Buka Introduce
## Introduction / Overview
For New Yorkers seeking a genuine and memorable culinary journey into the heart of **West African cuisine**, look no further than **Buka** in Brooklyn. Located at the intersection of vibrant culture and authentic flavor, Buka stands as a cherished destination for both longtime fans of African cooking and newcomers eager to explore its rich traditions. Categorized not just as a general African restaurant but specifically as a **West African restaurant** with a strong focus on Nigerian staples, Buka brings a taste of the continent's most beloved dishes right to the city's doorstep.
The name "Buka" itself is evocative—it refers to a roadside or local casual eatery in West Africa, signifying a place where authentic, home-style cooking is served with warmth and speed. True to its name, Buka in Brooklyn has cultivated a reputation for its **fast service**, a **casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere**, and a menu that is rich in **comfort food** and **local specialties**. It's more than just a place to eat; it's a cultural hub that is popular for **lunch, dinner**, and even **solo dining**, attracting a diverse crowd including **college students, groups, locals, and tourists**.
In addition to its culinary focus, Buka operates as a **Halal restaurant**, making it an inclusive and accommodating dining choice for a wider community. This commitment to quality and cultural authenticity extends to its beverage program, which is highlighted by a **great beer selection** and **great cocktails**, catering to a modern, metropolitan clientele while retaining its traditional core.
The essence of Buka's offering lies in its expansive menu, which features fundamental West African staples like **Fufu** (available as Amala, Eba, and Pounded Yam) meant to be paired with hearty soups and stews. Diners can explore popular Nigerian dishes such as **Jollof Rice**, **Egusi** (a soup made from ground melon seeds), **Asaro** (Yam Pottage), and street food favorites like **Suya** (spiced grilled meat skewers), and **Akara** (bean fritters). By delivering these authentic and robust flavors, Buka cements its position as a standout establishment in the New York dining landscape.
***
## Location and Accessibility
**Buka** is strategically located at **1111 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA**, placing it in a bustling, easily reachable section of Brooklyn. This address sits within a dynamic neighborhood known for its blend of residential and commercial spaces, making it a convenient stop for both local residents and those commuting from other boroughs of New York City.
The accessibility of Buka is a notable convenience for all patrons. For those driving, the location offers **free street parking**, which is a significant advantage in the often-challenging parking environment of New York City. This amenity simplifies the dining experience, especially for families or larger groups.
In terms of physical accessibility, Buka is committed to welcoming all guests. The restaurant features a **wheelchair accessible entrance** and **wheelchair accessible seating**, ensuring that the inviting atmosphere and delicious West African cuisine are available to everyone. Its location on Fulton Street is typically well-served by public transportation, reinforcing its ease of access within the greater New York region. Being in a central Brooklyn area means the restaurant benefits from high foot traffic and visibility, making it a prominent local landmark for authentic African food.
***
## Services Offered
Buka offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the New York community, ensuring its authentic West African cuisine is available through multiple convenient channels:
- **Service Options:**
- **Dine-in:** Enjoy the full experience in a **casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere** with dedicated **table service**.
- **Takeout:** Convenient service for picking up orders to enjoy at home or elsewhere.
- **Delivery:** Get your favorite West African dishes brought directly to your door.
- **No-contact delivery:** A safe and modern option for receiving food with minimal interaction.
- **Dining Times:**
- Serving comprehensive menus for **Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner**.
- Offers **Late-night food** options, catering to the city's vibrant nocturnal pace.
- **Other Offerings & Planning:**
- **Catering:** Specialized service to bring authentic Nigerian cuisine to events and gatherings.
- **Accepts reservations:** Allows for pre-planning and securing a table, especially for groups.
- **Dessert:** Sweet finishes to complement the savory meal.
***
## Features / Highlights
Buka stands out from other dining establishments in New York City by offering a unique combination of culinary excellence, authentic atmosphere, and thoughtful amenities:
- **Authentic Cuisine & Quality:**
- **Serves local specialty:** Focuses on genuine, traditional West African and Nigerian dishes like **Egusi, Jollof Rice, and Suya**.
