Beninese Street Cuisine November 13th

Thursday, November 13th, 2025  6:00pm - 8:30pm

From sizzling fritters at dawn to the smoke of suya fires at night, the maquis—roadside restaurants and stalls across West Africa—are more than places to eat. They are spaces of resilience, survival, and community, where memory lingers longer than hunger. This class is an homage to the women whose hands have fed us in enamel bowls, on paper-wrapped skewers, and across chipped tables. Perfect for couples, friends, or small groups, it’s a shared experience that invites connection through culture, flavor, and story.

A note with the menu from Chef Adé:

On my walk home from school, I’d stop for goûter, an after-school snack, often enjoying Ata—Black-Eyed Pea Fritters with Grilled Shrimp and Scotch Bonnet Aioli. At the stand, a few women would gather over a huge pot of oil, always with a line of children and workers waiting for their fritters. In Dantokpa, the largest open-air market in West Africa, women still turn black-eyed peas into something golden, keeping us full as we move through its vastness. In this class, you will recreate this beloved first course, learning to fry, season, and serve it just as these women have for generations.

The evening will continue with T’chàng, charred and spice-dusted Beef Skewers with Pickled Shallots, the most beloved street food eaten hot off the grill. You will slice, spice, and fan the flames like the women who line the roads at nightfall, feeling the rhythm, smoke, and energy of their craft.

We will conclude with Mantindjan—braised greens simmered in palm oil and tomatoes, paired with tender chicken confit and a bowl of fragrant rice—celebrating the warmth, rhythm, and love of the women whose hands have nourished generations and continue to inspire these flavors.

Reservation Includes:

- 2 glasses of beer or wine to enjoy

- Nonalcoholic beverages such as soft drinks, water, tea, sparkling water, or coffee

- A delicious meal to enjoy at the end of the workshop

- The recipes for all items made throughout the experience

- Hands-on culinary experience and Q & A with Chef Ade

- Private shopping experience

We kindly ask for your understanding that we are unable to accommodate dietary modifications or substitutions. Our dishes are crafted to reflect the chef's vision, and we are unable to alter ingredients to meet individual food allergies, intolerances, or preferences. Please call us if you have questions about ingredients or need clarification on specific menu items. We are able to make accommodations for custom private event menus. For information on Private Events at Home for Entertaining email megan@homeforentertaining.com

Purchasing a ticket to one of our experiences is similar to purchasing a ticket to a sporting event or a live performance and our cancelation policy is in place to best support our guests, partners, and staff! Tickets are nonrefundable after 24 hours of purchase, but may be transferred to another participant by emailing hello@homeforentertaining.com. Learn more about this policy on our FAQ page. Please note that guests must be over 21 for alcohol consumption.