There has always been a push in the expat cuisine scene for restaurants to market their food as authentic. Of course, this type of marketing all too often leads to disappointment.
Occasionally, however, it leads to unexpected delights. Such is the case with Calabash, a new, and very authentic, West African restaurant on Shanghai Lu.
Calabash is the brainchild of two Ghanaian expats, serving up home-cooked meals quite unlike anything else in Nanjing. The idea for Calabash first came about when Paa, one of the founders, was a student in Nanjing. His cooking, based on family recipes from Ghana, attracted fans at the university, and soon enough this side business developed into a delivery service. Now, Paa’s gourmet meals finally have a home in a full-blown restaurant.
The secret here is in the spices, some imported directly from Ghana, which do much to elevate the various dishes. Familiar items such as grilled chicken and rice take on bold new flavours, while more unique options, like cassava and plantain, are mouth-watering in their own right.
The tongue-tingling tastes on offer are spicy, though they never quite venture into “hot” territory. Still, those with spice-averse stomachs may wish to go for a more mild alternative on the menu, such as a sandwich or salad.
The staff are exceptionally friendly, and the environment is well-utilised. The upstairs is a relaxed lounge area, while the first floor has a more adventurous vibe, complete with jungle ceiling! Movie nights, music, and a bar with an excellent cocktail menu are all featured on the main floor. One caveat; Calabash is only open in the evenings and for brunch on weekends, so do not stop by looking for lunch.
Despite all this excitement, there is a quiet charm to Calabash that is very relaxing and enjoyable. It is never easy to get a taste of home in Nanjing, but the next best thing is finding a place where others share an authentic taste of theirs.
Calabash is located at No. 82-5 Shanghai Lu. Look for the building with A-C-C written above the doors in large letters. Tel: 15651725575.
