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Asempe Kitchen is a vibrant restaurant, cooking class destination, and caterer specializing in authentic West African cuisine. Created by Ghanaian-born Chef Kuukua Yomekpe and located in downtown Ithaca, we bring Ghana’s bold flavors to life—whether you’re dining in, booking catering, or joining an interactive cooking class. Experience the heart of West African cuisine in Ithaca, Syracuse, and beyond!
Address and Contact Information
Address: 114 W Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: (315) 546-4545
Website: http://www.asempekitchen.com/
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Reviews
Lacey Lattin
I came here with a friend who was a former peace corps volunteer from Ghana, and we had a fantastic experience! The food was delicious, and the service was incredible. We had the Egusi (spinach) and Nkatsi Froyi (peanut stew) and both were so yummy. We will definitely be back!
… moreDr. Michelle Moyal
I first experienced this delicious food at the farmers market. From then on, we were hooked. When the restaurant opened, we were thrilled to be able to have this at anytime! But I was even more excited when we were able to host our 10 year wedding anniversary dinner there. The food was outstanding and the hospitality was incredible! I swear that you can taste the love in this food. It made our event just that much more special. The peanut stew (she says drooling) is my favorite!!
… moreAmy
The food was wonderfully flavorful and varied in its spicing and textures. Lovely service. Highly recommend. (We got the combo platter which is a 4-item sampler). All plant-based (except Sundays). Largely Ghanaian menu.
… moreP E A C E !
I had the combo and it was worth it to try everything. I loved the peanut dish!!! I wanted fufu and I thought it’d replace the rice, but it’s an additional side to the rice that already comes with the food, so the entire meal was very filling! I don’t have a picture of the fufus, but they were deliciously chewy. With so much praise and yet I gave it four stars, is because I tried the combo and didn’t LOVE everything, but had I only have the peanut sauce dish, it would have been an absolute 5*. But then again, maybe everything was a palate cleanser for each other. Regardless, it’s a wonderful restaurant to check out! It’s also cool to see the main chef hanging around!
… moreAmanda A. Macias
My partner and I first tried Asempe Kitchen at the Ithaca Farmers market. It was our first time trying west African food and it was love at first bite. You can just taste the amount time and love Chef Kuukua puts into her food. We are so thrilled to now have a sit down restaurant where we can have a meal without the hustle of the farmers market around us. Now onto the service. When you first walk in you are greeted by Chef Kuukua, find a table, look over menus and come back to the register to order. This is a great method for people who feel pressured to order quickly by waiting staff. We settle on the combo plate as you get a bit of everything! Definitely enough to share but I came to indulge so we each ordered our own combo. While talking over the menu Chef Kuukua made sure to ask our spice tolerance. I personally love spicy food so she made sure to throw on a side of house made hot sauce. My partner did without and found the peanut stew to be pretty spicy on its own. Our food arrived at our table in less than ten minutes and staff checked on us just enough to assist us with anything we needed but not enough to feel rushed. After we finished our food (my plate was CLEAN) we made sure to thank Chef Kuukua for a wonderful meal, discussed food, and went on our way. For those who love trying new things and flavorful heartwarming food. Asempe kitchen is your place.
We look forward to returning ❤️
… moreWe look forward to returning ❤️
Devira Ayuni
This place is amazing!! Everyone should go here the food is really good, the embodiment of a home cooked meal after a long day. I’m not even vegetarian but I’d eat whatever she makes me. The owner is also really nice everyone’s so kind. This is the kind of place I’d go regularly.
… moreEmma AG
Walking into Asempe was immediately walking into a warm inviting atmosphere. The menu was short and sweet with only the necessities, I was grateful to not have analysis paralysis like I’d feel from a 6 page menu! The inside felt bright and cozy in the autumn evening and the outside seating was romantic next to little garden beds under string lights. The enjoyment of the guests seated around me was palpable. The food was hearty and delicious. I daresay it tasted prepared with love. The owner and team was so gracious and generous I left feeling nourished in body and spirit.
… moreDonna Manquen
Amazing experience! We had a class and what a great, amazing meal. If you have the chance to take a class… please do so. Wonderful!!! Thank you Asempe Kitchen we loved it and will be back.
… moreMike Hughes
I’m a bit of an elitist snob when it comes to the Ithaca food scene. I mean, don’t get me wrong, there are some lovely gems here. But, I lived in NYC for a number of years, as well as the Hudson Valley area near Ulster County (where you can find many restaurants headed by alumni of the Culinary Institute of America), and I had been absolutely spoiled by the dining experiences in those areas.
Let me tell you: eating at Asempe Kitchen was one of the best meals I have had IN MY LIFE. Truly every dish is *jam-packed* with flavors, delicate and bold, many layers of spice and savory warmth. The ingredients are *high quality,* and I can vouch for this because I just attended a cooking class at Asempe yesterday—I have never before touched a piece of garlic that was so tender and soft.
Chef Kuukua, who is the owner (and likely the first person you’ll be greeted by upon entering), is such a lovely person. She is genuinely inviting, accommodating, friendly, funny and warm. She absolutely sets the vibe. You just feel like you’re in good company at her restaurant.
And let me tell you: what we cooked in her class was ***delicious***. I HIGHLY recommend trying out a cooking class—but don’t sleep on it, because spots fill up fast.
Also available to purchase are the Asempe proprietary spice blend, as well the best coconut and peanut brittle I’ve ever tasted. It’s like samoa girl scout cookies, except it doesn’t make you feel bad when you eat it.
I will be singing Asempe’s praises to anyone who may listen. I wish Chef Kuukua and her team tremendous success, because they absolutely deserve it.
… moreLet me tell you: eating at Asempe Kitchen was one of the best meals I have had IN MY LIFE. Truly every dish is *jam-packed* with flavors, delicate and bold, many layers of spice and savory warmth. The ingredients are *high quality,* and I can vouch for this because I just attended a cooking class at Asempe yesterday—I have never before touched a piece of garlic that was so tender and soft.
Chef Kuukua, who is the owner (and likely the first person you’ll be greeted by upon entering), is such a lovely person. She is genuinely inviting, accommodating, friendly, funny and warm. She absolutely sets the vibe. You just feel like you’re in good company at her restaurant.
And let me tell you: what we cooked in her class was ***delicious***. I HIGHLY recommend trying out a cooking class—but don’t sleep on it, because spots fill up fast.
Also available to purchase are the Asempe proprietary spice blend, as well the best coconut and peanut brittle I’ve ever tasted. It’s like samoa girl scout cookies, except it doesn’t make you feel bad when you eat it.
I will be singing Asempe’s praises to anyone who may listen. I wish Chef Kuukua and her team tremendous success, because they absolutely deserve it.
Jordan DesRosiers
Very clean and warm-atmospheres restaurant. Friendly hosts and wildly tasty food!! Get the 4-piece sampler – it’s worth it!
… more