Drumroll please……….the long awaited and requested post……….FOOD!! *drooling as I’m waiting for my sushi delivery*

Alright, as always 1000% honest disclaimer (I seem to have a lot of these…I’m authentic I promise!): I haven’t done a great job at becoming less picky (YET) however, it’s also hard to visit the real local food when we don’t have a car. Also, this is a hugely cash based society and that is taking some getting used to. So as I venture out and either I, or in true strong stomachs, H, we will do our diligence for everyone following along and take photos and become more adventurous with our eating. I follow so many Lomé , Togo-wide, West African food accounts on Instagram, and I would say my eyes are maybe more adventurous than me actually in the moment staring a fish in the eye. I’m getting there, I swear….

Disclaimer pt. deux: I am in no way shape or form a food blogger, most of these photos are from our iPhones, as I don’t always travel with my camera. I also don’t have pictures from every spot, but maybe if this picks up and the people want more food photos, I’ll give the people what they want and take it seriously, until then, the iPhone will suffice. I will also mention the names of each place we’ve been to and I’ll post their instagram tag if I’ve found them! Also, if you’re familiar with Lomé and want us to try out places, drop them in the comments or send a message and I’ll put it on the list!

Let’s get down to it:

There are absolutely no chains from America here in Togo, I REPEAT NO MCDONALDS. HOWEVER, if you need a satisfying burger (and I’ve tried a few), let’s round up and discuss the winners here. Mr. Burger in my opinion has the most creative burgers (see photo) and best beef of the spots I’ve tried. Their combos come with coleslaw (with a bit of corn in it lol :)), hella crispy fries, and a drink. And why yes, on that burger that is a fried mozzarella patty. DROOL. The best chicken sandwich though? No picture, but hands down Easy Dinner @easydinner228. I’ve tried Elite burger as well, and I do have to say they understood the assignment of SANS OIGNONS, (no onions).

Need a coffee, almond croissant, juice, cakes, breads, pastries galore? They’re the spot. If we make it down there, it never disappoints. Their space is also cute in that they have local items stocked on shelves. A win-win. The opera cake (the French answer to Tiramisu, not pictured) is a go-to when I need a cake for a dinner party we’re attending.

Okay now, these photos have me drooling. These dishes above are from the restaurant Miadjoe in Aneho, Togo. Aneho is about 1.5 hours away from Lomé along the coast, right over the border from Benin. Miadjoe sits on the edge of where Lac Aneho meets the Gulf of Guinea. The food is caught fresh, grilled and spiced to perfection, drinks were A1, and you cannot beat the view. They even offer a boat ride on the lake! We took the ride and it felt nice to get some water time as it was HOT outside. Such a beautiful place and we will go back here without a doubt, as we went on a Sunday and it was DEAD (as most things are here on a Sunday) but thankfully we got an AMAZING lunch and boat ride for our travels.

Hotêl 2 Fevrier is THE place. Their restaurant Songhai is on the 27th floor and looks out across the Gulf and city. It’s like West Elm decorate the spot with the most beautiful blush colored velvet chairs and modern decor. It felt like I wasn’t in Togo anymore, and the food was amazing. H’s friends from back home requested us to go out to dinner for his birthday, and I chose here. It’s definitely a get dressed up type of place, and order your heart out because everything was so good. Which I figured anyways because the hotel services Europeans, diplomats, and guests of the country. I see a staycation in my future….

Blue Turtle Bay Resort @blueturtletogo is one of my new favorite places in Lomé, hands down. It sits off the beach road, and while a little bit of a trek off road near the port, you enter and it seems like a whole different world. Clean pathways, a large open air sushi bar, down the path is another open air bar with more food (see the croque madame….) with amazing drinks, and all things European and local. It’s a resort with beautiful bungalows, HUGE beach access, and just a vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped out of the bustle of the city to a quiet and relaxing space. I’ve been twice now, it’s currently the delivery order I’m waiting on, and have plans to go back this weekend. While it is right next to the bustling Port in Lomé with cargo ships in the near distance, it’s still secluded and quiet. Definitely a place I’ll bring friends and family to.

