I’ve been working on an African market for the Serious Eats Market Tours series for some time now, and was finally successful, thanks largely in part to friends familiar with West Africa, who took on the challenge of dusting off their wolof, scoping out locations, and making introductions.

And so, today on Serious Eats I present: the Senegalese-focused Adja Khady Food Distributors in West Harlem. It’s an amazing spot, and Mary’s story  — from selling hats on the street to running a multinational distribution company — is inspiring! When you’re there, be sure to pick up a bottle of ginger syrup for the best homemade ginger beer you’ll ever have.