As Colorado Springs grows in population and welcomes new residents from around the country, its international food scene is expanding as well. African cuisine, in particular, has emerged in recent years. Complex flavors and ancient grains from Ethiopia, Nigeria and Ghana are waiting to be sampled across the city. One of the city’s older African restaurants is Uchenna, which has served Ethiopian food in Old Colorado City since 2010.
Uchenna
2501 W. Colorado Ave., #105, Colorado Springs
The menu leans vegetarian, with small portions of vegetables and meat served alongside injera, a sour, spongy flatbread made from teff flour, a grain native to Ethiopia. The bread is used to scoop up food, making it ideal for soaking up sauces and spices. Uchenna is at 2501 W. Colorado Ave., #105, and is open Tuesday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner, Saturday noon to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
ArkCleoRich African Kitchen
1371 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs
ArkCleoRich African Kitchen, a family-owned restaurant near Cimarron Hills, specializes in Ghanaian food. The name combines the family members’ names, and the restaurant opened in 2023. Dishes include jollof rice and chicken, a savory dish with rice that’s dyed red from being cooked in a tomato, chili, onion and spice blend. The menu also features tilapia with crispy skin and fried plantains. ArkCleoRich African Kitchen is at 1371 N. Academy Blvd. and is open daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed Mondays.
Ówàmbẹ̀ African Restaurant & Lounge
10 N. Sierra Madre St., Colorado Springs
A more recent addition is the city’s first Nigerian restaurant, Ówàmbẹ̀ African Restaurant and Lounge. Owner Adetoun Fisher also operates an African grocery store in Colorado Springs. Ówàmbẹ̀ opened late last year and serves Nigerian favorites such as egusi, or melon seed soup, along with spiced millet drinks, mashed honey beans and a variety of chicken dishes. The restaurant also hosts community events, including a Nigerian Independence Day party on Oct. 4. Ówàmbẹ̀ African Restaurant & Lounge is at 10 N. Sierra Madre St. and is open Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and closed Sunday.