A Century of Black History: The Alabeke Legacy

This February, as the chilly wind sweeps through Newark in the season for honoring Black History Month, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the most universal language of the Black Diaspora: the table.

At Ounje Alabeke, the story isn’t just about recipes; it’s about heritage. The founder, Mulikat Adeola Carew-Bakare, learned the art of the perfect smokey jollof not in a culinary school, but in her mother’s small family restaurant. That lineage, passing down the secret of the perfect palm oil bleach for Ayamase or the patient pounding of Amala, is worth celebrating this month.

To celebrate Black History Month, you are free to indulge your taste buds with an experience of the three dishes on Ounje Alabeke’s menu that tell the story of resilience, creativity, and the preservation of home:

1. The Holy Trinity: Abula (Amala, Gbegiri, & Ewedu): This ultimate soul food is available in the heart of Newark. The Abula is a masterpiece of textures, delivering the earthy silkiness of the Amala meeting the rich bean-based Gbegiri and the vibrant green Ewedu. It is a dish that has sustained generations, manifesting the same comfort today on Clinton Ave as it did decades ago in Lagos.

2. The Smokey Standard: Abeke Rice: What you get from this signature jollof isn’t just a side dish; it’s a tribute. Each grain carries that specific party-style smokiness that is sure to remind you of community gatherings and the joy of shared success. It’s the flavor of a must-win celebration.

3. The Bold Catalyst: Ayamase with Ofada Rice: And if you thrive on high intensity and bold outcomes, the Ayamase (Designer Stew) is the catalyst. Made with green peppers and traditional Iru (locust beans), it represents the complex, layered history of West African technical culinary resistance, turning humble ingredients into a feast fit for royalty.

The truth is that Newark moves fast, from the students at Rutgers to the commuters at Penn Station. So take the weight off your shoulders by ordering the tasty dishes you and your loved ones deserve. Whether you are hosting a Black History Month gathering or just need a winter warmer after a long shift, Ounje Alabeke’s catering trays and takeout are designed to bring the integrity of a home-cooked meal to your doorstep.

How to Celebrate with Us:

• Visit Us: 279 Clinton Ave, Newark, NJ.
• Order Online: ounjealabeke.net/menus
• The Habit: Make us your Tuesday/Thursday tradition.

This February, don't just read about history. Taste it.