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Name: Swahili Village
Address: 10606 Baltimore Ave,Ste A, Beltsville, MD, 20705
Telephone: (240) 965-7651
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.07

Swahili Village

10606 Baltimore Ave,Ste A, Beltsville, MD, 20705

(240) 965-7651
Store is closed

Swahili Village Menu

Appetizers (Vichangamsha Kinywa)

Samosa

Sausages

Bhajia

Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings

Appetizer Combo

Soups (Supu) - Available Weekends Only
Meat And Poultry

Grilled Beef Steak/Soya - Nyama Choma - No sides

Grilled Goat Meat - Mbuzi Choma

Grilled Beef Wet Fry - Nyama Kaanga

Grilled Goat Meat Wet Fry - Mbuzi Kaanga

Beef or Goat Meat Stew - Mbuzi Mchuzi

Grilled Chicken - Kuku Choma

Curry Chicken - Kuku masala

Grilled Beef Steak - Nyama Choma

Beef or Goat Meat Stew with "Mokimo"
Fish - Samaki

Deep Fried Tilapia FIsh (Whole Fish) - Samaki Kaanga

Fish in Masala Sauce - Samaki Wa Mchuzi

Tilapia Fish in Coconut flavored Sauce - Samaki Wa Nazi

Fried Tilapia Fish Fillet in Rich Coconut Curry
Vegetarian Entrees

Chapati with Beans or Lentils - Chapati Na Maharagwe ama Ndengu

Mokimo
Vegetable Sides - Mboga

Collard Greens - Sukuma Wiki

Cabbages - Kabeji

Spinach
Bread And Starches

Ugali

Pilau

Chapati

Chips

Ndizi Kaanga

Wali
Group Servings

Platter for 5 Persons

Platter for 8 Persons
Desserts - Tamu Tamu

Select from Mango Mousse Chocolate Cake or Cheese Cake
Beverages - Vinywaji

Chai

Mango Lassi

Sodas

Juices

Healthy Meal suggestions for Swahili Village

Appetizers (Vichangamsha Kinywa)

Samosa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sausages [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bhajia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Appetizer Combo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soups (Supu) - Available Weekends Only [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Meat And Poultry

Grilled Beef Steak/Soya - Nyama Choma - No sides [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Goat Meat - Mbuzi Choma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Beef Wet Fry - Nyama Kaanga [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Goat Meat Wet Fry - Mbuzi Kaanga [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef or Goat Meat Stew - Mbuzi Mchuzi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Chicken - Kuku Choma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Curry Chicken - Kuku masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Beef Steak - Nyama Choma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef or Goat Meat Stew with "Mokimo" [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Fish - Samaki

Deep Fried Tilapia FIsh (Whole Fish) - Samaki Kaanga [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fish in Masala Sauce - Samaki Wa Mchuzi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tilapia Fish in Coconut flavored Sauce - Samaki Wa Nazi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Tilapia Fish Fillet in Rich Coconut Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Vegetarian Entrees

Chapati with Beans or Lentils - Chapati Na Maharagwe ama Ndengu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mokimo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Vegetable Sides - Mboga

Collard Greens - Sukuma Wiki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cabbages - Kabeji [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Bread And Starches

Ugali [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pilau [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chapati [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ndizi Kaanga [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wali [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Group Servings

Platter for 5 Persons [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Platter for 8 Persons [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts - Tamu Tamu

Select from Mango Mousse Chocolate Cake or Cheese Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Beverages - Vinywaji

Chai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mango Lassi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sodas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Juices [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Beltsville for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 10625 Baltimore Ave )

Subway ( 11033 Baltimore Ave,Ste A )

Visit below restaurant in Beltsville for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 10625 Baltimore Ave )

Subway ( 11033 Baltimore Ave,Ste A )

Write An Anonymous Review

Michael M.

I was meeting an out of town friend near her conference hotel and turned to yelp for help. Had never tried Kenyan cuisine before and was intrigued. Like most places in the area, this is located in a strip mall, but the entrance is a level above the parking lot which helps. The place is small; not fancy but we were welcomed warmly. Both of us were looking for a vegetarian meal which left us with exactly one entree choice, a lentil dish. Thankfully, it was AMAZINGLY delicious. Extremely flavorful! It came with a side of hot sauce which was extremely spicy but with a different heat than anything I've tried before. Service was attentive and the price was extremely reasonable. It started to pick up and get a little loud toward the end of our meal, when I think more people came there for drinks, around 9pm. It's a little off my usual beaten path but I would definitely go back if in the area again.
(5)
J. M.

This is the third or fourth time I've eaten here. The food has always been very good. It isn't exactly an inexpensive place to eat, but I've never left hungry and, at least from all I've read, the food seems pretty authentic. They also serve a Kenya Tusker Lager beer to round out a nice authentic African gastronomical experience. The inside of the restaurant itself is nothing special and more like a local diner with a tiny bar, but it's clean and the service is pretty good. I will definitely be back again!
(4)
Carlyn K.

I am only giving them a star because of the beef stew...generally, I love the food. Its like a hit or miss...everything else is pathetic. First & foremost the location & parking spot is a disaster. Let's not even talk about the interior coz they would do a better job. The space is so small, some of the waiters are rude...one had the balls to tell us that we can leave! The worst of all is the fixed 18% tip that they add to your bill regardless of how many people are in your party. We were only four & the service didn't even deserve any tip!!!
(1)
Toya J.

Swahili Village is a wonderful little Beltsville jewel the joint is laid back, nicely decorated, and very inviting. There is outdoor patio seating and indoor seating. The wait staff is really cool and the bartenders have plenty of Caribbean/Tiki bar fashioned drinks to offer. Ladies night on Wendsdays, selected drinks are $3 the entire day ! The drinks are pretty potent too. Feyi B, told me about this spot and I knew I would have to make it here soon! I had the grilled goat with fried rice and steamed cabbage. The meal was very good! The goat was tender, with mild spice. The cabbage was fresh and chopped in fine strips and there was of course lots of rice. I could not manage to squeeze in desert, but I will be making my way back here before it gets cold. This is just a wonderful little oasis with plenty to choose from as far as vegetarian and fish as well. The entrees are anywhere from $10 to $14 and appetizers from $4 to $7. Swahili is super clean with modern renovations. I'm glad that a lot of people still do not know about this place, because if they did, ladies night would be standing room only.
(4)
Alan H.

Visiting the area we passed this place the first evening and thought it looked intersting, so I read the Yelp reviews and we made plans to stop in today for dinner. It was excellent!! We got the chicken curry with rice and fried cabbage and the wet beef with the spinach and flat bread (chapati) to share...and all of them were delicious! The server was very friendly and helpful. We expected it to take some time to get our meals because they make everything to order, but it only took about 30 minutes. It was definitely worth every minute. We highly recommend it if you are looking for something different and very tasty!
(5)
Moyeh M.

I'm only giving it 4 stars because I haven't tried many items YET... And I do mean YET! What I had was excellent! ... Especially the fried plantains (ndizi kanga) and the collards and onions (sukuma wiki) ... Hot pepper sauce is a BEAST, be careful with it or you'll hurt yourself. Great service and great care with the food. Amazing flavors. Simple menu and great atmosphere beaming with good vibes and music that constantly makes you want to dance. This will be one of my new favorite places.
(4)
Kamal R.

The food is really good, great flavors. Definitely try the samosas and Nyama Choma (tender beef cubes seasoned and grilled), very yummy.. It can be a little pricey once you start adding drinks, appetizers but overall, worth it.
(4)
Phi N.

Got the goat wet fry with spinach and cabbage. The sauce was on point. Some of the goat was a little chewy though. I really enjoyed the vegetables too. Not too filling for a lunch and had a great taste to it.
(4)
Serra B.

Went here with a friend who spent time in Kenya with the Peace Corps--so glad he introduced me to this place! Everything was fresh and very tasty. We had mokimo, ugali, chapati and a couple other dishes. Definitely coming back.
(4)
Brenda M.

I give the lentils a 5 stars, my friends said steak was also great but fish was just ok. Flavor was lacking. Reason they get 2 stars is the automatic gratuity places on the bill an because the mashed potato pea side was completely flavorless and just grosse mashed stuff. We still got charged!! Lame!
(2)
Sheena K.

Simply sweet traditional Kenyan cuisine is what they sell and THEY DO IT WELL! This review is long overdue but Swahili is my FAVORITE place to eat outside of my Mom's kitchen. This is a frequent hang out of MANY of my friends and family and every time I go I find one, the other or both. This makes giving Swahili 5 stars A MUST. I always start whith the Appetizer Combo that includes Bahjias(spicy batter dipped deep fried sliced potatoes), a samosa, and a sausage that takes me right back to Kenya after I bite in. I have enjoyed everything on the menu and as an entree I usually switch between Mbuzi choma (grilled goat) which is one of thier specialties or Samaki (Tilapia) I always finish off my meal with a cup of Chai spiced tea or mango lassi. This place is great for groups and in the summer outside seating is very relaxing.
(5)
Katherine S.

We walked into Swahili Village and were greeted by a bright smile and an amazing smell. It was gorgeous outside so I was very happy to see that they had tons of outside seating. The music was a good volume and fun. Our server Mari was extremely helpful in suggesting items from the menu. We got the samosas for our appetizer, and they were delicious! They were so crunchy, and the flavors were perfect. They came with a sauce that my boyfriend informed was too spicy to try. For our entrees we got the wet beef and the coconut tilapia. I don't know that I could pick a favorite, but my boyfriend loved the wet beef a little more than the fish. Everything was delicious from the main dishes to the sides, and they all blended well together. If the sauce from one mixed into another, it just made it better. I don't think there was one thing we didn't like. I will say that the food is a little expensive, but it was most definitely worth it. The service was perfect! Mari definitely made our meal better with her timing perfection. I hate when servers ask how the food is before your first bite, and she waited halfway through the meal to ask us. She was super friendly and chill, and we will definitely be back! This seems like the type of place you have to visit numerous times so you can try everything, and I can't wait!
(5)
Suman B.

