Njokobok Restaurant

Author: Youssou Diop & Apolonija Šušteršič

Technical data: design of the restaurant with custom-made DIY furniture, logo, visual communication, social media

NJOKOBOK restaurant has been developed as part of a social project by Apolonija Šušteršič (artist, architect) and Youssou Diop (cook) with a generous help of our friends Ken Litzheim, Ole Pedersen, Nicolai Gulowsen, Fatou Mendy, Samba Mballow, Kasper Hansen, Abou Camara, Samba Sene, Kebba Jammeh, Erlend Wahl, Torunn Liven, and many others.

NJOKOBOK – The Neighbourhood Kitchen – is a welcoming space where neighbours and friends come together. It is a place where ideas and knowledge are freely exchanged, and people collaborate, support each other, and create something truly unique and special.

At its heart, NJOKOBOK is a socially driven initiative that celebrates diversity in all its forms. With a deep love for cooking and the communal joy of sharing food, it goes beyond the traditional restaurant experience. Instead, NJOKOBOK fosters cultural exchange and mutual respect, making it a unique destination for both food and community.

The name NJOKOBOK, which comes from the Wolof language spoken in Senegal, translates to "It's ours – we share it – you are welcome." This reflects the core values of hospitality, generosity, and communal sharing that form the foundation of the project. These principles are embedded in every interaction, whether between employees, customers, or members of the NJOKOBOK community.

The concept of NJOKOBOK began with Youssou Diop, a Senegalese expatriate and passionate cook who migrated to Europe as a cultural ambassador. He aimed to introduce African culture to people unfamiliar with it. Alongside artist and architect Apolonija Šušteršič, they envisioned NJOKOBOK as a platform for social and cultural collaboration, turning it into a vibrant space for cooperation and creative exchange.