky, tomato-y, and packing just the right level of heat. The oxtail? Rich, bold, and coated in a gravy that was so good I cannot even put it into words. You just need to try it.
Fried Plantains with “Spice Up”
A secret family blend called spice up was used to season the fried plantains and they were so good! Sweet, spicy, and delicious!
Peanut Butter Soup
A spicy, savory, peanutty broth that rocked my world. Deeply complex yet comforting.
Vegan Veggie Medley
Fresh and absolutely packed with flavor. It was hearty, satisfying, and a great option for those who eat plant-based!
Behind the Scenes: A Labor of Love
Chef Margaret allowed us into her kitchen, where we watched her plate dishes, make fresh Egusi, and pound Fufu by hand. And she EVEN LET ME TRY pounding the fufu myself! (it’s a serious workout and she makes fresh batches multiple times a day! Respect.)
Every dish was cooked fresh. Every detail mattered. I felt like family.
Why Voila Afrique Needs to Be On Your List
✅ Family-owned & operated
✅ Bold, authentic flavors
✅ Vegan-friendly options
✅ Free delivery across Bergen County
✅ Prices that’ll make your jaw drop
📍 Voila Afrique – 324 Main St, Hackensack, NJ (Inside Giant Farmers Market)
🚗 Free delivery throughout Bergen County
🔥 Pan-African cuisine made with love
Chef Margaret, thank you for the warmth, the hospitality, and the stories. I’ll be back!
Some other notes:
- They offer catering
- They will cook the fresh fish you can buy inside the farmer’s market for $5.99lb – how unique!
- They have special in-store prices that are insanely low!
- They use the endless flow of fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins of the Farmer’s Market to create their dishes! Incredibly fresh.
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