Excellent food....hot sauce they provided with the bhajia was just too good to resist...had the chapati with red beans...very tasty... finished it off with mango lassi.....just have the lassi...no doubts whatsoever abt it.....
(4)
J M.

There is no other restaurant that serves better Kenyan (or East African) food that I know of in the DMV. The prices are also fine. The Goat stew was a steal for the price and fresh. The nyama choma dishes fresh and excellently seasoned. The decor is authentic African, so not DC-type elegant, but the atmosphere of people coming in for some good food puts you at ease. Also, there is more seating inside, so don't be turned off by people outside.
(4)
Christine H.

We ordered the beef stew, lentils and chapati and cabbage sides -to go. The beef stew had tender beef and complex, but not spicy, flavor. The lentils were cooked perfectly and so tasty. Lentils aren't often memorable. The chapati was good and the cabbage was a great side-lightly seasoned and complemented the mains. Helpful and cheerful service-we heard from friends that this place was great and we were certainly not disappointed. Will be back.
(5)
Dagny T.

So I had lunch here yesterday.. I wasn't a big fan of the restaurant's interior (it's a hole in the wall and it was freezing); however, I did really enjoy my meal here. I had the goat stew, spiced rice, cabbage, and plantains. I also used the chili garnish that they brought to the table. I thought that the service was very friendly and that the food was absolutely delicious, and so did my friend. So why the 2 stars? Because the food made me sick. I had an awful night, literally waking up every 2 hours to run to the bathroom. Not fun. So what makes me think it was this food? Well I didn't have breakfast yesterday, and my dinner was a buffet dinner at a seminar I was attending. No one else got sick from the buffet. My friend who was with me also got sick, but he didn't have nearly the same awful experience I did. I think it was the really spicy chili garlic. He used literally a small morself of it t
(2)
Yoo-Jin K.

The service is friendly, the ambiance is energetic and genuine, and the food is perfectly prepared and cooked. Would certainly reccomend! Had the beef steak with the chapati and perfectly cooked collard greens:)
(4)
Daniel W.

Simple little place with really friendly people and good food. Recommended if looking for something unique. Have had the grilled goat dinner and also made a meal out of appetizers and vegetable sides. Both were very flavorful and more than enough to satisfy. Check it out. Parking is available but can be tight.
(4)
Mari S.

I popped in on a Wednesday night with my best friend and there were quite a few people in there. The bar area is very small. There was a couple at the bar and it was just enough room for them. We sat down in the dining area (which is small) and to our surprise, Wednesday night is their all night happy hour and all house drinks were $3. We ordered a glass of Merlot along with the grilled goat entree and chose two sides: cabbage and plantains. Since we weren't that hungry, we decided to share the entree. Food came out in a decent amount of time and looked oh so delicious... As I am typing this, my mouth is watering...the goat was sooooo tender and flavorful and the plantain and cabbage did not disappoint at all. As my best friend and I devoured our food in no time, we both gave each other the look that stated "You should have gotten your own damn entree" lol Will I be back...heck yea and this time I will have my own entree with NO SHARING
(5)
Paul A.

I definately recommend if you are into African, East African or Jamaican food. Nice decorand patio, quick service to go or stay and average price as well. Definately recommend if you are in the College Park area close to Universty of Maryland college park and looking for African/Caribbean dining..Recommend
(5)
Russell L.

The food is good but not worth the price. Small portions for big bucks. Not a good value at all.
(2)
Jonathan H.

So good. The beer selection is pretty standard, but the food is so good it doesn't matter. I bought a tub of their homemade hot sauce, it's so hot and full if flavor! I don't come to college park much, but this place will for sure take me there more often!
(5)
Misha T.

My friend and I shared the goat soup, kenyan sausage, and the coconut curry fish and I was really pleased with all three. Let's break it down: Kenyan Sausage - Kind of a little too rich but super soft and moist. A lot like bockwurst really but probably a little saltier. I wouldn't eat two of these on my own but it's pretty tasty. Goat Soup - Pretty goat-ey/gamy. Came with some roti that was better than any of the roti i've had in the mid atlantic Coconut Curry Fish - Fantastic! It's $15 but is a pretty massive portion. The curry is chunky and delicious and on top of the fried fish provides and excellent contrast in texture. I want it again.
(5)
Q B.

Close your eyes and pick something. Everything I've had is good; beef, chicken, and lamb.
(5)
Sydni R.

Very good, love their goat, and the spiciness is to my liking. It's a pretty small place so finding a table can take sometime (especially when it's cold out [they have out door seating] and if you have more than two people in your party). But overall it's a good place to get great food.
(4)
Anjali S.

Hubster and I were driving around the area trying to get a feel for where we would like to live next. We are big into livable/walkable neighborhoods so (ironically) we were driving through some trying to suss it all out. As we were driving by, I noticed this place (that I had heard about before) and since I had just returned from a trip to Zambia I was missing my Kenyan food even more. I walked in to case the place while my husband was supposedly dealing with the first of the cicadas that had mistakenly landed in our car thinking it would be a good place to find a mate (sorry buddy, we're a monogamous couple). Since the husby and I were both peckish we decided to stop in for a small snack. We ordered the chai (sweet, and very milky): Yum! ugali and sukuma wiki (cornmeal ad collard greens): Yum Yum Yum!!! bhajia (battered and fried potato slices): ok, they could make them crispier and need to make the special maru bhajia sauce What made the meal extra special is that they had this hot sauce that just was out of this world (and mixed with ketchup made up for lack of maru bhajia sauce) Overall verdict: tutarudi (we will return!) PS: If the owners are reading this and want the bhajia sauce for the original maru bhajias, hit me up :)
(4)
C R.

My husband tried this place for carryout after reading a review in the Washington Post. He raved about the steak, so we went there together a few weeks later. I'm pescetarian and I couldn't decide between the whole coconut curry fish and the coconut curry lentils. Our server said both are good but recommended the fish and I'm glad I took his advice. It was delicious. Hubby got steak again. As a far as sides, the collard greens and cabbage were very good. We went back again for carryout and got the fish again as well as the lentils, which were very tasty. FYI...it's tucked into a tiny strip of businesses and if you blink, you'll miss it. We dined in on a Friday night and given how quickly the place filled up, plenty of folks are in the know. As far as ambience, this place is pretty basic but there was a fun, festive mood when we were there. The clientele was very diverse and there was international soccer playing on the big screen TV. The service was great and even though we were warned that everything is cooked to order, we didn't wait long for our food. Delicious, budget-friendly food and a good choice if you're in the mood for something a little different. P.S. The hot pepper sauce is H-O-T...omg!!
(4)
Galates S.

Although they did not accept my coupon (they added some ridiculous stipulation into it), none of the drinks were refillable(except maybe the water and it was pretty difficult to hear the server... The food was pretty good & it was great atmosphere!
(3)
Ebony B.

Hot fresh food. Attentive staff...curry chicken and plantains oh my!! Decent prices during lunch hour too.
(4)
Renee L.

Okay let me first tell you guys, it's super hard to turn into this place. You'll eventually turn into it but it's really in an awkward position on the highway. Okay outside of that. Staff was super nice. I asked her to pick me the best things on the menu because not only am I a foodie but I am new. I order the ox meal with rice, spinach or kale (I don't remember now), and fufu. I don't know why I got the fufu it was a waste of a side because I hate fufu it taste like a cardboard box to me. No bueno, but that was my mistake and I wont blame it on Swahili Village. I will say the following: Ox tail was great rice was good but not mind blowing fufu-well you know how I feel about that spinach/kale- was seasoned well sambusa/samosas (beef)--tasty total cost $22.00'ish. I thought that was a bit, like a smidgen too expensive for what I got. But overall good experience, not sure if I personally would come back. I might for the oxtail but they didn't have Cassava leaves so I don't know, I always feel that African restaurants should have cassava leaves or it's not on my radar likewise with Asian restaurants (hot and sour soup), Middle eastern (lentil soup/kabobs), Jamaican (beef patties), Italian (pizza).. I think you guys get the point. Soooo I am still on the prowl for some Cassava leaves with chicken or fish :-)
(3)
Mo A.

Talk about hidden. Kenyan restaurant that is located on the side of an office building with signs that are not lit up at night. Only way you can tell it's there is by seeing people sitting/standing on a wooden patio area. Fairly small parking lot. Went on a weekday evening and thought I was transported to a club/cafe in the heart of Nairobi. The decor is very basic and has a sort of cafeteria look. The club music is good but super loud. Looking for a place to have quiet and intimate conversation? So am I because this ain't it! Felt like I was in a Verizon commercial. Can you hear me now? Nooooo!! The service was ok, could've been better. I think the servers were more comfortable dealing with regulars who knew what they wanted and didn't have questions about the menu items. I guess my dinner companion and I should've just played "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" to choose our food. I thought the food was pretty good although my friend did not. In fairness I'll add that I've had prior exposure to African cuisine so perhaps that factors in. We both enjoyed the samosas, which are essentially turnovers that are filled with meat, veggies and spices. They were hot, nice sized and packed with flavor. I ordered the Nyama Choma, which featured beef marinated in spices and grilled. I added goat in as well. The meat was perfectly cooked and the seasoning was excellent. Their french fries are cooked to a nice golden crisp and were plump. The mango lassi (basically a mango shake) was pretty tasty and very thick. Overall a decent experience although I am still regaining my hearing. The prices are ok (appetizers are roughly between $3.00-$7.00 and entrees are $12.00-$15.00) and the portion sizes are decent. This restaurant accepts restaurant.com gift certificates (buy a $25.00 certificate from restaurant.com for $1-$5 depending on the deal the website is running) which allows you to save even more.
(3)
Sharon C.

