Guides

Kate’s Cafe: Home-Cooked Ghanaian Goodness in East London

Kate’s Cafe sits at the raw, joyful core of Ghanaian comfort food culture; serving up bold flavours, big portions, and even bigger heart in the heart of East London.

Kate’s Cafe: Home-Cooked Ghanaian Goodness in East London
Image via @katescafelondon

Walking into Kate’s Cafe feels like wandering into an aunty’s kitchen rather than a trendy eatery. The decor is minimal, the lighting’s dim, Afrobeats hums through the speakers, and the energy is casual yet bright.

This exquisite, generous‑portion joint channels the warmth of a Ghanaian family kitchen, tossing delicious stews, fiery jollof rice, plantain and swallow sides onto oversized plates that feel made for sharing. Unlike high‑end West African spots, Kate’s appeal thrives on authenticity, affordability, and that welcoming, lived‑in feeling.

Image via @katescafelondon

Why We Love Kate's

True-to-roots flavour: Here, the menu is rooted in Ghanaian classics: jollof rice and chicken, palm nut soup, nkatenkwan (peanut stew), abenkwan, and red red (a rich black‑eyed bean dish). Swallows like banku, pounded yam, kenkey, or omo tuo come with grilled fish or stews.

Image via @katescafelondon

You’ll also get loads of sides like plantain, yam, and even spaghetti with waakye on massive plates that often feed more than one person.

Image via @katescafelondon

Massive value: One plate could feed two, three even; the price‑per‑mouthful is unbeatable.

Image via @katescafelondon

Laid‑back, social ambiance: Kate’s is loud Afrobeats, people sharing tables, and a warm communal energy that feels more like a Saturday at your aunts house than a typical London café. It’s the kind of place where strangers become tablemates, and everyone leaves full; stomach and spirit alike.

What to Consider

Peak Hours Get Crowded: Especially on weekends and after church hours, it can be a bit of a wait. There’s no booking system, so come early or be ready to wait a bit.

Service is Functional, Not Fancy: You order at the counter, take your own seat, and the staff don’t hover. It’s efficient, but could feel impersonal if you’re used to table service.

Reservations and Booking: Kate’s Café typically doesn’t take reservations and operates on a walk-in basis. It’s best to call ahead if you're coming with a group or during peak hours.

Opinion

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Kate’s Café dishes out bold Ghanaian flavours, generous portions, and an all-heart dining experience. From spicy jollof to hearty stews and swallows, it’s a go-to for comforting West African classics. The space is loud, lively, and feels like home, but you should also expect counter service, tight seating, and peak-hour crowds. Still, for food that feeds both stomach and spirit, Kate’s gets it right.

Contact Details

Kate’s Cafe is located at: 478 Barking Road Plaistow, London E13 8QB

For reservations and enquiries please contact:

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