Okay, this one I feel a complete disservice to since I don’t have photos of our food. If you have an instagram, this account @tchatcha_lome is an entire VIBE. A backstory, as soon as we found out we were coming to Togo, H and I began following Togo accounts on instagram to get excited and get a sense for what was about to be our reality. Enter Tcha Tcha. Immediately I fell in love with the account and knew I would love the space when I got here. Open air dining, boho minimalist decor, super cute everything and a weekly menu of the specials of the day. We visited for my birthday after Palais de Lomé, and I already have plans to return. The owner even has an Airbnb and a Concept Store with handmade goods opening?? SIGN ME UP. They also host workshops, movies, and tons of other activities. It’s a must visit place. I’ll do better, I promise.

German food? You guessed it! Traditional and updated German food as well. A wide beer selection, and sorbet to die for. Alt Munchen is the place if you’re looking for a German style experience in Togo!

Let me just say that this woman is SO nice and welcoming! But not only those things and so much more, but SO TALENTED. Her instagram is @littletreatslome and she makes the most beautiful donuts, cakes, brownies, cookies, and basically anything you need for a party dessert-wise. I was so blessed when she dropped off almond milk, these brownies, and measuring spoons to my house. She’s a lifesaver and an amazing baker, and friend. Definitely go check out her talent on her instagram, and if you’re local, place an order!!

Just outside of my neighborhood near my favorite vegetable stand is this cake shop, Saade’s Cake @saades_cake. It’s pink, it’s cute, and everything is absolutely delicious. I’m hoping you can guess which breakfast was mine….okay okay, I chose the crepes. H got the Lebanese breakfast, but I did snag some olives before he devoured it! I know this is sac-religious, but I’m kind of over croissants. Too much flaky bread that gets everywhere….Crepes though? Savory, sweet, anything you want, they win in my book, and so far, Saade’s Cake has taken the cake (not intended to be weird, but I’m running out of words..).

Across from Saade’s Cake, is a sweet little white building that has the cutest garden out front, and that place is Chez Oumy @chezoumy. A very nice woman runs the place, she’s from Algeria but has been living in Lomé for the past 37 years. The most adorable decor, plants galore, and the BEST mint tea I’ve had. Yes, I’m making that statement, and I stand by it. The mint grows in her garden out front and you can’t get it much fresher than that. I wasn’t terribly hungry that evening, so I ordered the Feta Salad and when I say Feta, I mean, like Greece level feta. Although I’ve never been to Greece, so I guess I don’t know what I’m talking about, but what I do know is that it’s not the super crumbly stuff you get in America, it’s creamy, salty in all the right ways, and lighter. I really don’t know that I’ll do when I get back to America. H ordered the Chicken Tajine, and it was so warming and flavorful. We will go back. It’s the cutest spot, and such great service. When we stepped out we heard not just French being spoken, but also German, so it’s very clear that this small white building is popular amongst expats too!

La Maison Des Grillades @ladesgrillades was one of the first places I went out to with H and his sister. It did NOT disappoint. Not one bit. Perfectly grilled, flavorful dishes, excellent outdoor space, lovely service. I cannot wait to go back when I need protein because this is THE PLACE. They were even playing Latin music and Phil Collins. It was a nice welcome to Lomé.

And last but not least, is Le Patio. It’s a hotel, spa, restaurant, and probably a lot of other things, but it is a place with a lot of outdoor vibes, and amazing food. Also the first place I tried Fufu!! And it passed the test. I’ll dive into Fufu in a later post though. The price tag is not for the faint of heart, but it remains a top place if you’re looking for a really nice dinner. All these photos are H’s, but don’t think for a second I didn’t snag a bite or two!

DID YOU MAKE IT THROUGH WITHOUT DROOLING???

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for sticking around. It means the world right now. If you’re wondering what’s next, I’m listing my favorite travel items that got me here that I’ll likely never travel without again.

I would like to know though, what are you interested in reading about? Daily life for me? Would you like me to take you shopping? What products I’m surviving on? Let me know below!

Until next time, with all my love from Togo,

Carrie