I'm glad that I can go to a local African restaurant whenever I miss Kenyan food. Price is not cheap, but that's okay. However, I felt like the foods were little too oily. Still, I would visit again.
(4)
Jehan A.

Stopped by for a quick lunch while out running errands. I'll be finding excuses to get back down there. The grilled chicken was outstanding, as was the spicy sauce. The samosas are thin and crispy, like Afghan samosas (as opposed to the big, fluffy Indian samosas), and just spicy enough. The chapati was as good as I've had overseas, easily. Some other review criticized the decor of this place. It's a small place off of Rt 1! It's not terribly fancy, and it isn't meant to be. But, it's clean and spacious and you get a good meal at a reasonable price. Come on. Stop being hoity-toity!
(4)
Sana J.

So much Indian influence on the menu! If you come during lunch, beef stew entree is a lunch special with 2 sides - I got the pilau rice (which is rice seasoned subtly with spices like cardamom and cloves) and the collard greens. We also got the Maharagwe - a bean dish with a similar sauce to butter/curry chicken - with rice and cabbage. Both of these dishes were just phenomenal and I can't wait to come back and try others. Oh! And also attention spicy food lovers! The hot sauce is amazing here and not for the faint of heart. Enjoy!
(4)
Lucy X.

Highly recommend the goat stew here! Generous chunks of goat meat in a zesty stew. Lunch specials are a good deal, but they only have certain items on specific days (ie goat stew is a choice for the lunch combo only on Thursdays) which is a little annoying. The hostesses are always friendly, and last time, the cook even gave us some curry chicken to try because I guess he overheard us wondering about it while waiting for our food. Lunch combos also come with a free soda.
(5)
Kassie E.

Portions were small but tasty! Waitor was fast friendly and courteous. Prices kinda steep!
(4)
Maggie F.

Per a friend's recommendation, my pally and I came to check out Swahili Village on a cold February evening. A good restaurant in College Park? I have to admit, we were skeptical at first.... We ordered Samosas for appetizers, and they were simply delightful--what a great start! For entrees, we ordered the goat stew (which was our more adventurous pick) and curry chicken (the safer option). Each entree came with two sides, in which we selected spinach, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and flat bread. IT WAS AWESOME. I thoroughly enjoyed BOTH options. Both were saturated with flavor, tender, and absolutely perfect with the flat bread. My pally and I were both SO FULL AT the end (happily so!)! Definitely an option I'll revisit.
(4)
Christine B.

Excellent Kenyan food! The owner is very nice and made our meal feel like a classic family meal back in Kenya! Definitely try the chapati and Tusker.
(5)
Tebles H.

First time having Swahili food was on 2/9/14 and it was amazing. I had the boneless fish in coconut sauce with cabbage and chapita $16. I am not a fan of cocunut sauce so I was pleased that I didn't taste that. The dish was amazing/fresh. I am still talking about my dining experience and it's Tuesday. I can't wait to make chapita at home. It's a delicious flatbread. My only complaint is the price. The price should be a few dollars less. I also had swahili tea and that was great. I did not add any sugar, but I poured honey and viola. I am dying to go again. Next time, I will try the vegeterian platter. My friend had chopped beef and it looked moist. Too bad I didn't try it since I don't eat beef/poultry.
(4)
S B.

Just ate lunch there. My boyfriend got a beef dish and I got the vegetarian with lentils. Both were delicious!! Highly recommend this place.
(5)
Johanna E.

That meal left a really bad taste in my mouth. I went after seeing a review in the Post and reading good reviews on Yelp. I'm an adventurous eater, and it sounded good. My husband and I split the goat wet fry with fried cabbage and chapati and the whole coconut tilapia with greens and plantains. Neither of us cared for the goat one bit -- it was fatty and had large bones and tendons. My husband described it as "tasting like sickness." The Chapati was basically an oily tortilla. The fish dish was much better, and had good flavor. We wished there was a bit more meat on the fish, but neither of us mind picking around the bones in a whole fish. The greens were OK, the plantains lacked flavor, but were good dipped in the coconut curry sauce. The service was very friendly but slightly negligent, which wouldn't have bothered me one bit if the food was good. Overall, the amount or the quality of the food was just not worth $40.
(2)
Jamila T.

This place had the feel of an house party. Hey we know youre here, and we'll get to you when we get to you. Meanwhile enjoy the music and company. Mostly everyone there was African. Definitely noticed this cooks for this Kenyan Restaurant place were not all Africans but there were a mix of cooks... many were Asians?? So guess this isn't a family started restaurant. Table was not clean before they seated us- we sat outside on the patio. I had to get the servers attention for her to know we needed to be served. Took a while to get the meal... return the check... everything... basically service was slow. Food was ok. A little too pricy though. Everything was greasy!!! Samosas were ok. The goat didn't have as much flavor as I expected... but I did finish most of my meal. Probably would explore other new options before I'd come back here...
(2)
Stuart G.

Great Kenyan food! Furaha tumbo.
(4)
Tim J.

Been empty both times I've been in for lunch. Food is pretty good, authentic (I guess? I wouldn't know though...). A little on the pricier side for not being a fancy place, though the lunch special is reasonable. The staff is pleasant and its certainly a change from typical lunch places. Beware! Refills are not free! I got charged 2.50 for a Diet coke that I barely drank because I was on my way out. Lesson learned for next time...
(4)
Wyllol W.

This place is GREAT!! I've had the somosas, fried tilapia, Plantians, white rice & Kenyan rice and it was all great! Even the hot sauce is excellent!
(5)
Gerry C.

Really enjoyed the food and vibe here- the manager/owner who helped us gave great suggestions, was very warm, enthusiastic and engaging and he impressively waited all of the tables and worked the bar simultaneously and service was still excellent. The kitchen was open really late, a huge plus. Food was fresh and tasty, we had the goat stew and beef stew and the sides were really interesting and flavorful. The mango lassis were excellent. Really glad I tried this place!
(5)
Cream Cheese C.

This place was, in a word, spectacular. Squeaky clean and pretty ambiance, varied menu, speedy and courteous service. I ordered the lentils and my friend got the grilled goat. He's not an adventurous eater - I had to bribe him to accompany me - and he loved every bite. The lentils were bursting with flavor. Servings were plentiful. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Herschel S.

I heard this place is a hit or miss. Since we went to this place as a party of six. We got the sampler. Most food in the platter are pretty tasty. Goat stew is very very good. The servers are pretty attentive. Ambiance is alright. Might check it out again.
(3)
Donna C.

Wonderful place! Fast and friendly service combined with delicious food made for a wonderful night out! Hubby had Nyama Kaanga (grilled beef wet fry - grilled beef with onions, tomatoes, cilantro and seasoning) and Sukuma Wiki (collard greens with onions). Beautiful dish and very flavorful. I had Mokimo with beef - mashed peas, potatoes, sauted onions and corn with stewed beef in Kenyan spices. This dish was sooo good! The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender and the gravy was perfect for dipping my Chapati (flat bread) in. Wish we lived nearby so we could eat here again!!
(5)
Akuba M.

The Kenyan food was good but the serving sizes are small. Ordered the platter for four ($55) but had to order more food: plantains, rice and sauce, rice fufu which increase the bill to $98. Carlos the waiter was funny and pleasant but not attentive too details maybe because the tip was automatically included in the bill. I had to ask for a new cup which too some time to come and he forgot our mango lassi which was too thick which came late in the meal. The platter included spinach and collard greens which were fantastic, cabbage, corn fufu, grilled meats: goat, beef, and chicken plus the flat bread which was a bit oily. But for four hungry adults, the food was just not enough. The manager Joseph was very nice and checked to make sure all was well. I will definitely return for a solo meal.
(3)
Mary J.

Absolute gem! I've yet to visit under the auspices of anything beyond lunch specials, but I really dig Swahili Village. I'm all about messing with my taste buds and giving them a challenge, and SV certainly delivers. Beyond being immaculately clean, well decorated and having fantastic friendly service, the food is sosososogood! Goat stew with lotsa hot sauce (you've gotta ask for it) will have your toes wiggling. Love the spinach + collard greens on the side. The samosas are crispy and tasty, and certainly fresh--I've watched the kitchen folks making them on a few occasions. Grab a nice frosty Tusker to pair with your burning tastebuds, or scope out something else from the bar. Parking isn't exactly the greatest, but there's a great patio section for warmer weather. Bottom line? If you're bored with the Beltsville spread for lunch and have the time to spend, hit up Swahili Village.
(5)
Michelle B.

I went on a Friday night to meet up with some friends for dinner. The building looks a little sketchy, so I was not expecting much. The tables remind you of a cafeteria, and the people who work there were nice. I ordered the goat stew which turned out to be tasty. The rice looked like rice a roni, but it was very flavorful with some type of African spices that I enjoyed. I wouldn't mind ordering takeout from this place, but I probably won't dine in again.
(3)
Bill B.

Wonderful Kenyan food in funky Beltsville! Try the grilled beef or goat! Ask for some of the hot spice, which was offered as a side. (Wonder if we had looked and talked like Africans, they might have offered to put the stuff in our dishes. But it's very powerful and on the side was just fine.) Beer selection is average and they had only one brand of wine. But they have lots of mixed drinks and did I mention the FOOD?!!! Ironically, we found the place by accident last night. We had to leave after eating, which was a shame. A bunch of Kenyan's were gathering and we were told they were planning a party because one of their own was likely to win some election.
(5)
M. Gene W.

Went in for lunch and was surprised this place was not packed!!! The food is delicious. I had the chicken curry, plantains and collards. Collards were "ok" but the chicken and plantains were phenomenal! Cooked just rjght. I recommend everyone try it out.
(5)
Jet L.

