From a previous Dine on a Mat experience from Chef Fatmata Binta (Courtesy of Charleston Wine + Food)
The International African American Museum (IAAM) will co-present a special, one-night-only culinary event, Dine on a Mat, on Friday, March 6, 2026, in collaboration with Charleston Wine + Food (CHSWF) for the festival’s 20th anniversary.
This immersive experience will bring the authentic flavors and traditions of West Africa to Charleston, celebrating the profound and lasting influence of African cuisine on the African diaspora and global foodways.
Dine on a Mat is the acclaimed nomadic restaurant founded by Chef Fatmata Binta, a modern nomadic chef and Fulani culinary ambassador from Freetown, Sierra Leone. Chef Binta is celebrated globally for her work promoting indigenous African ingredients and sustainable food systems. She will collaborate with Charleston’s own Chef Bintou N’Daw, also a nomadic chef and owner of the restaurant Bintü Atelier, where she blends traditional methods with French technique to prepare classic West African recipes.
Chef Fatmata Binta (Courtesy of Charleston Wine + Food)
“Dine on a Mat reminds us that every dish tells a story — of resilience, creativity, and the power of gathering. The flavors of Africa are the foundation of so much of who we are, not just in the Lowcountry, but across the world,” said IAAM Chief Marketing Officer Ashlei Elise. “This collaboration with Charleston Wine + Food is more than a meal — it’s a reclamation of heritage and an invitation to taste history. As we look ahead to what’s next for IAAM and South Carolina’s SC250 milestone, we’re reminded that freedom — much like a recipe — is something passed down, refined, and shared.”
Guests will share communal mats and enjoy multi-course dishes inspired by indigenous African ingredients, paired with traditional drinks, a tea ceremony, and powerful storytelling highlighting the richness of African food systems. The evening will serve as a cultural exchange, honoring Charleston’s deep historical ties to the African diaspora while celebrating heritage, innovation and connection.
This one-night-only event marks a significant collaboration between IAAM and CHSWF, acting as a bridge between cultures, generations and shared histories.
Event Details
- Event: Dine on a Mat
- Date: Friday, March 6, 2026
- Time: 7:30–10 p.m.
- Location: International African American Museum, 14 Wharfside St., Charleston, S.C. 29401
- Tickets: $350 per person. Tickets are available for purchase through the Charleston Wine + Food website starting Thursday, Oct. 23.
