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Manchester
Yaba African & Caribbean Restaurant
Location: 110 Hulme High Street, Manchester, M15 5JP [
map]
Phone: 0844 683 0457
Open: Mon-Fri noon-11pm; Sat noon-midnight; Sun noon-11pm
E-mail:
Born out of a long-standing friendship between Sylvia Ogbarmey-Tetteh and Lorna Christopher, Yaba is proud to be the only restaurant in Manchester serving both African and Caribbean cuisine. The balance of the two is vital; and behind the scenes are both a Jamaican and a Ghanaian chef who ensure both nationalities are represented properly in the food.
I started with the chicken soup - stuffed with chicken, carrots, potatoes and 'spinners' (dumplings), it redefined winter warming. With its richness, golden hue and subtle spices, this really was the perfect antidote to a rainy Manchester night. The versatility of Yaba means that each main course gives you the option of adding seafood, meat or making your meal vegetarian, as well as allowing you to match the dishes with an impressive variety of side orders. My companion opted for a beautifully tender curried goat (Caribbean) and paired it with jollof rice (African). Jollof rice was new to us, and I especially liked the way it was cooked in a rich tomato sauce. For my own main I had crunchy fried chicken, which came accompanied by waakye rice. The generous portions meant that, sadly, we simply couldn't squeeze in a dessert.
A suitable introduction to the dishes on offer - or if you simply have a gargantuan appetite - is the restaurant's buffet. This is available on a regular basis, at a reasonable price. Such great value and a relaxed atmosphere has made Yaba increasingly popular with large parties. It is also possible to book the whole restaurant for a private party. Yaba's location is ideal, and those traversing Hulme High Street can find the restaurant opposite the area's major leisure complex, and in close proximity to the local market.
The restaurant is keen on becoming involved with the local community and hosts regular events such as comedy and poetry nights. Even without a themed night, Yaba is the ideal venue for a splendid meal, and also a perfect way to kick-start a night out if you fancy exploring the bustling bar scene in Hulme.
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