Teetering between a 3 and a 4, I had to fall back on 3 stars based on the fact that this place doesn't warrant do-over status for me. The mango lassi was good and the samosas were very tasty. I had the goat stew with the collard greens and ugali (first time tasting the ugali, which seemed like a gelatinous molded mound of a polenta-like substance...maybe not for those that are weird about their food textures). The goat stew was flavorful but there were a lot of bones and fat. My wife got the nyama choma (grilled beef) with chapati and spinach. Her sides were better in my opinion but the beef was pretty dry. Oh and checking in here got us a couple bucks off the bill which was cool. The place was super loud even early in the evening when we went. So, in summary, the food was worth trying for the experience, but I don't foresee any cravings popping up to lure us back.
(3)
Nya-wira T.

AWESOME .... The goat was soo good , loved the Ugali n skuma... Being from the west coast I am totally impressed
(4)
Jessie F.

Some of my coworkers decided to try out this place, since none of us have had Swahili food before. When we told the server we've never had Swahili food, he offered us some grilled beef as sample to try. It was delicious. Therefore, I ordered just that the "grilled beef". The entries came with 2 sides as well. I had the collar greens and African flat bread as the sides. My coworkers had curry chicken and grill Tilapia as entries. It took a while for our food to arrive, but my grilled beef it was well worth the wait. The beef was tender and slightly chard on the outside and bursting with flavor. The suttee collar greens were bright and light with a mild citrus flavor. The flat bread was delicious as well. The curry chicken was deem very tasty as well by one of my coworkers. The grill Tilapia, however, was a whole fish but they didn't make it clear on the menu. It took a lot of effort to take out the bones and remove the head of the fish, therefore, it was not as well received as the other dishes. It would be nice if they indicated the fish would be serve whole on the menu, so that customers knew what to expect. I would recommend this place for their excellent grilled meats, just remember to ask them if you want any of the fish dishes if the fish is serve as a whole fish or fillet.
(4)
RB W.

I went to this spot with a friend who has lived and worked in East Africa and I think that was the key to my having an amazing time here. Go with someone who knows the menu and can help you work your way through it because apparently its lifted right out any local spot in Arusha. Grab a bucket of beers for $15 and get into it! They make awesome simple meat dishes all accompanied with amazing spicy piri piri sauce! Don't be intimidated by the 'house party' atmosphere that other reviewers disliked. If you are expecting a nice quiet american-style 'fine dining' atmosphere... well you wouldn't go to a east-african local with fat beats coming from the speakers set outside and big groups of people eating, laughing, debating and drinking cold beer. You've gotta love this spot for what it is: a place to eat, drink, make friends and chomp on some damn good meat!
(5)
Sonia K.

This place is very good! The Ugali, nyama, chicken, goat! THE SAMOSA! Everything is always good. I would recommend getting the platter that way you can try everything. The place during the day isn't very packed but its a great place if you want to go on a date or have a meeting during the day. There is a deck outside to sit. On particular night they have a dj, I think its Sunday night. Its really a great vibe.
(5)
Murangi M.

If you ever go there, you gotta try the goat fry and the coconut fish...Its absolutely delicious and it has now become my guilty pleasure. The service is good but I just wish they had more options when it comes to wine...but the food is great!! Try it
(5)
Tochi K.

The food here is pretty good! Don't be fooled by the dull black and white sign you see outside--it makes you think the place is a real hole-in-the-wall but the inside will surprise you. Our starters were the samosas and they were absolutely delicious. We also had the platter for 3, which was more than enough for our party of 4. This came with very well made chapatis, ugali, grilled goat (yummy!), chicken, beef, and fried cabbage (very well made!), spinach, and collard greens. There drink prices are also very reasonable--when we went they were offering a bucket of 5 coronas (and other select beers) for $5! The downside: service was a bit slow--but not terribly so--and the music was just a little on the loud side, which made it difficult for good conversations! All in all, I can't wait to go back and try the rest of their menu.
(4)
Yazmin R.

Pretty awesome! I had goat stew with rice and plantains and my husband had goat stew with mokimo, both were delicious. Service was fast and friendly too. We'll be back soon!
(4)
M N.

So I've only had Ethiopian once before and it was years ago, so wasn't sure exactly what to expect. I went here for lunch with an Indian friend and the first thing we notices that there were a lot of Indian dishes on the menu. He got the chicken curry and I got the beef stew, with some chapati to boot. Service was quick and friendly and the food was very good! They brought out some extra hot stuff which was very spicy, but topped off both our dishes nicely. My friend said that his dish was very authentic, and I absolutely stuffed myself on that stew it was so good.
(4)
Mat O.

Update: the coconut fish and rice pilau were to die for. For this reason I am upping my rating to a 4. Avoid the ugali. Go with the rice or chapati and you'll be in gourmet heaven.
(4)
Leiah B.

Ohhhhhhhh this food is AMAZING. It's been over 2 weeks since I've been there & I'm still craving the food like a just had it yesterday. Their goat.... LORD JESUS!!! This is definitely about to be my new lunch spot!
(5)
Freddie B.

For those of you who have eaten chapattis, you'll know that when the craving hits, there isn't a distance you won't travel for them. Luckily, Swahili Village isn't too far to go, and totally worth it. Chapatti, sukuma wiki and nyama choma washed down with a cold Tusker. Bomba kabisa! There's something familiar, friendly and fun about this place. I just wish it was even closer.
(4)
Feyi B.

This place is LIKE dat. This is my first time ever eating Kenyan food. I sat outside on the patio area and they even had some nice music going. For a second I could close my eyes and feel like I was at a restaurant in the motherland. Our waitress was great. Very patient and so helpful. She explained the dishes and made great recommendations. Drinks are like $3. I mean.... what more can you ask for. The only thing stopping me from giving this place 5 stars was that the food took FOR-EV-ER to come out. But the waitress told us that when we sat down that the food takes a while. But def a nice social atmosphere. Nice for a family dinner, or a date night.
(4)
Kimberly S.

This place was AWESOME. Food was so good. I tried to order in African, the waitress told me it was a good try. I got the goat stew, platains, and greens and it was SOOOOO good. I really wanted a spoon for the stew so I could get all the juice left over after the meat was gone. I also wanted to suck my fingers but decided against it. Will I go back? YOU BET.
(5)
Matthew D.

Goat was dry and greasy and unseasoned. Cabbage was really good Samosas were perfect and affordable Whole bill was WAY too expensive They charge for fountain refills on flat pop ($3 each refill) and don't tell you you're paying for each refill Took 35 minutes to get my appetizer. Took 55 minutes to get entree, ended up 20 minutes late back from lunch at work.
(2)
Gertrude G.

What a hidden gem! Service was friendly, and our waiter was helpful to a couple of white people who had never been to a Kenyan restaurant. The food was not spicy, but came with a side of habanero sauce, which we used gingerly. If you like Ethiopian and/or Indian food, you will probably like it here. We got a curry chicken and a goat stew and shared. The meat was cooked *perfectly* ... a couple of times, we stabbed the meat with the fork, which caused it to break into pieces. Melted in our mouths - yum! The collard and cabbage sides were also notably good. I don't expect much from sides, but they were cooked and seasoned perfectly as well. We will definitely be back again in the future!
(5)
Blake I.

The demographics of this establishment are interesting. During my visit, the customers were primarily Africans and the kitchen staff was entirely Hispanic. This was a first for me. The vegetarian options were disappointing. The bread lacked flavor and the beans were so overcooked in Coconut milk they weren't worth finishing. There are better African themed restaurants in the area and would advise skipping this place.
(1)
Luma L.

Very nice place for a quiet, quick lunch. We tried the vegetarian platter and absolutely enjoyed Kenyan food.. Friendly people and great service. Will definitely return..
(4)
Lester A.

Vistiing Swahili Village is a decidedly cosmopolitan experience. The restaurant I encourntered was buzzing with giggles and butt slapping. I smiled large, even before I was greeted by the hostess. My wife and I arrived at 8:30 pm and came to a halt just inside the door. The restaurant was not only packed, but the patrons seemed possessive of their realestate. Some gripped the tables during animated discussions. Others slouched heavy in their seats. No one moved to pay their bill. Apparently noticing our distress, the manager offered to buy our first round of drinks. They were out of Amaretto and/or sour mix, so we each had an apple martini, and shared in some banter at the bar. Then, just as I set down my empty glass, the attractive barmaid handed me another apple martini on the house. And after exactly one sip of my second martini, the host whisked us away to our table at last. We started with two very tasty Samosas, which are a ground, seasoned beef wrapped in fried, pastry wrappers. For the second course, I enjoyed their Nyama au Mbuzi Choma, or seasoned goat. My wife chose the Nyama au Mbuzi kaanga, which is served as bite-sized cuts of beef that have been grilled, then fried. Both plates came with a side of vegetables--collard greens for me, spinach for my wife. I ordered an additonal side of cornmeal mash. In all, the meal was exceptional, though the goat was a little tougher than I prefer. Our server was fantastic. This fairly new restaurant was an unexpected find, and I'm happy to report that we'll be returning to it often.
(4)
K P.

No flavor on my food!
(1)
Sanjaya R.

Went there because of all the good reviews and they didn't disappoint. Tried the samosas, sausages, grilled goat and goat stew. If you like a goat dish to taste like goat this is the place!!! Good food and friendly service.
(5)
Brian A.

Leaving IKEA hungry so I pulled up Yelp Droid app and here I am. Food is awesome and the service is friendly and fast!
(4)
Kate W.

The restaurant is clean and the food is excellent. The owner and servers are attentive! The nyama bites were an excellent idea! I had the chapati and kuku recently its good (does not beat the goat and meat dishes) I would encourage the owner to get more space. It can be hard to find a place to sit over weekends due to the sports crowd and the diners. Otherwise love this place... Oh and watch out for those martinis... they are devilishly tasty!
(5)
Ashley D.

