Tradition Meets Technology as Tasty African Food Opens Digital-First Takeaway in Maidstone

Following the celebration of its 25th anniversary last year, Tasty African Food is entering a new phase of growth with the opening of its first fully digital takeaway in Maidstone, Kent.

The new Maidstone location marks a first for the brand, introducing a fully digital ordering system where customers can order via in-store kiosks or through the Tasty African Food app, with order numbers displayed on screens for seamless collection. 

The new format allows staff to focus entirely on food preparation and service, ensuring faster turnaround times, while maintaining the quality and authenticity that the brand has built its reputation on over the past two decades.

Speaking about the opening, Abolaji Modile, Head of Tasty African Restaurant Business, told That's Food and Drink: “We are excited to announce the opening of Tasty African Food in Maidstone, marking a bold, new chapter for our brand. 

For over 25 years, we have proudly shared the rich and authentic flavours of West African cuisine across the UK, bringing a sense of home to every community we serve.

"This new location features our first fully digital takeaway experience, allowing customers to order easily through our app or in-store kiosks. 

"These innovations are designed for speed, convenience, and accessibility for everyone. Our goal is to take African cuisine beyond its traditional boundaries and invite a wider audience to experience its vibrant flavours, warmth, and culture.”

For Tasty African Food, Maidstone marks the start of the next 25 years, where tradition meets innovation, and more people can discover the true tastes of Africa.

The opening follows the successful launch of the brand’s mobile app last year, part of Tasty African Food’s wider investment in technology to improve customer experience and accessibility.

Simi Olaleye, Business Development Manager, added: “We’re always looking for new ways to serve our customers better, and with our new app, we’re putting control back in the hands of our customers, offering lower prices, quicker service and a more rewarding experience.”

The Maidstone opening represents the start of the brand’s next chapter, where tradition meets innovation and new audiences are introduced to the depth and diversity of West African cuisine.

To celebrate the launch, customers visiting on opening day can enjoy free small chops, prizes and giveaways, including a spin-the-wheel competition and in-store celebrations.

You will find Tasty African Food Maidstone at 24–26 Pudding Lane, Maidstone, ME14 1LT.

Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 9pm

FACTFILE: 

Tasty African Food is a heritage brand, now celebrating its 25th year in business, started from humble beginnings and has grown to become the largest West African food chain in the entire UK. 

Tasty African Food prides itself on authentic culinary experiences, centred around bringing people together with good food. 

From inception the Olaleye family has grown Tasty African Food into a multifaceted business, delivering authentic African ready meals, eat-in, or catering services for a variety of events. As Tasty African Food has grown it hasn’t forgotten its roots, as a family owned business Tasty African Food is rooted in its community, affordability and authenticity. 

https://tastyafricanfood.com

Want to eat well but don't have the time? Meet Kwikish and their Jollof Paste!

Kwikish is a modern African food brand that's designed to make cooking both quick, fun and flavourful. 

Their Kwikish Jollof Paste, helps anyone create authentic Jollof Rice in less than 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for: 

Parents who are looking for fast, wholesome meals kids will actually enjoy.

Students who want tasty, nourishing meals after a hard day of studying.

Busy professionals juggling work and life who don’t want to compromise on flavour.

With one jar of Kwikish Jollof Paste, you can whip up a hearty one-pot meal with rice, pasta, or even a quick stir-fry, ideal for those looking for convenience without sacrificing the taste.

The History of Jollof Paste: A Staple of West African Cuisine

Few dishes inspire as much passion, pride, and friendly debate across West Africa as Jollof rice. This iconic dish, a richly flavoured, tomato-based rice dish, has become both a culinary treasure and a cultural touchstone, sparking the famous "Jollof wars" between nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and beyond. 

But while Jollof rice has achieved global fame, the story of the Jollof paste at its heart is less well-known.

The Origins of Jollof Rice

The origins of Jollof rice trace back to the Senegambian region of West Africa, home to the Wolof (or Jolof) people. It is from their name that the word Jollof derives. The dish was originally known as thieboudienne in Senegal – a rice dish made with fish, vegetables, and a tomato-rich base. From there, variations spread across the region through trade, migration, and cultural exchange, adapting to local tastes and ingredients.

The Birth of Jollof Paste

At the heart of every Jollof recipe lies the Jollof paste – a deeply savoury, spiced blend made by cooking down tomatoes, onions, peppers, and seasonings. The paste is what gives Jollof its signature smoky depth, rich red colour, and irresistible aroma.

The evolution of Jollof paste is tied closely to the history of tomatoes and peppers in Africa. Tomatoes, originally from the Americas, were introduced to West Africa through the Columbian Exchange in the 15th and 16th centuries. 

Peppers, too, came from the New World, and quickly became essential in African cooking. By combining these ingredients with local spices and cooking methods, West African cooks developed the paste that forms the foundation of Jollof.

