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. Meet Voila Afrique—a family-owned restaurant where every dish tells a story, and every bite brings the boom.
A Taste of Ghanaian Soul—Right in Jersey
Voila Afrique isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a story of resilience, passion, and pure culinary joy. Originally rooted in Midtown NYC for five years, the restaurant moved to Hackensack after the pandemic shook things up. But instead of slowing down, they found new life in a fresh location for the last year—and trust me, you’ll want to get a piece of what they’re serving up. (Even Queen Latifah has tried it!)
At the center of it all is Chef Margaret—owner, head chef, mom, and self-made culinary powerhouse. No formal training. Just a woman with a dream and a lifelong 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 with ground melon seeds and full of spinach. She makes this insanely flavorful tomato sauce and ladles some right on top. 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 pillowy-soft Fufu, it was the kind of dish that made my soul feel warm, happy and full. The fufu was the perfect texture and is made of plantains. I loved it.
🍚 Jollof Rice with Stewed Oxtail
The Jollof was fire—smoky, tomato-rich, and packing just the right level of heat. The oxtail? Magic. Rich, bold, and coated in a sauce that was a flavor explosion.
🍌 Fried Plantains with “Spice Up”
These plantains deserve their own standing ovation. Perfectly cooked, tender centers—and then comes the game-changing secret ingredient: Spice Up. A secret family blend, this seasoning is bold, spicy, and crave-worthy. We were only the fourth people to ever try it. I’m telling you now: bottle it, Chef. The world needs this.
🥜 Peanut Butter Soup
A spicy, savory, peanutty broth that defies explanation. Deep, complex, and wildly comforting. It was like being wrapped in a flavor blanket and smacked (lovingly) with a little lip tingling heat.
🥬 Vegan Veggie Medley
Bright, fresh, and absolutely packed with flavor. This side dish proves that African cuisine does not skimp on taste for the vegan crowd. It’s hearty, satisfying, and 100% plant-based deliciousness.
Behind the Scenes: A Labor of Love
We didn’t just eat—we experienced. 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! (Spoiler alert: it’s a serious arm workout and she makes fresh batches multiple times a day! Respect.)
Every dish was cooked fresh. Every detail mattered. And every moment felt like a lesson in heritage, history, and heart.
Why Voila Afrique Needs to Be On Your Radar
✅ Family-owned & operated
✅ Bold, authentic flavors
✅ Vegan-friendly options
✅ Free delivery across Bergen County
✅ Prices that’ll make your jaw drop
Voila Afrique isn’t flashy, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s not trying to be trendy. It’s trying to be real. And it absolutely nails it.
So if you’re hungry for culture, connection, and food that feeds your soul, let me make it easy:
📍 Voila Afrique – 324 Main St, Hackensack, NJ
📌 Inside Giant Farmers Market
🚗 Free delivery throughout Bergen County
🔥 Pan-African cuisine made with love
This was more than a meal — it was a journey. A chance to learn, to connect, and to experience + taste Chef Margaret’s culture.
Chef Margaret, thank you for the warmth, the hospitality, and the stories. I’ll be back (and next time, I’m hoping she’s selling jars of Spice Up).
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.
Leave a Reply