Kenneth Agu and his wife Kate are behind this new restaurant, Odum, which opened in February in place of the former Wanderscheid. “I wanted to create a place where Africans living in Luxembourg could meet up. When this space became available, we seized the opportunity and decided to open our restaurant, which features traditional West African dishes, in a rather chic setting, combining African craftsmanship and European elegance.”

Kate and Kenneth Agu are the owners of Odum. Photo: Céline Coubray/Maison Moderne

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The decor showcases African craftsmanship. Photo: Céline Coubray/Maison Moderne

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Small bistro tables, green plants and wooden seats create an atmosphere that is both authentic and warm. Photo: Céline Coubray/Maison Moderne

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For small groups, these round tables are perfect. Photo: Céline Coubray/Maison Moderne

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A terrace is also available for fine weather. Photo: Céline Coubray/Maison Moderne

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He is originally from Niger, she from Hungary. They have both kept their jobs in the finance sector, but devote all their free time to developing their restaurant. “We have teamed up with chef Bogdan Ion to offer traditional cuisine, but also with a fusion flavour. Our aim is to offer traditional dishes from different African countries. The menu features dishes from West Africa, particularly the Ivory Coast. We also have suggestions of the moment.” But as these dishes are also very spicy and not to everyone’s taste, the owners have chosen to add a selection of fusion-style dishes that more easily suit European palates.

Thus we find traditional dishes such as Asun made with spicy lamb or Kuku Paka, which is a chicken dish in a creamy sauce of coconut milk and spicy tomatoes. As a starter, you could easily be tempted by a few plantain chips served with three sauces. For fusion dishes, there’s the pecan and mango salad or the Cassava Gnocchi, which are made with manioc.

Suya is a spicy grilled chicken meat dish. Photo: Céline Coubray/Maison Moderne

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Asun is a spicy lamb-based dish. Photo: Céline Coubray/Maison Moderne

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The Trio Burger is one of the fusion dishes. Photo: Céline Coubray/Maison Moderne

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For the decor, Kate Agu, who studied interior design, was in charge. “Our aim was to have an elegant place with an African identity that also matched European elegance,” she explains. “I wanted to give pride of place to natural and traditional materials. The lampshades, for example, are made from elephant grass and took a whole village a month to make.” The ensemble also has a feminine character and is placed under the protection and strength of the lion. This is the meaning behind the restaurant’s name--Odum--which is also a tribute to Kenneth Agu’s grandfather.

34 Rue du Curé in Luxembourg. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to 10pm.

This article was originally published in .