- **Halal restaurant:** Provides Halal-certified meat options for dietary compliance.
- **Healthy options:** Includes choices catering to health-conscious diners alongside traditional **comfort food**.
- **Bar & Beverage Program:**
- **Bar onsite:** A dedicated area for enjoying drinks in the dining space.
- **Great beer selection:** Features both international beers (like Guinness, Heineken, Star) and local favorites (Brooklyn Lager).
- **Great cocktails:** A mixologist-driven menu including classic **Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine** from regions like South Africa (Bosman, Aslina, De Grendel), alongside African specialties like **Palm Wine** and Nigerian bitters.
- **Atmosphere & Service:**
- **Fast service:** Commended for quick and efficient meal delivery.
- **Atmosphere:** Described as a blend of **Casual, Cozy, and Trendy**, perfect for a relaxed yet enjoyable dining experience.
- **Crowd Appeal:** A popular spot for diverse demographics including **Locals, Tourists, Groups, and College students**.
- **Family-Friendly Amenities:**
- **Good for kids:** A welcoming environment for younger diners.
- **Kids' menu:** Specialized options to accommodate children's tastes.
- **High chairs:** Available seating solutions for the smallest guests.
***
## Contact Information
For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, Buka can be reached through the following contact details:
- **Address:** 1111 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA
- **Phone:** (347) 763-0619
- **Mobile Phone:** +1 347-763-0619
***
## What is Worth Choosing
For New Yorkers exploring the vibrant food scene, **Buka** is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that extend beyond mere dining—it is an authentic cultural experience. The restaurant’s greatest asset is its uncompromising commitment to authentic **West African flavors**, specifically specializing in the rich, complex, and satisfying dishes of Nigeria.
Choosing Buka means diving into a menu where every item tells a story. Diners should certainly start with the essentials: a choice of **Fufu** (Pounded Yam, Eba, or Amala) paired with a robust soup like **Egusi** (ground melon seed soup), **Bitter Leaf Soup**, or the popular **Fish Pepper Soup**. These dishes form the bedrock of West African comfort food and represent the restaurant’s mastery of traditional cooking techniques.
For those who love grilled meat, the **Suya Steak** or **Grilled Red Snapper** and **Grilled Tilapia** are highly recommended. Suya, a uniquely spiced and grilled delicacy, provides a perfect balance of smoky flavor and heat, while the grilled fish options are prepared simply to let the fresh quality shine, often served with a fiery sauce.
Beyond the main courses, Buka's extensive menu of side dishes and appetizers ensures a complete experience. Do not overlook the **Jollof Rice**, a highly contested culinary staple across West Africa, which Buka prepares to perfection. Appetizers like **Nkwobi** (spicy cow foot delicacy) or **Isiewu** (goat head) offer an authentic glimpse into ceremonial and street food culture. Even simpler sides like **DODO** (fried plantain) and **Moi Moi** (steamed bean pudding) are expertly executed.
Finally, Buka is a destination for drinks enthusiasts, too. The dual focus on both a sophisticated bar offering (great cocktails, a diverse wine list including South African varieties) and traditional African beverages (**Zobo, Palm Wine, African Viagra **) makes it a perfect spot for unwinding. It caters to a desire for both the familiar and the exotic in a **cozy, lively atmosphere**. Whether you are a local seeking your weekly taste of home or a tourist looking for a memorable, culturally rich meal, Buka delivers a high-value experience that has been noted by customers for its delicious food and attentive service, making it an essential visit on the New York culinary map.
Buka Food & drink
White Glass
- Bosman Rose, Western Cape 2020 $14.80
- Bosman Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2020 $14.80
- Aslina Chardonnay, Western Cape 2020 $17.49
- De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc $17.49
Fufu
- Amala $5.38
Dried yam flour fufu.
