Beguiled-Teranga For Senegal Cuisine in Boston’s South End

With exotic ingredients and dynamic seasoning, Teranga in Boston’s South End features the cuisine of the western African nation of Senegal and may just be one of the most interesting restaurants in Boston. The  setting of this cozy upscale eatery is warm and comfortable with modern dark tropical wood furniture, subdued lighting, African art on the exposed brick walls and Afro/world pop music playing unobtrusively in the background.

Senegal cuisine is heavy on its reliance of fish, lamb and rice. Nems($7) is the Senegalese version of Vietnamese spring rolls-  deep-fried and delicious- they are filled with chicken, beef, carrots and  scallions. Thiebou Djeun ($15) is the national dish of Sengal and an a must-try. The herb-stuffed whitefish is braised  -in this case a very firm Kingfish fillet- and  is served alongside a mound of  ”broken” basmati rice stewed in spicy tomato sauce with cabbage, cassava, cauliflower and carrots. Another winner? Dibi ($17), grilled lamb chops marinated in mustard and onion and served with a side of sweet potato fries. For diners that like to share dessert, order the millet beignets. Three “cinnamony ”donuts ($6) are fried to order and are served in a puddle of creme anglaise. Addictive! And the sorrel creme brulee ($6) nicely balances sweet and  tart.

The service was both friendly and patient- servers are used to explaining the restaurant’s dishes. And together, the ambiance and menu at Teranga offers a fabulous value and a refreshing change from the ordinary.

Teranga (1746 Washington St., Boston, 617-266-0003)(Map)

Image Credit: Teranga, used with permission.

PlanetEye Boston received a complimentary meal to review.