(This venue is closed.) Sumah's serves the cuisine of Sierra Leone. "Krain krain" is that country's name (one of many assigned in warm climates around the world) for the green leafy vegetable shown on this sampler plate at front left. Though the name "jute" properly belongs to the fibers produced by the plant, you can also find jute leaves, labeled as such, in the freezer cases of better-supplied Asian markets. Some folks find krain krain mucilaginous, like the okra beside it; to me the texture suggested nicely wilted spinach.
Also notable is the mustard yellow puddle of peanut sauce. Many West African kitchens make one, but few such sauces taste so much like liquified peanut butter.
Sumah's West African Restaurant
1727 7th St. N.W., Washington, D.C.
202-462-2516
Closed Sunday