- Eba $5.38
Fermented ground cassava fufu
- Pounded Yam $5.38
Fresh white yam fufu
Plates
- Asaro $16.15
Tender white yam potage cooked with fresh herbs in rich broth
- Ila Asepo $26.91
Goat and Tripe cooked in okra sauce with dried fish, dried shrimp and stock fish, served with fufu
- Yam And Eggs $21.53
Boiled Yam served with Scrambled eggs with onions tomotatoes and hot peppers
- Grilled Red Snapper $43.06
Whole grilled fish with suya spice. Served with white rice
- Grilled Tilapia $24.22
Whole grilled fish with suya spice. Served with white rice
- Suya Steak $33.64
Grilled steak in Nigerian Spices with yam fries
- Buka Sauce $20.18
Fried beef and tripe in a spicy locust bean sauce. Served with white rice
- Ewa Agonyin $24.22
Honey beans with onion sauce. Served with boiled yam
- Bitter Leaf Soup $26.91
Goat cooked in a thick sauce made from bitter leaves, smoked fish and stock fish, served with fufu
- Tuwo $20.18
Cornmeal fufu served with palava and gbegiri sauce
- Edikaiking $26.91
Goat and Tripe in spinach with crayfish, dried shrimp and periwinkle, Served with fufu
T-Shirts
- T-Shirt $0.00
Main Course
- Red Snapper $33.64
With fufu and sauce
- Panla $32.29
Dried Norwegian stock fish with fuf and sauce
- Tilapia $26.91
With fufu and sauce
- Mixed Meat $26.91
With fufu and sauce
- Chicken $26.91
With fufu and sauce
- Goat $26.91
With fufu and sauce
- Beef $26.91
With fufu and sauce
- Igbin $33.64
Large West African land snails with fufu and sauce
Soups
- Fish Pepper Soup $20.18
Spicy whole tilapia thin broth soup, made with fresh herbs and Nigerian spices
- Goat Pepper Soup $20.18
Spicy goat and tripe in a thin broth sou, made with fresh herbs and Nigerian spices
Sauce
- Ogbono $6.73
Ground ogbono pods cooked in a rich broth with red pepper and dried fish
- Efo $5.38
Finely shreded spinach with onions and dried fish
- Okra $5.38
Finely diced okra cooked with locust bean
- Extra Sauce $4.04
- Palava $5.38
Finely shredded ewedu leaves
- Egusi $6.73
Ground melon seeds steamed with spinach and dried fish
- Gbegiri $6.73
Crushed red beans cooked with locust beans
Sides
- White Rice $6.73
- Boiled Yam $10.76
- Jollof Rice $9.42
West African rice Pilau
- EGGS $8.07
Scrambled eggs with onions and hot peppers
- Fried Rice $12.11
A richly flavored rice with shrimp and vegatables
- DODO $6.73
Fried ripe plantains
- Beans $13.46
Stewed West African honey beans
- Spinach $6.73
Lightly seared spinach with onion and locust beans
Red Bottles
- BTL Evodia Garnacha, Calatayud 2019 $41.71
- BTL Blacksberg Pinotage, Coastal Region 2018 $56.51
- BTL Aslina Carbernet Sauvignonn Western Cape 2019 $65.93
N/A Beverages
- Alomo Bitters, Ghana $9.42
- Orijin Bitters , Nigeria $16.15
- African Viagra [Burantashi/Agbo], Nigeria $9.42
- Orijin, Nigeri $10.76
22 Oz
- 22oz Heineken, Netherlands $13.46
- 22oz Gulder, Nigeria $13.46
- 22oz Guiness, Canada $13.46
- 22oz Star, Nigeria $13.46
Champagne
- Champagne $9.42
- Mimosa Pitcher $40.36
- Mimosa $12.11
- BTL Champagne $49.78
Drinks
- Malta Guiness $6.73
- ZOBO $13.46
Hibiscus, mint and orange blossom iced tea with liqour
- Fresh Ginger Juice $5.38
- Bottled Water $4.04
- Bottled Fanta $5.38
- Bitter Lemon $5.38
- Juice $5.38
Orange, Cranberry, Pinapple, Guava, Apple, Mango
- Sugar Cane Juice $4.04
- Chapman $8.07
- Soda $4.04
Coke, Sprite, Fanta, Ginger Ale, Seltzer Water
- Palm Wine $13.46
- Sparkling Water $5.38
16 Oz
- 16oz Heineken, Netherlands $9.42
- 16oz Guinness Foreign Extra, Ireland $9.42
- 16oz Star, Nigeria $9.42