My husband and I live not far from Swahili Village and are always on a mission to try different types of food, so we came here for dinner on a Friday night. We were able to walk right in and get a table, and our server was quick to bring our drinks (they have very reasonable prices for beer, by the way). This was my first experience with east African food, so I had no idea what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by my meal. I had the goat stew, which had a very good flavor and texture, and the chapati. I am a big fan of all kinds of flatbreads, and it turns out chapati is no exception. I'd go back to this restaurant just to have more chapati! We didn't have any of the issues with service that other reviewers have mentioned. Our waitress was attentive, the food came out very quickly, and the owner (at least, I think it was the owner) even stopped by the table to ask how we liked our meal. The atmosphere was nothing worth noting--although, as others have said, it's not the dive it appears to be from the outside--so in the future I might consider takeout as well as eating in. Either way I'm likely to go back, though.
(4)
Mic X.

normally i don't like to bother writing reviews for restaurants that i have only eaten one meal at, but i like helping the little guys, so i decided to write one for Swahili Village. i came into this place with a bit of animosity in my heart since it had taken the place of one of my favorite Caribbean joints in the area, but i swallowed my prejudice and ventured onward for my first taste of Kenyan cuisine. sure enough, there was plenty of East African pop songs being pumped out of the sound system. i ordered a lunchtime serving of kuku choma, which was described as spicy chicken breast cooked over an open smokey fire. spicy, it wasn't. it was more like a tangy sauce, almost a spin off of chicken marsala. i should have stuck with my instinct and tried the curry. c'est la vie. the chicken (and i only assume that rest of the meals do too) came with a choice of one side of vegetable and one side of bread or starches. i choose the sukuma wiki - collard greens with onions, and the chapati - flat bread. the sukuma wiki was not anything like our American collard greens. they were not vinegary or sweet. the taste was more akin to seaweed or Asian styled greens, which is fine for my taste buds, but if you are expecting your Momma's collards - you ain't gettin' it. the chapati was a delicious (i think that is the first time i have ever used that word in a review). the only way i can describe it is that it is like a cross between a tortilla and naan bread. in other words - damn good. there was also also a vegetable side that came with order that i have no idea what the name is. i thought it was salsa when i first saw it, as it was a neat pile of chopped tomatoes mixed with onions and cilantro, but brother - it ain't salsa. this stuff had the spicy kick that the kuku choma did not. needless to say, i saved this for more last bites of my lunch. last little bit of info. they don't have any iced tea at this joint, but they do make a killer hot chai tea. there you are. now the next time you are making your costco or ikea run, stop on by the Swahili Village and try something a bit different than cheap greasy pizza or meatballs.
(3)
Matthew S.

Never had African food before but I was pleasantly surprised. The goat, beef, and fish are really good. I also enjoyed the the samosa appetizer. Service was just OK and the music was really loud for lunchtime.
(3)
Gerri S.

I have been several times and if you want to experience a night in Nairobi then this is the spot. To get the full experience go latish since dinner is generally eaten later in East Africa...around 8.30/9 before the waitstaff get drunk ( sorry but you regulars know full and well they like to 'indulge'). You will hear the latest club beats out of east Africa. It will be deafening. You will therefore need to consume a lot of Tusker beer to ease the stress of screaming over the music. Lots of other people will be doing the same. The menu is a solid sampling of Kenyan food. Get the Nyama Choma ( roast goat meat), with chapati and greens. A friend may order the chicken curry and ugali ( cornmeal typically eaten with stew) . The waitresses are downright frustrating because they don't remember your order while they are socializing and offer vague explanations like " it's coming soon" when you inquire. The crowd gets more interesting as the evening wears on as the regulars show up. Young kenyan people in their late twenties or early thirties use this as a meeting spot. So whether you like it or not you will be regaled with their back stories as they down copious amounts of alcohol. Like I said a good night in Nairobi
(4)
ERIC K.

Swahili Village Ni Kiboko Yao! (Swahili Village Is The Best!) I am Kenyan, so my review may be biased, but to be honest, this is a restaurant that caters to anybody and everybody who wants to sample Kenyan cuisine. Many Kenyan restaurants are frequented by Kenyans or visitors to Kenya who want to relive the nostalgia. However, their food, service and amenities are usually subpar. Not Swahili Village. 1. Their menu is pretty impressive. They have all sorts of Kenyan delicacies like Ugali (dough-like corn staple), Tilapia fish, Mukimo (mashed potatoes with peas) Nyama choma (roast meat), chapati (pancake like naan), and if you are not feeling like eating Kenyan, they have beef-stew and rice, and fries. They also have a buffet which is about the best I have seen anywhere. For those who like viewing the kitchen where the food comes from, then this is your place! If you do not know Kenyan food that well, they have colorful pictures on their menus showing the foods on offer, with both Kiswahili and English names/translations. 2. Beverages. They have the most reasonable prices for beverages bar none! Local American beers are currently $3, and the popular Kenyan Tusker beer is $4. With a new liquor license, there is a wide variety of wines, spirits and other shots that might fancy your taste-buds. 3. Ambience. It has both an indoor dining room atmosphere and outdoor deck. There is mostly Kenyan music playing in the background, and you can request the management to reserve tables if you have a group meeting or group of friends. They are also expanding in the near future, so I guess they shall have more space for dining and hanging out. 4. Service. They have very speedy service. The waitresses are quick and friendly, and they have the order ready 100% of the time. 5. Parking. They seem to have a large lot for parking next to the restaurant. If you are seeking the familiar taste of Kenyan cuisine or you want to experience what Kenyans eat on a day to day basis, then you should try this restaurant!
(5)
Monali P.

3.5 stars. My fellow East Africans had been talking about visiting this place forever, so we finally made it there, sometime during the snow. The sign was on the side so we totally drove by it, it's not the easiest place to spot. Once we walked in though, I was transplanted back to Nairobi. Kenyan music in the background, the smell of nyama choma and....of course, the slowest service. ever. sorry, I guess I should say, laid-back service. Seriously though, we had to wait over half an hour to get the waitress's attention and then it was another painful 45 mins before we got the mains. Nevertheless - the food was on par but not amazing. We had us some delish samosas, and the meat ones totally reminded me of home. Very well done. The tuskers were affordable although not ice cold, the nyama looked so good I wish I'd ordered it, but I had the samaki (tilapia) with the tomato sauce and ugali (corn meal). The sukumawiki (collard greens) was good, not overcooked at all, but the sauce on the samaki was too much, it drowned out the dish, and the ugali was, well, not quite the right texture to mold in your hands, and that's my favorite part! The goat curry was pretty decent, def mopped up some of that with the chapati. All in all, it was a laid-back authentic experience, but not every dish was up to standards. I don't have a car so dunno when I'll be out next, but I'd be completely game to go again, try the kuku choma, and knock back some baridi Tuskers on the patio. After I try Safari on Georgia ave. For those who haven't tried Kenyan food though, I would recommend trying this place. It's clean, and service, albeit slow, is gracious. Just be prepared to be there for a few hours and, a tip - do not go there already starving like i did. Sit back, relax, order the sampler appetizer, meat samosas, nyama choma, greens, and enjoy.
(4)
Paul L.

Flavorful food in a music-filled environment. Very reasonably priced. There was a DJ playing tunes from a laptop, perhaps a bit loud but would have been great once the dancing started
(3)
Msia C.

I'm East African and when word spread that we had a new restaurant in town I was extatic. The food was good and it was clean. The owner is really nice and the service is decent. It's one of my new favorite restaurants!!!
(5)
Tami B.

My friend has wanted to stop here for a long time. I come out this way with her on occasion to go to Behnke's or Costco. I was up for it, although East African food is not a favorite among the countries in which I have travelled (including Zimbabwe, Uganda and Kenya). She and I had the lunch specials, which consist of one meat and two sides for 8.99. My friend had beef stew, french fries, and collards. I had chicken curry, collards, and plantains. For 11.99, just $3 more, a Tusker lager beer is included (I think normally it's $4.75 for the beer) so we got one and split it. We shared a taste of each other's meal and both were excellent. The servings seemed enormous--it was really too much food for both of us so we each took leftovers home for dinner! The collards are julienned and cooked al dente and were tasty. Being a Southerner (Southern US-er, that is!), I would have really liked some vinegar to splash on the greens, but they had none. The plantains were well done, sweet, greasy, and delicious. The french fries were seasoned and very crunchy and good. The service was friendly, maybe a little bit slow, and the music lively. When we were leaving, the owner chatted with us to see how we liked it and invite us back. We will probably eat here again next time we are out this way. I recommend it!
(4)
Kenneth F.

For $13.5 my goat stew came out luke-warm (as in scooped up from the buffet bar and sat on the counter for 10 minutes luke-warm) and blend and chewy; my collard green was sandy and under-cooked. 18% was added automatically for my party of 3. Not impressed.
(2)
J P.

It's been years since I was in Kenya, so kind of forgot what the food was like. The place was clean, nice, very interesting and eclectic crowd. A DJ was setting up as we were leaving on a Saturday. Overall - a very nice restaurant. (Food was so-so, but that just may be my thoughts in general on Swahili food.)
(3)
Mimi K.

I've been to this joint twice and will always make it a point to go here whenever I'm in the DC/MD area. With my Kenyan bias aside, the food is delicious and appropriately priced. Especially so with the samosas, mbuzi choma and nyama bites. I also think the pilau is heavenly, and was really surprised to learn that it was all made by Latino cooks, but hey, anyone can learn anything, right? The service however, is slow but seems to have drastically improved from the first time I was there. The laid back patrons in no rush to leave, the loud African tunes, the mouthwatering smells emanating from the kitchen, the copious amounts of alcohol getting downed....all these transplant me back to my dear Nairobi and kinda give me a bout of homesick. That and everything else, including the fugly cougar who blatantly hit on my boyfriend and tried to get his number as we left, will keep me a fan of Swahili Village. Here's to hoping the proprietor gets his wish and comes up to Boston and gives us a much needed dose of his enterprise.
(4)
Jenny R.

