#AMAKAxAmplifyAfrica

We just want a taste of home— An African in the Diaspora!!

I know for a fact that Africans still in their home continent just can’t get enough of its meals and delicacies. Nothing better than a wonderful homemade African dish that leaves you wanting more. Africans still in their home country if not for anything are considered quite lucky and blessed as they are close to local ingredients and foods. However, what can we say for our folks in the diaspora? Either those of African descent or those now residing abroad for various reasons. 

African restaurants and stores are where Africans in the diaspora can have a taste of Africa while still abroad. These stores and restaurants give you access to African ingredients and meals. There are many amazing markets and restaurants that serve up a nice slice of African culture. In addition to the food, these places as hotspots provide an opportunity for Africans in the diaspora to come together, celebrate their heritage, and create bonds. No doubt these markets and restaurants can connect you to your roots. Food and people, now that is a great combo. 

However, these stores and restaurants can be quite pricey. I came across a post where a netizen living abroad just had to ask why Nigerian restaurants abroad are so expensive. The point is that it is not just the restaurants though, the prices of items in African markets and stores are on the high side also. The comment section was flooded with complaints about how foodstuffs like plantain and okra in African stores are quite expensive compared to other ethnic stores and restaurants. 

In African restaurants, you might have to pay a premium to get an African dish. One of the reasons for this high price has been attributed to the few African caterers abroad. These caterers charge a high rate for their services as there are quite a few caterers abroad who can whip up delectable African cuisines.

 At times, it is only at these African restaurants that you can have meals that are quite difficult to make yourself at home so you just have to settle for eating at an African restaurant. That moment you just crave deeply a well-prepared and garnished African dish and you can't prepare it yourself, so an African restaurant is your only option. This is the reality of an African living in the diaspora.

Ibidunni Awe who schools in Aberdeen, Scotland says that the prices of food items in African stores are quite expensive compared to what is applicable at home. However, she is of the opinion that they are still affordable but this was two years ago when the global economy wasn't this affected and the global prices of goods aren't on the high side. Apparently, making a stew in the UK costs about 40 Euros.  

Who is to blame though for these costly items? There are a few reasons why these items and cuisines are quite expensive but I don't think anyone is to blame. Certain factors contribute to the high prices of food items and meals in African markets and restaurants. The cost of importing African ingredients and products from African countries is quite on the high side due to increasing shipping or airfares costs, taxes, and duties. In addition, African cuisines can be rare and less common in some countries abroad. Because few stores and restaurants are offering it, it makes it more expensive. For example, discovering an African restaurant in France that has white soup. 

Now because these restaurants prioritize authenticity to ensure that their diners and guests have that unique African feel, they only make use of traditional ingredients and cooking methods, which can be more costly. In addition, these businesses, be it the restaurants or stores have other operational costs which they put into consideration when determining the selling prices of their items and meals. Besides, these stores and restaurants actually have to make their profits too.

Although these markets and restaurants are ‘tough’, it has not deterred Africans abroad from enjoying African delicacies. I really want to hear from those of you abroad. If you have visited African stores and restaurants and have marveled at the cost of things or if items are relatively cheap where you stay please let me know in the comment section!!

#AMAKAxAmplifyAfrica

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