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ROOTED IN BENIN · MADE IN TUCSON

A taste of West Africa.

Rich flavors, time-honored traditions, and a warm welcome. Discover the heart of West African cuisine at Alafia.

Explore Our Menu ↗Our Story
EST. 2015✦TUCSON, ARIZONA
✳Food that tells a story.Add your favorite restaurant food photo as assets/hero-food.jpg
AUTHENTIC
WEST AFRICAN
FLAVORS ✦
AUTHENTIC FLAVORS✦WEST AFRICAN HERITAGE✦FAMILY & COMMUNITY✦MADE WITH CARE

WELCOME TO ALAFIA

More than a meal.
A cultural experience.

At Alafia, every dish celebrates the flavors and traditions of West Africa. Join us for dine-in or takeout, then explore our neighboring boutique featuring baskets, clothing, jewelry, decorations, and accessories.

Discover the boutique ↗

OUR STORY IN THE PRESS

Alafia in the spotlight.

Discover the stories that have shared our food, heritage, and community with Tucson.

PRESS PHOTO 01

PRESS FEATURE

Featured in Tucson Lifestyle

A celebration of the culture and cuisine of Benin, highlighting founder Ismael Lawani's journey and love of sharing West African food.

PRESS PHOTO 02

PRESS FEATURE

Memorable Tucson Dining

Recognition for Alafia's distinct flavors, traditional dishes, and commitment to quality.

PRESS PHOTO 03

PRESS FEATURE

West African Flavor

A look at the bold spices, traditions, and warm hospitality that make Alafia a unique part of Tucson's dining scene.

READY TO VISIT?

Come hungry.
Leave inspired.

Plan Your Visit ↗

DISCOVER OUR FLAVORS

Our Menu.

Traditional West African favorites, prepared with care.

Lunch & Dinner

Explore our traditional dishes, sides, drinks, and specials. Please call to confirm availability.

LOCAL FAVORITEEgusi with Fufu

Served with rice; vegetarian option available.

Entrees

Served with rice; can substitute with fufu or ablo (3 pieces) for $2 more. Attiéké (fried cheese) can be added for $1.

Egusi (served with rice)$12.99

Cooked greens with sesame, red palm oil, fish, goat, or chicken.

Vegetarian available — $10.99.

Okra Sauce (served with rice)$12.99

Okra, fresh tomatoes, onions, red palm oil.

Vegetarian available — $10.99.

Sauce d’arachide “Peanut Sauce” (served with rice)$12.99

Peanut butter, chicken, or goat.

Kedjenou Sauce au poulet “Red sauce with chicken” (served with rice)$12.99

Fresh tomatoes, spices, chicken.

Goat Soup (served with rice)$12.99

Fresh tomatoes, spices, flavorful broth.

Attiéké (cassava couscous)$16.99

Served with fried or oven white fish.

Tchep Djen (when available)$20.99

Fried rice, fresh carrots, cabbage, eggplant, sweet potato, fish.

Attassi$12.99

Beans & rice in savory sauce; choice of fish, chicken, or hard-boiled egg.

Vegetarian available — $10.99.

Chito w/ Kenke (when available)$16.99

Tomato & fried chili-based sauce with choice of fish or sardines; served with kenke (fermented corn flour).

Lunch Special

Lunch Special$8.99

Afri-que African Barbecue (Grilled or fried)

Served with plantains or salad; add Attiéké for $2 more.

Whole Tilapia Fish$17.99
1/2 Chicken$16.99
“Chachanga”$14+

Goat when available; call 2 hours in advance.

Sides

Fried Plantain Bananas (1 whole)$6.99
Tomato and Cucumber Salad$6.99

Drinks

Soda$3
Bottled Water$1
Ginger Juice$5
Bissap (Hibiscus flower drink)$5

Desserts (when available)

Beignet$1
Degue$5

Kids Portion

Choice from Kedjenou au poulet or sauce d’arachide$5.99

Extras / Notes

Fufu

Mashed potato-like starch made with pounded yam or corn flour.

Piment (Hot sauce)

Ablo

Cake-like starch made from rice flour.

Please confirm current pricing, availability, and ingredients with the restaurant. Ask staff about allergens.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE FLAVOR

Our Story.

Rooted in Benin. Shared with Tucson.

ADD ISMAEL'S ORIGINAL PHOTO

MEET THE FOUNDER

Ismael Lawani.

Ismael Lawani opened Alafia West African Cuisine in 2015, bringing the flavors of his home country of Benin to the Tucson community.

He immigrated to the United States from Benin in 2006 with his wife, who served in the Peace Corps. Mostly self-taught, Ismael developed his culinary skills with inspiration from his mother's cooking.

He loves sharing his food and culture with Tucson and welcomes guests with warmth and a smile. Alafia serves dishes from Benin and throughout the West African region.

“Food is a way to share our heritage and bring people together.”— Suggested website tagline
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MORE TO EXPLORE

The Alafia Boutique.

Explore clothing, jewelry, artwork, and cultural accessories next door.

TAKE A LOOK INSIDE

A little piece of West Africa.

Located to the left of Alafia West African Cuisine, our boutique is filled with unique items and cultural finds. Watch the video tour, then browse the gallery below.

ADD BOUTIQUE ENTRANCE PHOTO

Visit the boutique next to the restaurant.

DISCOVER THE COLLECTION

Explore our boutique.

A glimpse of the crafts, colors, and cultural treasures you can discover.

COME SAY HELLO

Visit Alafia.

We look forward to welcoming you.

FIND US IN TUCSON

Good food.
Great company.

RESTAURANT

1070 N Swan Rd
Tucson, AZ 85711

BOUTIQUE

Next to the restaurant — confirm the exact entrance number before publishing.

PHONE

(520) 331-7161

EMAIL

alafiacuisine@gmail.com

HOURS (PLEASE CONFIRM)

Monday–Friday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Sunday: Please call to confirm

Get Directions ↗Call Us

STAY CONNECTED

Reviews & Info.

Follow along, share your experience, and discover a customer favorite.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

Every visit has a story.

We love welcoming returning guests and first-time visitors alike. If you've dined with us, we'd love to hear about your experience.

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CUSTOMER FAVORITE

Egusi with Fufu

Try one of Alafia's most popular dishes, with your choice of goat or chicken. Ask about today's availability.

See the menu ↗