Asempe Kitchen

My friends and I visited Asempe 2 days ago it was our first time here. We had an amazing time the food is delicious and flavorful and we learned that the menu is changed everyday so each time you go you get a whole new experience, this is just a reason for me to come back soon! I got fufu and the spinach and lamb Egusi and it was really good. The portions are also enough for you to take home and have leftovers. The staff was so friendly and kind striking up conversations, welcoming any questions we had about the food and giving recommendations of what to try for our first time.

Delicious vegan food with exceptionally fast service. The decor and outdoor seating are both super cute, and the owner herself chatted with us. We liked the food we ordered so much, we got a second order of both to go!

Went for their first brunch service and the experience was excellent! Great atmosphere, friendly staff, and all menu items came with vegetarian alternatives (pictured). The head chef is a delight, very knowledgeable and welcoming. We will definitely be back soon!

Wonderful experience, warm environment with free tea when you walk in. Got the platter to share with a friend to try out each dish with a side of extra plantains. Quick and delicious, will be dining in again soon! Vegan/ Vegetarian friendly!

Asempe Kitchen delivered an extraordinary culinary experience that is nothing short of spectacular. From the moment I walked in to the time I sat down to enjoy the beautifully seasoned food. This place is something special. The food bursts with flavor, each bite a harmonious blend of spices and ingredients that was comforting. The authenticity of the dishes transports you straight to the heart of West Africa; a rare experience in Ithaca. What truly stands out, aside from the incredible flavors, is the efficiency of the service. The food arrived promptly, hot, and fresh. This blend of swift service and mouthwatering cuisine makes Asempe Kitchen a true gem. As a first-timer I’m excited to become a regular.

We had the BEST time with Chef Kuukua! She was very flexible with finding a time that worked for a private lesson despite her busy schedule. She was generous, kind, genuine, and the food we made was FANTASTIC. Can't say enough good things - thank you! :)

Dr. 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!!

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!

Amy

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.

Donna 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.

david hershey-webb

Greeted by the friendly and lovely owner. Ordered the combination platter because all of the entrees looked so good. The Ghanaian drink, sobolo, was warmed up for me - sooo delicious. I hope to return one day$

Grace Xing

Our family loves exploring international cuisines and innovative food menus. We are excited to hear great things about Asempe Kitchen in Ithaca for a while, and finally made to the restaurant last Sunday for lunch - Chef Kuukua did not disappoint! We chose Sunday since meat dishes are currently available on Sundays only. We had their combos (3 meats 3 vegetables) to start with. My son loves the goat stew and saffron rice so much that he had to order another one for himself. We enjoyed the sobolo (a Ghanaian drink made of hibiscus and ginger and I like Chef Kuukua’s version with cloves) - very refreshing in a hot day. The restaurant is neat, staff is friendly. We will definitely go back. They are celebrating the first anniversary on August 2 - best wishes!

Amanda 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 ❤️

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.

Mike 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.

Jordan DesRosiers

Very clean and warm-atmospheres restaurant. Friendly hosts and wildly tasty food!! Get the 4-piece sampler - it’s worth it!

Zachary Pascarella

Absolutely amazing. Chef Kuukua is an absolute sweetheart. My girlfriend and I celebrated our anniversary by taking a cooking class with her and the food and experience could not have been better. Highly recommend booking the cooking class for a date or as a gift.

Simone P

My friends and I visited Asempe 2 days ago it was our first time here. We had an amazing time the food is delicious and flavorful and we learned that the menu is changed everyday so each time you go you get a whole new experience, this is just a reason for me to come back soon! I got fufu and the spinach and lamb Egusi and it was really good. The portions are also enough for you to take home and have leftovers. The staff was so friendly and kind striking up conversations, welcoming any questions we had about the food and giving recommendations of what to try for our first time.

Sarah B

Delicious vegan food with exceptionally fast service. The decor and outdoor seating are both super cute, and the owner herself chatted with us. We liked the food we ordered so much, we got a second order of both to go!

Eli King

Went for their first brunch service and the experience was excellent! Great atmosphere, friendly staff, and all menu items came with vegetarian alternatives (pictured). The head chef is a delight, very knowledgeable and welcoming. We will definitely be back soon!

Thank you for so many beautiful meals! Love love all the flavorful Ghanaian vegan dishes. Wonderful atmosphere: welcoming whether I stop by myself, with my kids, or with friends. Love seeing the lively gatherings around the community table. Thank you for your leadership 👑

We initially had red red from Asempe from the farmers market this summer on a visit and wanted to get to the restaurant, but didn’t have time that visit. We were in the area again and arranged for a cooking class to make red red at Asempe which was wonderful- Chef Kuukua is so warm and welcoming, we had an amazing time cooking and enjoying some red red together! Such flavorful plant based food! It was great to connect and learn about each other, and if you are in Ithaca you should absolutely make a point to get here for an amazing meal.

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.

Jennifer Erb-Downward

The food here is amazing!!! I came in for parents weekend and my daughter and I went here for dinner. I was blown away by the food and the owner is so welcoming. Get the platter and try some of everything - you won’t regret it. Service is very quick and the environment is both welcoming and casual.

Emma 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.

Anoush Najarian

Thank you for so many beautiful meals! Love love all the flavorful Ghanaian vegan dishes. Wonderful atmosphere: welcoming whether I stop by myself, with my kids, or with friends. Love seeing the lively gatherings around the community table. Thank you for your leadership 👑

Ralf Leidner

We initially had red red from Asempe from the farmers market this summer on a visit and wanted to get to the restaurant, but didn’t have time that visit. We were in the area again and arranged for a cooking class to make red red at Asempe which was wonderful- Chef Kuukua is so warm and welcoming, we had an amazing time cooking and enjoying some red red together! Such flavorful plant based food! It was great to connect and learn about each other, and if you are in Ithaca you should absolutely make a point to get here for an amazing meal.

Rene Brana

An amazing experience overall! Beautiful company accompanied by beautiful and flavorful cuisine. We came all the way from Providence, RI to sample this amazing food and it did not disappoint! Chef Kuukua blends spice and aromas so masterful you end up with a meal and a masterpiece. I think the most popular dish at our table was the Egusi which had everyone reaching for seconds! I’ll be back for sure since the Chef is always rotating the menu, offering up even more West African delicacies to please the palate. If you haven’t been, it’s worth the time to treat yourself. And hey bring a few friends, meals are always better when shared!

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!

P 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!