14/20Critics' Pick

October 26, 2026

14/20Critics' Pick

Jollof Junction

African$

This venue is included in Good Food’s 100 Essential Restaurants list.

Who makes the best jollof rice? The fiery debate, known as the jollof wars, has raged between West African countries for years. In Australia, though, the argument has already been settled. The best jollof rice comes from Jollof Junction in Merrylands.

Owners Frank Koroma and Sonia Sobonie blend spices from their home country of Sierra Leone with seasonings from Nigeria and Ghana to create the signature dish, a deeply aromatic tomato and capsicum rice, that manages to win over all sides with its sweet smoky flavour.

Chicken wings are thickly crusted in a paprika-heady blend of eight African spices, while egusi, a curried stew of ground melon seeds thick with lamb neck and tripe, is served alongside a soft, pliable ball of fufu (cassava dough) for dipping. Having just moved from a food truck in Guildford West to a bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Merrylands, there is now a lot more capacity to grill tilapia with acheke (granulated cassava) and simmer Nigerian stews.

Must-order: Jollof rice and marinated chicken wings.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

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Last visited: October 2026

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Source: The Age

At a glance

Topic
World
Country
🇦🇺 AU
Publisher language
EN
Added to Allnira