Pikine New York
Senegalese restaurant
People newly settled into Harlem between 110th and 116th Street intermingle on neighbourhood sidewalks; gentrifiers are easily spotted at expensive sidewalk cafés; the Wolof people are harder to find.
I was drawn into one of their cafés accidentally, out of curiosity. On 116th Street, under a black awning shouting 'African Food' and through its glass-walled frontage, I could see people shoulder to shoulder, socially engaged, sharing broad communal plates of colourful food.
Feeling peckish, I joined them.
Lunchtime it was and Wolof, the language spoken. Sokhna, the lone server told me the sixteen or so fellow diners stuffed into the few tables and one long banquette was a typical size lunchtime crowd.
On the lunch menu were four types of Thiebou (a stew of cassava, carrots, eggplants, cabbage and cauliflower mixed with fish, chicken, lamb or guinea fowl crowning a mountain of red, brown or white rice), Sulukh (fish and okra in peanut sauce), and Maffe (lamb and vegetables in peanut sauce on white rice), and more.
The Wolof people are the largest ethnic group in (roughly) the northwestern area of Senegal. Their recorded history is known mainly from the 15th century (as written by the Portuguese) though their traditions of culture and caste have dominated north-central Senegal for much of the past 800 years.
It wasn't until the 1890s that Colonial rulers effectively halted the slave trade in which Wolofs had played a facilitatory role, slaves having frequently passed through Wolof lands before arriving at the coast.
About this spot
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
1166 Sixth Avenue
Lichenstein & Otterness
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Nostalgia
Vintage subway train excursions
The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Teranga
Senegalese food at the Africa Center
"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
S&P Lunch
1928 Lunch Counter
S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dive 75
Quality trivia contests
"Dive 75" in NYC is a noteworthy sports bar for its Tuesday Night Trivia contests. Clientele is also big on board games, and the beer is relatively cheap!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Professional Baseball
April 4 opener 2025
Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Rubenstein Atrium
Lincoln Center free concerts
"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Gray's Papaya
Traditional NY hot dogs
"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Revson Fountain
Lincoln center
"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Paris Cinema
Last single screen cinema in NYC
"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
La Casa Bella
Bay Ridge Italian
The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite New York
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
