New African Food Hall May Be Coming To Harlem

HARLEM, NY — A major food hall celebrating African cuisine could be on its way to Harlem — courtesy of the chef behind another neighborhood favorite.

Dubbed Alkebulan, the venue will be the "world’s first African dining hall," organizers say.

It is slated to open in early 2023, somewhere near 125th Street — though creator Alexander Smalls has not yet settled on a venue, according to the announcement.

Once open, it will feature 10 food options from across the African continent, serving up everything "from gourmet dishes and street bites to fusion fare," a press release reads.

Smalls, the opera-singer-turned-chef behind The Cecil Steakhouse, first conceived of Alkebulan more than five years ago, with plans to open it first in Harlem. The pandemic shifted that timeline, and Smalls ended up opening a concept version at Expo 2020 Dubai this fall.

Its successful run there will fuel its expansion to Harlem — and then in London, sometime later in 2023. Rather than focusing exclusively on African cuisine, Alkebulan Harlem will also "focus on foods from the transatlantic trade routes and its influence on American cuisine," according to organizers.

“Despite its rich culinary heritage, African cuisine has been overlooked and underestimated for many years," Smalls said in a statement. "With Alkebulan, we look forward to bringing its diverse and spectacular culinary palates to the forefront by introducing a unique dining concept to two of the world’s most thriving food destinations."