Student Aura shares her favourite African food shops in Portsmouth
As an individual of African descent, the African food store is a place I visit weekly. Whether that is purchasing popular snacks such as plantain crisp or even ingredients to make some of the traditional African meals, everything I need can be found in these shops.
The African food shops are for everyone, whether you are of African descent or you enjoy African food or if you want to find out more about African culture or even ask questions regarding the different foods which we eat back home.
I also created a vlog which shows the location of a few of these shops within Portsmouth. Be sure to check it out when you get a chance!
In this blog, I’m introducing my top 4 African food stores which are easy for students to visit within Portsmouth to get a feel of home.
1. Frontiers Afro Superstore - African Superstore
Address: 50-52 Arundel St, Portsmouth PO1 1NL
Frontiers Afro Superstore
Thanks to its location, Frontiers Afro Superstore is one of the popular African food stores for students living near the university and in student accommodations close to Commercial Road - such as Margaret Rule Hall, Catherine House, and Greetham. This store has all of the popular African foods and ingredients. There is also a wide range of drinks and meat to choose from within the freezers. The section at the back of the shop is dedicated to hair items which can be handy if needed. The shop is approximately a 12-minute walk from the university.
2. Mama Lit Special Foods
Address: 92 Fawcett Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO4 0DN
There really isn't another place quite like Mama Lits Special food shop! With a very quick trip via the free university bus - as detailed in my vlog - all the foods and snacks within this shop could be yours! Mama Lits special food has everything - including creams and traditional items used to cook African dishes. All this and more at a very affordable price!
Located Alongside the shop is a butcher. This butcher is also part of the store which makes this experience even better as it saves the travel time for purchasing poultry.
Mama Lit Special Foods
3. Cocos Takeaway
7 Fawcett Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO4 0BZ
Cocos Takeaway
Looking for warm African dishes as well as a variety of different stews? Look no further. Coco's takeaway is a student favourite due to the hot and delicious food it provides. Whether it is jollof rice or plantain which you are looking for, Coco's takeaway has it all. The university bus - as noted in my vlog - can drop you very close to the location after approximately a 25-minute bus ride. For specific information and also dietary requirements visit the store where assistance will be provided for you.
4. His Glory Food Store
95 Fawcett Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO4 0DF
Located on the road opposite Mama Lits Special Foods, you will find His Glory Food Store. This shop sells similar items which can be found in all of the food shops mentioned above.
His Glory Food Store
With the addresses noted for each store and the accompanying vlog, you are set and ready to explore these shops for yourself. Happy shopping!