- 16oz Negra Modelo, Mexico $9.42
- 16oz Red Stripe, Jamaica $9.42
- 16oz Guinness, Canada $9.42
- 16oz Kronenbourg 1664, France $9.42
- 16oz Club, Ghana $9.42
- 16oz Brooklyn Lager, New York $9.42
Red Glass
- Evodia Garnacha, Calatayud 2019 $13.46
- Aslina Carbernet Sauvignonn Western Cape 2019 $22.87
- Blacksberg Pinotage, Coastal Region 2018 $20.18
Appetizer
- Nkwobi $24.22
Cow feet cooked in traditional Igbo spices
- Pof Pof $6.73
small Nigerian donuts
- DUNDUN $8.07
Yam fries with tomato and onion dipping sauce
- Moi Moi $8.07
Ground steamed honey bean cake with hard boiled egg and flaked fish
- Akara $6.73
Fried crispy bean cakes Served with spicy dipping sauce
- Suya $6.73
Thinly sliced grilled lamb in Nigerian spices
- Igbin $26.91
Large West African land snails
- Isiewu $26.91
Goat head cooked in traditional igbo spices
White Bottles
- BTL De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc $55.17
- BTL Bosman Rose, Western Cape 2020 $60.55
- BTL Aslina Chardonnay, Western Cape 2020 $56.51
- BTL Bosman Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2020 $74.00
Buka Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
Buka Photos










Buka Location
Buka Reviews
nigerianjollof ricesuyafufuegusigoat meatpounded yamamalapepper souppuff puff
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Great food but they have gotten smaller with the portions over the years. I ordered goat soup for $17 and I got 2 pieces of meat…. The egusi, spinach and okra all came 1/3 full. Do better…. Couldn’t even share with my friend.
August 18 · Tien HI had an amazing lunch experience at Buka Restaurant! The food was delicious, atmosphere was cozy, and customer service was top-notch. For $20-$30, I got great value. The staff were attentive and made my meal stress-free. I truly enjoyed my lunch and would highly recommend Buka Restaurant to anyone looking for a satisfying dining experience.
July 30 · Bethel betneyDelicious food and the staff was so kind!! Highly recommend! We got the beef tomato stew with egusi, palava sauce, white yam fufu and eba. A must visit for comforting Nigerian food 😊
July 25 · Ylva BosemarkSo this is what they said cost $17??? For pepper soup? There was barely any soup. What you see here is me adding water to it and had to add my own spices to make it up. This is wild!! And when you go there, pepper soup didn't even have the price listed on their menu. I will NEVER go here again. Not only that, I ordered Jallof rice which $7. That's fine, but the guy then asked if I wanted to add chicken to the rice. Who would've thought adding chicken would be $16??? And it didn't even taste good 😕 the price of adding chicken wasn't on the menu either. This is a huge disappointment in the West African community.
July 21 · Nina PMy mom said she was in the mood for Fufu. We called an African restaurant but they didn’t have it. The lady was so nice, she told us to go to 1111 Fulton street so we did. We were not disappointed. The owners greeted us as soon as we opened the door. Very nice people. We ordered two Fufu meals and paid about $44 altogether. We tried the beef and goat along with Egusi and Ego. Mouth watering food okay. That goat SLAPPED !!! I think they just made me fall in love with Nigerian food. The restaurant has limited seats and it’s not really a cozy set up to eat in, I would order out which we did. I’ve already recommended this place to others. I will certainly be back.
February 28 · Ladii E
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