Do you smell that? The aroma of West African cuisine wafts through the air, drawing us closer to Casa de Angola. Here, in the neighborhood of Rato, just north of Principe Real, stands a three-story building. This is not just a building. It is Casa de Angola. It serves as a bridge between Angolan and Portuguese cultures.
Casa de Angola was created in 1971 by Angolan students. It launched without state support. Some even say it was an Angolan masonry house. They believe this because of symbols on the building.
In 1974, tragedy struck Casa de Angola. The building was destroyed by a bombing. Some say it was an act of insanity or racism. After being abandoned, African families used it as a squat. Later the building was reconstructed with help from the Angolan government.
Today, Casa de Angola thrives. All three floors are dedicated to cultural expressions. On the ground floor, you’ll find a charming restaurant. Colorful kanga fabric drapes the tables. The walls are decorated with maps, paintings, and photos of Luanda.
Chef Paulo Soares oversees the kitchen. He moved to Lisbon in 1981. He reproduces the best of Angolan cuisine. Angolan gastronomy depends on grains and starches. Sorghum, corn, beans, and yam are key. Fruits like watermelon, baobab, and tamarind are also essential. Peanuts and palm oil are also used in many dishes. The cooking techniques are influenced by Mozambican, Brazilian, and Portuguese methods.
A must-try dish here is peito alto. It is a meat stew usually served with okra and funge. Funge is a creamy polenta made from cassava. It became a classic element of Angolan gastronomy. The Portuguese introduced it to Africa in the 16th century. This cheap and nourishing root, originally from Brazil, fed people on slave-trading ships. In the 18th century, it was successfully incorporated into the Angolan agricultural system.
Each table at Casa de Angola has colonial-influenced products with Brazilian origins. Jindungo piripiri adds spice. Farofa, toasted manioc flour, provides texture. Kitaba, a spicy peanut paste, offers a flavorful starter.
The upper floors of Casa de Angola pulse with cultural life. An auditorium hosts performances. Exhibition spaces showcase art. An atelier fosters creativity. Kilombo, a non-profit venue related to Angola Today media, provides a platform for expression. Cinema, theater, music, and poetry are often on the agenda. Casa de Angola has created a great legacy between Portugal and Angola.
Lisbon has around 12,500 registered Angolan residents. However, statistics don’t tell the whole story. The numbers exclude those naturalized as Portuguese, those with dual nationality, and those without legal status.
The Angolan community isn’t homogeneous. Despite a well-off cultural elite and wealthy investors from the former colony, many Angolan families face socio-economic challenges. They live in peripheral areas, facing inequalities in economics, education, employment, and social mobility. These challenges are exacerbated by racial discrimination.
Casa de Angola stands as a symbol of resilience. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of a community. It is also a bridge between two cultures. As you leave, remember the flavors, the art, and the stories. Casa de Angola is more than a building. It’s a living testament to the Angolan presence in Lisbon.