an africali dining concept
popping up in los angeles
Jikoni at Melody
751 n virgil ave, los angeles (east hollywood)
april 17 - may 10
thursday - saturday | 5 pm til sell out
Join us for the debut pop-up of Jikoni, as we take over the kitchen at Melody, a cozy neighborhood wine bar in Silver Lake with a vibey patio.
We’re serving AfriCali small chops, choma (grilled plates), and craveable desserts—all inspired by Kiano Moju’s Kenyan/Nigerian heritage, reimagined through the lens of her California upbringing.
Inspired by AfriCali—Kiano Moju’s debut cookbook, named one of the best of 2024 by The New York Times, LA Times, Bon Appétit, Saveur, and more—this menu is rooted in tradition with a West Coast touch.
This is just one expression of Jikoni. Every pop-up is a new concept, a different vibe, and a fresh way to experience the everyday flavors of Africa.
Walk-ins only. Groups of 6+ can book by emailing info@melodyla.com.
an africali concept
from kiano moju
Jikoni—Swahili for “kitchen”—is a dining concept from Kiano Moju, the Kenyan-Nigerian American recipe developer, host, and author of the AfriCali cookbook. Inspired by the book, Jikoni is a way for Kiano to share the bold, everyday flavors of her heritage—welcoming people into her kitchen to eat, connect, and enjoy good food.
“Food is how I connect to where I come from, and how I connect with the people around me.”
- Kiano Moju
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pop-ups
No two pop-ups are the same.
Whether you’re in LA or somewhere else in the world, we’re always excited to collaborate—reach out if you’d like to host us. New pop-ups are announced here and on Instagram.
cooking classes
Virtual or in-person small group classes that explore African cuisine, from hands-on chapati workshops to folding the perfect sambusa.
private dining
Whether it’s a brand dinner, product launch, client event, or something in between, we’d love to cook for you. Our private dining experiences bring the warmth and flavor of Jikoni to your space—wherever you are.
