Being a French national and growing up in France with an Ivorian background, my parents made sure to incorporate every bit of my West African culture by introducing my siblings and me to a variety of dishes from Ivory Coast. However, after moving to London I was distanced from it all but attending LCC and going around Southwark to discover what my new environment consisted of. I stumbled upon ‘The Merge’, where I surprisingly found a restaurant that served food that reminded me of my childhood that I would eat on a day-to-day basis.
My first time at The Merge was on a pleasant sunny day and I entered the gates, as it is a small outside-located place. On windy days, they do provide heaters to warm up and stay comfortable eating. The vibrant afrobeat music playing in the background instantly reminded me of my holiday I spent in Ivory Coast on the roadside — of ladies serving nice warmly cooked Ivorian dishes. The aesthetic pleasingly reminded me of Africa, which is a different thing to experience, especially being in London. There are four or five tables in the covered seating area where people eat if they decide to dine in. The decor is very similar to a private lounge you may experience in different countries in Africa, so if you would like a nice feel of West Africa minus the travelling part, this will be a good start. The staff are so welcoming, fun, and attentive.
The menu was so colourful and full of choices, as despite having described so far, it’s linked to Ivory Coast, the Merge is an authentic Afro-fusion takeaway kitchen. They give restaurant standard cuisine courtesy of their chef who showcases flavours inspired by Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Japan, and Malaysia. Anyone could be able to find something they fancy there whether they are African or not. The loaded plantain is my special favourite but anyone familiar with jollof rice, seafood combo, or even attieke (an Ivorian speciality) will find something fitted just for them. I always leave full and satisfied with the service and the food.
I often go with friends to introduce them to West African dishes and the £15 meals such as the garba (a popular Ivorian dish) are what they tend to go for the most. But for those who like to go for something different, the Afro-Japanese chops tickle their fancy for only £20. For drinks, anyone who has tried African Fanta is always so stoned to find it there. My personal favorite starter is the chicken spring rolls as nowadays I rarely find them elsewhere.
Being unusual to find food like that in Camberwell, with such wide West African representation unless a relative has made it, makes it highly convenient for it to be so local as well!
Serena Angoua
Address: Unit 247, 248 Pelier St, London SE17 3JG