What Goes Into Jollof Paste?

Traditional Jollof paste typically includes:

Tomatoes – fresh or puréed, cooked down until concentrated.

Red bell peppers – for sweetness and body.

Chilli peppers – for heat.

Onions and garlic – for depth.

Spices – such as thyme, ginger, curry powder, or bay leaves.

Each cook and each country has its own take on the balance of these flavours. Some emphasise smokiness, others sweetness or heat – and that’s where the culinary rivalry comes in!

From Home Kitchens to Global Kitchens

In the past, Jollof paste was always made fresh in the home. However, with increasing diaspora communities and the global popularity of African cuisines, pre-made Jollof pastes and seasoning mixes are now widely available in jars and packets. These make it easier for people outside West Africa to cook authentic Jollof at home without starting entirely from scratch.

Today, Jollof paste is not just about convenience – it’s a symbol of cultural pride. It represents the heritage of a dish that unites millions of people, no matter how their own version is made.

The Future of Jollof Paste

As African cuisine continues to gain international recognition, Jollof paste may become as globally recognisable as curry pastes or pesto. Already, chefs are experimenting with Jollof-inspired dishes like Jollof risotto, Jollof stir-fry, and even Jollof pizza – all using the same iconic paste as a base.

What remains unchanged, though, is that the paste is more than just an ingredient – it’s the essence of Jollof itself, carrying centuries of history, migration, and adaptation in every spoonful. Which is exactly where Kwikish comes into its own!

https://kwikish.com

Taste of North Africa: Exploring the Rich Flavours and Traditions

North African cuisine, a symphony of vibrant spices, aromatic herbs, and diverse ingredients, offers a culinary journey through the rich tapestry of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. 

Each country boasts a unique gastronomic identity, yet they all share a common thread of history, culture, and a love for bold flavours. Let's delve into the essence of North African cuisine, exploring its most iconic dishes, ingredients, and culinary traditions.

The Spice of Life

At the heart of North African cooking lies an array of spices that infuse dishes with depth and warmth. Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and saffron are staples, often combined in complex blends like Ras el Hanout, a Moroccan spice mix that can contain up to 30 different spices. Harissa, a fiery chilli paste from Tunisia, is another essential, adding heat and complexity to countless recipes.

Iconic Dishes

Couscous: Often considered the national dish of Morocco, couscous is a staple across North Africa. Made from steamed semolina granules, it serves as a versatile base for stews, meats, and vegetables. Traditional Moroccan couscous is typically served with a hearty meat and vegetable stew, enriched with a delicate balance of spices.

Tagine: Named after the conical clay pot in which it’s cooked, tagine is a slow-cooked stew that marries meat (such as lamb, chicken, or beef) with fruits, nuts, and a medley of spices. The slow cooking process allows the flavours to meld together, resulting in a dish that is both aromatic and deeply satisfying.

Brik: A popular Tunisian snack, brik is a delicate pastry filled with egg, tuna, or minced meat, often seasoned with harissa and capers. The pastry is fried until crisp and golden, offering a delightful contrast of textures.

Shakshuka: Widely enjoyed across North Africa, shakshuka is a flavourful dish of poached eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce. Often spiced with cumin and paprika, it’s a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Bread and Beyond

Bread plays a central role in North African cuisine, with each country offering its own variations. Moroccan khobz, a round, crusty bread, is a staple at every meal, used to scoop up tagines and dips. In Algeria, kesra, a semolina flatbread, is a popular choice, while Egypt's aish baladi, a whole wheat flatbread, is reminiscent of pita.

The Sweet Finish

North African desserts are a testament to the region’s love for sweet, honeyed treats. Baklava, layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and drenched in honey, is a favourite, as is makroud, a semolina cake filled with dates or figs. Moroccan mint tea, a refreshing blend of green tea and fresh mint leaves, often sweetened generously, is the perfect accompaniment to these desserts, providing a soothing end to the meal.

A Cultural Feast

North African cuisine is more than just food; it’s a reflection of the region’s history, culture, and way of life. Meals are often communal, bringing families and friends together. Traditional cooking methods, like slow-cooking in a tagine or steaming couscous over a simmering pot, are cherished practices passed down through generations.

In the UK, the influence of North African cuisine is increasingly apparent, with Moroccan restaurants and markets offering a taste of this exotic region. For those eager to explore these flavours at home, many recipes are accessible and rewarding to prepare, allowing you to bring a piece of North Africa into your own kitchen.

Conclusion

North African cuisine is a celebration of flavour, aroma, and tradition. From the comforting warmth of a tagine to the vibrant zest of harissa, every dish tells a story of the region's rich cultural heritage. As you embark on your culinary adventure, remember that the essence of North African cooking lies in its communal spirit, where food is a bridge that connects people, cultures, and histories.