Manden Baobá is an African restaurant in São Paulo that promises to immerse visitors in the continent’s gastronomic diversity, offering flavors from 54 countries. The restaurant is famous above all for using the tree of life in its recipes, bringing flavors that are still little known to Brazilians.
If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience and a taste of traditional flavors from the four corners of Africa, you can’t miss out. From South African wines to Angolan-style chicken, there are dozens of options for you to enjoy!
Meet Manden Baobá!
Opened in 2023, Manden Baobá is the first African restaurant in Vila Madalena. Its name comes from the combination of Manden, an empire from the 13th to the 16th centuries that was one of the largest in Africa; and baobab, the “tree of life” that is a symbol of the continent, representing longevity and ancestry.
The menu includes dishes from South Africa, Benin, São Tomé and Príncipe, Mali, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Ghana and much more. One of the highlights is the Mufete, of Angolan origin, with fish, farofa, vinaigrette, beans and sweet potato. Another taste of Angola is chicken with curry, which comes with garnishes such as rice and potatoes, bananas or cassava.
The cuisine includes both typical recipes and reinterpretations with a Brazilian touch, including vegan options. Tigadèguèna, for example, is an African peanut stroganoff with chicken (or mushrooms, in the vegan version), with rice or polenta fufu puree, farofa, arugula or vinaigrette.
The baobab fruit – also known as múcua, with its sweet and sour flavor – comes directly from Angola and is used in drinks and desserts. The baobab drink has a Brazilian touch with Velho Barreiro cachaça, but if you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can also try the múcua juice.
How to find out?
Manden Baobá is located at Rua Capitão Cavalcanti, 33, in Vila Madalena. The place is open from Tuesday to Sunday at different times (check them all out here). There are often queues, especially at the weekend. To avoid waiting, you can make your reservation by Whatsapp. More information here!