Their goat stew is always tasty and their plantains and spinach are quite good. Their other dishes are good, but the goat stew is definitely their specialty. The service is very slow because they generally cater to Africans who want to sit there for hours chatting. Otherwise, the place is great and the music and ambiance are nice.
(4)
David S.

OK, OK I know what your thinking...what's a fat Jewish guy doing at an East African Restaurant? The answer is so simple. I'm Fat! I love to eat, and I love to try new spots. After enduring the last 3-4 sub par restaurants I ran into this hole in the wall place on Route 1 in Beltsville. It was lunch time and I was headed to Sardis for that great chicken and got caught up at the light on Rhode Island and Route 1. I made a right into the parking lot looked around to make sure none of my friends at Sardis saw me cheating on them. I made it up the stairs and into the Village unnoticed. First thing to come to mind was " This place is not the Pepper Pot I remember being here", and this place is pretty nice inside. I felt a little bit uncomfortable being the only white guy in the place but went to the counter and ordered the Buffet Madness. Buffet Madness is any dish from the buffet with sides. I got the Chicken Curry with Cabbage, Red Beans, and Greens. The meal came with what was described to me as "Kenyon Flat Bread" which by the way I used to scoop up all the remaining gravy left on my plate from the curry chicken. For $8.99 it was a good home cooked meal both tasty and affordable. The place is super clean inside and the staff was vary friendly. I think Swahili Village is a welcome to this area. If you feel like something a little different give them a shot. They offer Beer and Wine and have outdoor seating. I felt so bad cheating on Sardis that I went and bought a chicken to take home for dinner. with all that I remain Fat and ready to eat.
(5)
Yaka H.

Hidden in an odd location with some funky parking options and thumping loud with music, the food here is tasty and good sized portions. I had the goat curry with mokimo. The goat curry was pretty mild in terms of spice and the meat tender. A good amount of meat vs bones. Mokimo is similar to a mashed potatoes and mushy peas mixed together with hominy added; creamy and pleasant, great with the curry sauce poured over it. I had the chapati, which is a pan-griddled flat bread crepe/pancake, but it was pretty oily. The chapati is similar, if not the same to the Indian and Chinese version. I really liked the little cup of hot chili oil sauce, nice and toasty with great flavor. Do watch out as it is pretty spicy. This is a great place to try if you happen to be in the area and don't want to indulge in Swedish meatballs from Ikea.
(4)
Angela I.

Fast and friendly service! Delish food. Parking could be better. I ordered goat stew, fufu, spinach, and samosas! All were very delicious and seasoned well! Got all my food to-go and it was still hit and delicious when I arrived home! My go to spot for African food when I don't feel like driving into DC!
(4)
c t.

Well, for food we only had the Samosas because of time constraints. However, they were fantastic. I have been looking for authentic East African Samosas for a long time, and now I found them. This will become a regular stop when we are visiting IKEA just up the road. My wife had a delictious Mango Lassi (I didn't know these were popular in Kenya, but they sure complement the spicy foods), and I had (of course) the obligatory and delicious Tusker beer. Brian was our server. He was really very kind. Especially because we had phoned the order in to go, and then at the last minute when picking up we decided to sit and have the drinks too. He rolled with us and was very friendly and kind. Have the Pili Pili it's nice and spicy! We'll be back. Hopefully tomorrow.
(5)
Hannah H.

My husband and I came to check out Swahili Village while we were in the area. The place serves up traditional Kenyan food, and has lunch specials, HH specials, as well as events (like 'Girls' Night Out,' etc.). The menu has items such as appetizers (bhajias, samosas, sausages, etc.); wings, soups, stews (beef and goat), curry, seafood entrees, grilled meats, as well as vegetarian options. Our server was Ariel, and he was very friendly and attentive. He told us that there was a lunch special going on where you choose an entree and two sides; so, with some recommendations and suggestions, we ordered samosas, Goat Stew (Mbuzi Mchuzi), Beef Steak (Nyama Choma), a Chapati (Kenyan flatbread), Ndizi Karanga (fried plantains), Wali (plain white basmati rice), and Kabichi (cabbages). The samosas were freshly-fried, and they were oh-so-perfect! It was 3 thin layers, filled with seasoned ground beef with a slight spicy kick to it; no sauce needed, but Ariel brought over a little cup of their hot sauce (even a drop put my tongue on fire, so you spicy fiends out there, this is totally your cup of tea!). I really enjoyed these and could probably eat them all day! I wasn't really a fan of the Goat Stew, but my husband enjoyed the slightly-thick sauce it came in (thinner curry consistency); the goat meat was still with bone and wasn't all that tender. I really liked the beef steak, as they were good chunks that were cooked well, slightly seasoned, and no need for sauces, either. The bread was like a roti texture, and good to wrap around the meats. The cabbages still had a crunch, slightly steamed, and fresh. The rice and the plantains were both forgettable, so I would probably opt for other sides the next time. The lunch special also included your choice of a fountain beverage, so we both had ginger ale. With a Yelp check-in, you also save $2 off an entree - yahoo! The place itself is cute, clean, and cheery, and I loved the artwork on the walls. I also loved seeing the chefs preparing the samosas, all by hand, behind the glass counter. Definitely check this place out! +YUMMY HANDMADE SAMOSAS!!! +Nyama Choma (grilled beef steak) +Kabichi (cabbages side was fresh and crunchy) +really spicy hot sauce/oil! :O +ask for Ariel :D +M-F lunch specials, from 11:30AM-3PM; includes a fountain beverage! +parking around the back
(4)
Chick P.

Extremely fast / great service. I really enjoyed the grilled goat, spinach, and collard greens. The chapati was a bit undercooked. The second time I went here, we got the Chicken curry, Mokimo, Spinach, and Collard greens. They were all SO good. We didn't even get rice or bread with the curry. The Mokimo went pretty well with the curry.
(4)
Summer B.

Ugali isn't as firm as it normally is, but I'm a luhya and I'm biased. The Samosas are amazing, the nyama choma is great, the goat is tender, the kachumbari is fantastic....I really can't ask for much else. Great place, authentic, a nice taste of home.
(5)
Aisha K.

Swahili Village Restaurant is by far, one of thee best places to eat. They are friendly the restaurant is clean, they have great African/ Caribbean music . The food is always "Perfect". The food is cooked perfectly and seasoned well. The meat is always tender. Love this place more than I love my house... Lol
(5)
Tempestt W.

God bless this place! I've never tried African cuisine before, and I've obviously been missing out. The food is amazing. I arrived for lunch as soon as they opened and ordered the chicken curry, basmati rice, and collard greens. The shredded collard greens were kinda weird to me at first because I'm from the South, and we don't eat greens like that. I still enjoyed them though. They were light, flavorful, and felt like a healthier alternative to the hamhock and greens I'm used to eating. The chicken curry is like a stew, so I mixed it with the rice :) Delish! It had lots of flavor and the right amount curry and other spices to give you that spicy "kick." It also had a sauce on the side to accompany it but try it if you dare! I chatted with the owner, and he said it was made with habanero peppers. I told him my mouth was on fire lol, and he gave me a tasty, complimentary mango smoothie type drink that eased the burn. The lunch portion was definitely enough to take home, but I sat there and finished it like a glutton lol. Overall, I was quite pleased with the food, its presentation, and the staff, and my patronage felt appreciated. I'll be back!
(5)
C W.

I started off with the Kenyan style sausages. It comes with 2 delicious sausages, just the right size for a shareable appetizer if you're going to have an entrÃ©e. I tried the goat soup. This was very flavorful and had plenty of meat. I also had the spicy chicken breast cooked over a smokey flame. It was not spicy hot, it was very flavorful. I had a side of rice and a side of spinach. The rice was seasoned and had a wonderful flavor. The spinach is awesome. It's like a comfort food. I wish they served larger portions of it. The service was fine. They are neutral in their approach. Not unfriendly or friendly. Just about getting the work done. The atmosphere can get a little busy because the current space is small. They have umbrella-shaded outdoor seating but it was too hot to enjoy it when I went. The 25 minute ride was worth it.
(4)
Emily L.

When you find a friend who suggests dinner at an African restaurant, you hang on to her! I was so thrilled to experience authentic Kenyan cuisine (you could tell it was authentic because most of the patrons were African -- I heard a lot of Swahili and not much English.) We had two wonderful servers (one was in training) and began with beers -- a Stella for her and the Kenyan Tusker for me, which was a slightly hoppy lager reminiscent of Heineken. Our meals were fantastic: we started with beef samosas, which were served with a fiery hot sauce. Then we moved on to grilled chicken for me, smoky and tender, and a delicious goat stew for her. I had stewed collard greens and plantains on the side, plus a salsa-type condiment that went well with the chicken and hot sauce. We shared a mango custard for dessert, which was lovely. The atmosphere was very casual, almost like a cafeteria -- clean, but for me, too bright and loud for a real conversation. I also wished they had some kind of sampler option for people like me who weren't familiar with Kenyan food -- I loved everything I had but I wanted to try more things! I guess I'll have to go back, and that's fine with me.
(3)
Ataya P.

Wow. But first, I'll admit that I would never think to stop at a Kenyan cuisine establishment on my own idea. And this is why I LOVE Yelp!! I get to try the best of the best... places I never dreamed that I would want to try. I came here for the Yelp Elite tasting event. Boy, oh boy, was I kicking myself for not trying this sooner! I've passed by the area several times, but had no idea this place was even here! My favorites that I urge you to try: the farmer's sausage... the goat stew... the bhajia (fried potato chips)... and the tliapia in coconut sauce. I had two helpings of everything! The staff were very helpful and eager to please. (I hope they are like that all the time and not just because it was a Yelp event.) I plan to return the next time I'm in the area! Tip: Beware of the pepper sauce if you're not a spice lover.
(4)
David R.

Absolutley worth the drive! Let's discuss the pepper sauce: it was perfect. The warmth and taste added to the main dishes and in no manner overwhelmed the flavors. Although warm, the pepper sauce did not make me leap for water. Instead, it was peppery perfection and went well on rice, sausages, even the fried potato chips.
(5)
Rae M.

