The Everyday Review: Jikoni

Last week marked the opening of Jikoni’s brand new restaurant location in Bristol city centre.

Jikoni East Africa serve street food from Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia. We have been firm favourites of Jikoni since their pop up at the Pipe and Slippers, earlier this year, so you can imagine our delight when we were kindly invited to celebrate with them at their soft launch.

As we arrived at the Old Fire Station, we were greeted by Jikoni’s co-founder and head Chef, Iman. An incredible woman, whose energy and warmth shines through her food and welcomeness.

Drink in hand, we were amazed; the converted fire station, with industrial, high ceilings and glass panel windows, looked so chic and spacious. Room for countless tables, and at the entrance, the bar, one long countertop to accommodate many guests.

There is even a courtyard, perfect for sunny days and a homage to their last location, the Coach House Café. The café, notably much smaller than the Old Fire Station, also had a courtyard which Iman playfully said allowed them to serve more than one guest! We certainty don’t think they’ll have that issue here, but the courtyard is a wonderful bonus!

We also met co-founder James, who kindly offered us injera canapes to get started. They were topped with deliciously rich mushrooms and spicy chicken. James’ love and dedication to Jikoni became clear as he shared ideas of East African inspired Sunday roasts and live music nights. Ideas that he would love to actualise with their newfound space.

We were then spoiled with some classic Jikoni dishes and some teasers from their new menu: spiced cauliflower and potato, pickled beetroot salad, creamy chickpea curry, vegetable fritters and deep fried sambusas stuffed with ground meat. The amount of colour, from the vibrant chillies, rich jewel toned beets, and golden chickpeas attested to the goodness on our plates.

The standout had to be their Somali, sweet potato rostis, spiced with Hawash and finished with hawaash mayonnaise and chillies. These were the perfect bite, crunchy, sweet and deliciously fragrant. They feature in their new menu as ‘Hawaash Browns’, served with scrambled tofu, avocado, ‘shidni’ (a Somali tamarind chilli sauce) and a tropical fruit hot sauce.

The night continued with plenty more drinks and live music from DJ, D.A.D, don’t admit defeat, who filled the room with the warm and melodic sounds of afro house. As friends, family and Jikoni regulars gathered, it became clear that event was not only a celebration but a nod to the community Jikoni had built over the years and those who had contributed to their success.

We cannot wait to visit Jikoni again, and to try more of their brand-new menu. After all, they’re right in the city centre! Check out their new place and keep an eye out for events that I’m sure are soon to come.

We wish Jikoni the best in their new home.