OKRA AFRICAN GRILL
Hoppen Hierarchy:★★★⭑
District: Aksarben
Fast Casual African Rice Bowls & Cuisine
Perfect For: Casual Dining; Lunch; Takeout
Standout Dishes: Steak Kabobs Rice Bowl; Grilled Fish Fillet; Ablo
The concept of combining a Chipotle-style ordering system and authentic African cuisine is one that seems odd at first. But Okra African Grill combines the two disparate ideas in a way that makes all the sense in the world.
Those wanting traditional dishes rarely available in Omaha like fufu, ablo, and akpan can get them at Okra. But Okra also allows those that are unfamiliar with the cuisine to dip their feet in with a dish that is familiar to all: the rice bowl.
Okra is a labor of love for Nina Sodji, a native of Toga, Africa, who moved to America in the mid-90s. She opened an African grocery store in Omaha before attending and eventually teaching at the Metropolitan Community College culinary program. And in 2020, she opened her restaurant.
The customization at Okra allows for thousands of different bowl combinations. With four starchy bases, five proteins, 3 signature sauces, and 10 toppings, you can make your bowl whatever you desire. If you’re looking for a more traditional African experience, toppings like sweet plantains and roasted lamb are your go to. But if you’re looking for a calm introduction to African food, the chicken, shrimp, and steak are familiar first forays, though they’re spiced and packed with unique African spices and flavor.
The jellof rice has a bit more spice and flavor than the traditional white, but both are cooked well. The Roasted Lamb is tender and seasoned with just the right amount of salt. The Steak Kabobs are massive and perfectly chewy, and the charred bits on the outside added a smokiness and grilled flavor. The Shrimp are plump and slightly sweet, with just a touch of spice.
Of the toppings, the corn (which is roasted) and the South African Grill Mix (bell peppers and onions) add nice pops of flavor.
The Plantains are ridiculously good; fried to achieve a soft texture with a caramelized exterior, they have just the right amount of sweetness.
Whatever you order, the portion sizes are quite large. They also feel very clean and healthy, so while you’re consuming a lot of food, you likely won’t feel heavy or gross afterwards.
If you want to take the traditional entree route, Okra has you covered there, too. Dishes like jellof rice, ablo, and attieke are on the menu as well, and you can’t go wrong with the Grilled Fish Fillet, which can be ordered with either cod or tilapia. The tilapia fillet is quite large and perfectly flaky, coming apart with the slight swipe of a fork. The fish is covered in a deliciously tangy tomato sauce and veggies for textural contrast.
No order is complete without a glass of Okra’s Ginger Lemonade. It’s quite sweet, but not too much so, and the sugar is balanced nicely by a slight heat from the ginger.
All three sauces, including the tomato and spinach, are made in house, but it’s Nina’s Famous Peanut Butter Sauce that takes the cake. The sauce is thick and creamy with the nutty sweetness of peanut butter, but also a hint of spice that ties any bowl together.
And I highly recommend getting a side or entree of Ablo. These sweet, sticky rice dumplings have a perfectly chewy, bouncy consistency and a sugary punch. They’re just delightful.
Whether you’re very familiar with African cuisine or are looking to try it for the first time, Okra is the place to do so. Omaha is lucky to have a talent like Nina who’s so passionate to bring her food to a new audience, whether it’s through the dishes she grew up eating or in a rice bowl.