I had to update my review and give Swahili Village an extra star. The managers/owner of this establishment truly let out the red carpet for me and a large group of Yelpers. They were extremely welcoming and appreciative of our business. Even the patrons that frequent SV were friendly. It was like one big family. The atmosphere was so lively and fun and they don't close until midnight on a daily basis. It's a good place to hang.
(4)
Mike B.

It would be a mistake to pass this restaurant. Let's just say that first. Unless you were driving to the hospital, the restaurant was closed, you had zero monies, and/or you were offended by having delicious food. Let's get down to brass tacks. 1. Bhajia- Sliced potatoes dipped in spicy batter and fried till crispy Opinion: Fairy delicious - not as spicy as I expected. There seems to be a thin spongy layer of batter around the potato. A few of these and a beer and you'd be happy. 2. Wings Opinion: Delicious- tender, no faults here. You want to go for a solid order of wings- they'll have your back 3. Samosa- Fried beef patty stuffed with spicy ground beef Opinion: Absolutely, positively delectable. I had half of one, and wanted the other half. 4. Grilled Chicken- Spicy chicken breast grilled over an open smokey fire. Opinion: One thing that you'll quickly get at Swahili Village is that their a master at cooking their meats. This meat is perfectly cooked, has great flavor, great char- and the sides that are served with it are on point. STANDOUT- The tilapia in coconut sauce and the red beans in coconut sauce. Both masterfully crafted stews. The beef stew is crucial. I love the thin Chapati bread that we got on the side with it. It's in between a tortilla and ingieri. It's delicious! Really, there was nothing that we ordered at Swahili Village that wasn't delicious. CAUTION: That little cup of red sauce that they put on the table should have you sign a release before you eat it. You want spicy?! They got spicy! Use sparingly. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jerry S.

I live in Beltsville and had passed by this place 100s of times, figuring it was East African, a cuisine that does not suit my palate. I was introduced to it by an Elite event, and it immediately got into my rotation. I came back for the lunch special, $9.99 for a choice of stew, two sides, and a soda. I opted for beef stew, as I had tried the goat at the tasting, and was not disappointed. Reasonable sized serving, tender beef chunks, savory and complex sauce but not spicy, no veggies in the stew. Collard greens were shredded like sauerkraut, al dente, and nicely seasoned. Plantains were sweet and also properly cooked. Very satisfying lunch. Two notes for first timers: that little ramekin contains hot sauce. Very hot sauce. Proceed with caution! And, if you like beer try the Tusker Kenyan beer. My taste was honed in Germany, and I liked the full bodied lager. If you want more, it's available at Old Line just a bit north on US 1. I will also note that they have a new site under construction in the Sunrise shopping center on Rhode Island Avenue, about 1/4 mile away.
(4)
S S H.

I enjoyed this place! First time for goat AND Kenyan food. Will be back! The bathrooms were very clean and the wait staff was friendly. Bear in mind everything is made from scratch ;-)
(4)
Rachel C.

My husband and I have been here twice together, I love it. The atmosphere, the food, and the servers are great! However, the prices are a little expensive but I guess it's worth it because it does taste good. They also have specials :)
(5)
NotaFoodSnob H.

Swahili Village - where have you been all my life? Hands down the BEST, most authentic Kenyan food you can find in the DMV area! My family visited this place on a monday night; by 7:30pm, the place was filling up quickly. It has a nice family-friendly ambiance with soft music playing in the background. Highlights: -Samosa: TO DIE FOR; ONE OF THE BEST samosas in the area -Sausages: NOT CRAZY ABOUT; pork but tasted like chicken sausages to me -Tusker beer: LIGHT REFRESHING LAGER; TRY IT! -Grilled beef wet fry with spinach and chapati bread: TENDER, SAUCY deliciousness; I DIED WHEN I DIPPED THE BREAD IN THE SAUCE! -Goat stew with spinach and chapati bread: FANTASTIC if goat stew is your thing -Grilled goat with collard green and rice: GRILLED TO PERFECTION -Tilapia w/ Masala sauce with spinach and pilau rice: WHOLE FRIED FISH COVERED IN YUMMY SAUCE If you like AMAZING food, AUTHENTIC flavors, HUGE portions, FRIENDLY ambiance, visit Swahili Village! Note that they are moving to a much bigger place a block away in July 2015.
(5)
Lillian C.

My favorite African (non-Ethiopian) restaurant in Maryland! Service is fantastic and I've never had a single item here that I didn't like. My go to is the fried tilapia with the marsala sauce (onions, cilantro, tomatoes). I loveee the cabbage, collards, and spinach. The seasoned basmati rice is very fragrant with hints of cardamom. The wet fry beef (with a tomato-based sauce and onions) is also fantastic. We also tried the appetizer sampler which was fantastic- I really recommend the sausage. The hot sauce is very spicy and very flavorful at the same time. It's made with palm oil which lends it own fragrance to it. I docked a star because getting into the restaurant coming from the beltway is a nightmare! For some reason the entrance is right after the red light without a turn lane or light so people LOVE blocking your way and/or honking you.
(4)
Jimmy Z.

best african food i have every try. definitly the goat entree and fish. highly recommanded.
(5)
Anita W.

Everyone liked their food here. My kids had steak, I had curry chicken and my husband had whole fried tilapia. We had the flatbread (like a slightly greasy tortilla) and the corn mash (flavorless), as well as the collards (good), spinach (didn't like), plantains (good), and samosas (good). The service was very slow the night we went, but I think there was a huge take-out order ahead of us. For a bad location, the food was very good. I would be happy to go back, but I don't crave a fix.
(3)
Amber Z.

I love this place. The samosas taste just like they did in Kenya. I also got the fried potatoes as an appetizer, which were really good with the hot crushed pepper sauce. The farmers sausage was so so. For dinner I got the fried tilapia with onions and tomatoes on top. It was so delicious! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I got the chipati, which was great. Dense and delicious. The collard greens were also excellent. My partner got the beef stew and the side of potatoes and green peas. It was so tasty! The waitress was really friendly. They have lunch and dinner specials some night. They have Tusker for $6.50. Everyone should come here!
(5)
FoodChick F.

Tilapia masala good. Collard greens delicious. Spice tea excellent. Service quick, staff very helpful, courteous and friendly. There is wonderful African-Caribbean music playing at an appropriate audio level.
(4)
Sarah H.

My favorite restaurant in Maryland! We try new restaurants every time we go out and this happened to be next on our list. I had never had African food, but now it's one of my favorites. The first time I ate here I ordered Coconut Curry Tilapia with their flat bread and spinach as my sides. The first bite had me hooked! Their curry is so perfect, a little bite to it but smooth and creamy too. The spinach was melt in your mouth. I have since returned and tried the Goat Stew, the whole fish in coconut curry, and their vegetarian dishes are to die for! I have never been disappointed. The staff is always friendly and helpful. The prices are quite reasonable as well as the portions, I always leave with left overs, which are also good the next day.
(5)
Anitatumba ..

I would give it 5 stars if the place looked a little better. The food is so good and has so much flavor. No complaints about the service either, the staff is very friendly. It's one of those places where you can get a delicious meal for a fair price. Try the samosas, the best I've had outside of Africa.
(4)
Nicoleen R.

Always my favorite however, the standards have gone down. Floor oily and slippery not so clean, staff not super friendly took a long time for us to be acknowledged. Our server Linda was lovely. The fish was tasted fried and sauce thrown over not cooked in.
(3)
Robert R.

If your from Kenya this is a little slice of home. My wife had the tilapia with curry coconut sauce it was delicious. I had the grill chicken breasts equally delicious. The staff is some of the most friendly people you will ever meet. The restaurant is getting ready to move to a much larger location on Rhode Island Avenue. Also they have a great happy hour and ladies night. The family that runs this restaurant is just fantastic.
(4)
Lady B.

Hello! Whose the new chief? When did you all start cooking collards like shredded paper??
(5)
Greg D.

A solid four stars for me = very good. The two of us ordered the goat stew. I got spinach and pilau rice and my co-pilot got the collards and pilau. Both lunch entrees were very good with flavor and just the right amount of spice. Plus, they brought us VERY hot pepper sauce. Oh man is that hot! The goat was cooked nicely. Tender and infused with nice spice. Vegetables were fresh and cooked just right w/out using many oils or butter. Good table service--friendly and attentive. Clean place. All in all a great find based on good Yelp reviews. I will return to try the chicken and/or fish dishes.
(4)
DeContee C.

If you are really in to African foods and small hidden spots to chill out and listen to African music this will definitely be a great place to try. I usually get the Fried Tilapia with the Masala sauce on the side with fried plantains and spinach which I absolutely love. I sometimes just go after work to chill out and grab a drink and eat some of their roasted meat... The servers are usually friendly and your food comes out very fast. I would definitely recommend Swahili Village to anyone looking to eat a tasty East African meal or for anyone looking to grab a drink and listen to some uptempo African music!
(3)
Ken A.

Service was friendly to us, a couple that has never tasted Kenyan food. We ordered goat stew, tilapia in coconut sauce, fried plantains, spinach and mashed peas. Everything was flavorful. The goat was tender and the plantains were perfectly fried. Had a couple of Tusker beers and relaxed in the loud, lively dining room. We will be back. Hopefully the new location opens soon, because parking at the route 1 location sucks.
(5)
Precious L.

Visited this place twice, the first time I ordered the lunch special beef stew, rice and collards. The food was awesome, very flavorful, just wonderful. Service was good too. The second time, service was still good but my food was ice cold. I ordered spinach and curry chicken and rice. OMG, the curry was bland and watery, the rice seemed old and clumped together. I did tell the waitress the food was cold, but still not sure of I'll go back.
(3)
Philly L.

Excellent food. Friendly service and love setting on Deck !!! Beach setting!!!!! Love it !!
(5)
Thomas W.

