La Jungle Transafric

Being in the most romantic city in the world certainly does not deter people from trying different cuisines and assisted by globalization, Paris can now be considered a veritable melting pot of ideas and various gastronomical cultures. If the thought of African food tickles your tastebuds then head to La Jungle Transafric, a place that honours all things African.

First off, you can choose from four different dining areas; La Chefferie is a creative attempt to keep things as original as possible with clay walls mixed with straw, masks and statues, and yes, even poems of African history resonate in the background. La Savane may be bereft of trees so often associated with tropical savannahs but here bold colours, prints and artefacts more than make up for it.

Now it's time to head straight to New Orleans piano bars, at least in your mind, as Le Cotton is what it's all about. The striking red booths and vintage photographs pay a fitting tribute to the true African-American spirit. Those looking for that much needed privacy will be happy to see La Distillerie perched on a mezzanine above and you might just want to slip away quietly for a glass of cocktail there through a 'secret' passage from La Chefferie.

Begin the jungle sojourn with avocado shrimp, mini beef brochette or stuffed crabs which could be followed by braised chicken, bouillon oxtail, beef meatballs, braised tilapia or sole and skewers of beef aloco. Plantains fried in palm oil, cassava, sweet potatoes and yams make some interesting side orders. If you love the smokey flavour of grills then brochette of beef, prawns and vegetables and braised pork may impress.

For the hearty eaters there are more elaborate grills with amusing names such as warrior simple with braised chicken, beef kebab, lamb roast and aloco, and beautiful eyes with grilled pork and merguez sausages. Desserts are a daily changing feature but the presence of a coconut or chocolate cake is always reassuring.

A continent like Africa, a collection of 53 countries and thousands of national and vernacular languages, is a splendid showcase of diversity at its best, but the common thread that runs through is the love for sharing and the infectious joie de vivre. La Jungle Transafric is one such place that embodies everything African, right here in Paris, and should appeal to the wild epicurean part of you.