I wanted to like the place because of the admittedly great food. But the service and the atmosphere ruined it. Let me start with the food, which would solidly fall into four-star territory. We decided to go for three variations on the goat -- stew, wet fry, and grilled. The meat was surprisingly tender and juicy (for goat) in all variations; my previous goat experiences had all been tough meat with almost more bones than meat. Great flavors all around with the different spices, though we didn't try the hot sauce (partly because we weren't offered any until half-way into the meal). For the sides, we had the chapati, the collard greens, the spinach, and the plantains. The chapati was good especially with the stew, not quite as impressed with it on its own. The spinach and plantains were okay, but nothing special either. The collard greens were a let-down after reading the reviews on here, rather bland and not really a great fit for any for the goat dishes. Now, a smaller part of the reason for my negative review is the noise. We were seated outside because of reservations pretty much blocking the inside, and throughout the meal were pretty much blasted by music. We weren't even right next to the speakers! We asked them to turn it down a bit so we could actually have a conversation without having to raise our voices, which they did do, only to have the music creep back up to previous levels within half an hour or so. Finally, the biggest reason for my negative review is the service. First off, the water glasses we got were obviously dirty with some stuff sticking on the insides, don't want to know what our drink glasses looked like before they filled those... Our server was very friendly, no complaints there, though he only infrequently checked on us. However, from placing our orders to actually getting our food, it took them almost a full hour! The place wasn't even that busy at the time; all those reserved tables were not yet occupied. Then from deciding we wanted to get the check, getting the attention of one of the waiters, to finally signing it took them almost half an hour. I would have let them off with three stars still if they hadn't added a * fixed 18% gratuity * to our final bill! We were only three people, and the restaurant really isn't fancy enough to get away with such a practice. I only didn't complain because at that point, I simply wanted to get home... Too bad the service isn't better, could be a good place for good food otherwise.
(2)
Tracy H.

Can't stop keep coming!!! Their foods are ALWAYS so good, so tasty and so yummy!!!! Try their hot sauce. It is really spicy but I just can't stop eating it! I also like the atmosphere here when it's full of people. Bright and joyful!
(5)
Cliff K.

Great place- a bit far from DC but was worth the hustle to get there. They make really good at an affordable price. Their $9 lunch special is a killer. The place is also clean and the staff friendly. If you enjoy good dining, it's worth trying out
(4)
Ryan C.

Flew into Baltimore late at night and needed to drive to DC. I stopped by since it was the only non-fastfood place open on the way. Incredibly good. I've never had Kenyan food before and am happy that I tried it. My favorite dish was one of the sides - bleneded peas and potatoes (irio?). Make sure to ask for thier hot sauce.
(5)
Flaneuse D.

Very tasty food and good vegetarian options! I'd been wanting to try Swahili Village for over a year, and my partner and I finally had dinner there the other night. Be aware, though, that it's not health food (plenty of oil) and the price point is a bit high compared with some other places in the area (but not compared to other Kenyan places, because there are no other Kenyan places around)! I ordered the lentils in coconut milk that come with chapati (flat bread) and one side order; I chose the spinach. My partner ordered the appetizer combo (1 sausage, 1 beef samosa, and some deep fried potato fritters) and his entree was chicken curry with sides of rice and sauteed shredded cabbage. The cabbage side was cooked just right - still a bit crunchy. The spinach too was cooked right, i.e. not mushy, and had more flavor. I'm vegetarian but I did taste the chicken curry and it was well-seasoned and the meat was very tender. I was happy with all of it except the chapati, which was very heavy and greasy so most of it stayed on my plate. Next time I will ask to enjoy the lentil/coconut mixture over rice instead. The rice appears to be fried and is generously seasoned with cardamon and other spices that complement the coconut sauce well. The nicest part was that a very pleasant fellow (owner? manager?) came out to ask us how we liked the food. I can't recall the last time someone at a restaurant cared enough to do that! He told us a bit about Kenyan food, answered our questions about the extremely hot sauce (habaneros!) and encouraged us to try the goat next time. (Maybe...we'll see...) He told us they grill the goat first, which makes it tender and takes away that gamey, goat-y taste that many people don't like. The establishment is small but clean and nice. (They appear to do a brisk take-out business too.) The music gives a great, happy vibe without being too loud. There is outdoor seating on a pleasant deck, though the view is only of Route 1. Very enjoyable. We will happily make a return trip soon.
(4)
Erin A.

Went here for lunch and had the lentil coconut stew, fried plantain and chapati bread. The food was amazing! The only reason I take off a star is because it took us 45 minutes to get our food. We were in a large party, however, so I think that if you only have a few people it would be perfect. Will definitely come back.
(4)
Melissa A.

Let me start out by saying I was born in Kenya and my family lived there for 10 years. My father is Ugandan. Besides my family and friends' cooking, I have never found good, authentic Kenyan food in a restaurant. You can imagine my amazement when this one popped up on yelp when my family and I were shopping nearby at IKEA. After the first visit, I raved about it to my Dad, but since he has also been disappointed many times over the years he did not believe me. So when he visited recently, it was naturally our first stop after the airport. Let me just say, he loved it so much he asked to return the very next day-- his treat! All the veggies are great, especially the sukuma wiki. The grilled meats are fantastic, but our favorite dishes were the wet fry (goat or beef) and whole fried tilapia with masala sauce (which is excellent as a dip for the chapati). Must try: the hot sauce, Tusker beer and samosas!
(5)
Yana L.

This is possibly the greatest food that I have ever tasted - and I don't think I'm exaggerating. This restaurant is a must try - I cannot recommend it highly enough. The food is absolutely amazing and the service was also extremely friendly and reasonably efficient. We were seated right away (no reservation needed), and the outdoor seating, while limited is nice on a day with perfect weather, like the day we ate here. Our waiter came out right away and asked if we knew anything about East African cuisine. We didn't, so he told us about the influences on regional cuisine and he made some menu recommendations. Everything we ate here was delicious - maybe the greatest food that I have ever eaten. We ordered the appetizer combo, which included bahjias (fried potato patties), a sausage, and a samosa. The samosa is somewhat similar to what you might find in an Indian restaurant (one of the regional influences) but much more meaty and the pastry had a different consistency - absolutely delicious! I was not a fan of the bahjias, but my sister absolutely loved them. Conversely, my sister didn't like the sausage, but I thought it was delicious. It was spicy and meaty and great. My sister got the grilled goat, spinach, and chapati (flat bread) - it was absolutely delicious. The goat was tender and fell apart in your mouth - it didn't have the toughness that I have found at many other restaurants. The flat bread was a little bit tasteless, but it wasn't bad. It went well with the meat, but wasn't much on its own. I ordered the beef stew, collard greens, and fried plantains. Again, the meat was amazingly good and the portion was generous. The stew was well spiced, but it was not overpowering. The greens were good - a little short on spiciness. The plantains were maybe the greatest plantains that I have ever tasted. A little bit crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside. So good, even writing about them makes my mouth water. Watch out for the hot sauce! More than a tiny speck, and you might die from the heat. It was really good, but proceed with caution. After this meal we were both absolutely stuffed, and thrilled with the restaurant. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to try something a little bit new. If you've never tried Kenyan food (we hadn't), this restaurant definitely offers something different, without being completely foreign to the palate. It was absolutely delicious, and I am really looking forward to going back! I absolutely loved it!
(5)
Erica S.

OMG my first experience was AWESOME. The food is seasoned welled and cooked to perfection. You must try the grilled chicken, cabbage, collard greens and Spinach. The Chai tea is soooo good and sugar free. The atmosphere is warm, relaxing and the employees are polite and knowledgable about the food. I'm a new found customer of Shahili Village.
(5)
Phuong H.

I have been here a few times and all the dishes I've tried have been delicious. The menu is limited, but the food and service are excellent. The owner even came out to greet us once! I also love the atmosphere - the customers are mostly African, they play African music, and always have soccer on. On Friday and Saturday nights, there is also dancing and live music here!
(4)
Muturi M.

Food is excellent...service could be better. Atmosphere is great. I've enjoyed myself EVERY time I went.
(4)

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Address : 10606 Baltimore Ave,Ste A
Beltsville, MD, 20705
Phone (240) 965-7651
Website https://www.swahili-village.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 12

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

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Swahili Village

10606 Baltimore Ave,Ste A, Beltsville, MD, 20705

Swahili Village Menu

Appetizers (Vichangamsha Kinywa)

Meat And Poultry

Fish - Samaki

Vegetarian Entrees

Vegetable Sides - Mboga

Bread And Starches

Group Servings

Desserts - Tamu Tamu

Beverages - Vinywaji

Healthy Meal suggestions for Swahili Village

Appetizers (Vichangamsha Kinywa)

Meat And Poultry

Fish - Samaki

Vegetarian Entrees

Vegetable Sides - Mboga

Bread And Starches

Group Servings

Desserts - Tamu Tamu

Beverages - Vinywaji

Michael M.

J. M.

Carlyn K.

Toya J.

Alan H.

Moyeh M.

Kamal R.

Phi N.

Serra B.

Brenda M.

Sheena K.

Katherine S.

Suman B.

J M.

Christine H.

Dagny T.

Yoo-Jin K.

Daniel W.

Mari S.

Paul A.

Russell L.

Jonathan H.

Misha T.

Q B.

Sydni R.

Anjali S.

C R.

Galates S.

Ebony B.

Renee L.

Mo A.

Sharon C.

Jehan A.

Sana J.

Lucy X.

Kassie E.

Maggie F.

Christine B.

Tebles H.

S B.

Johanna E.

Jamila T.

Stuart G.

Tim J.

Wyllol W.

Gerry C.

Cream Cheese C.

Herschel S.

Donna C.

Akuba M.

Mary J.

Michelle B.

Bill B.

M. Gene W.

Jet L.

Nya-wira T.

Jessie F.