This review is for their new St. Paul location, on 7th place. I had the felafel sandwich with the veggie sambusas. Both were delish. My dining partners enjoyed their Somali Steak meals. We ate after the lunch rush, so the mangers/owners (not sure which) came out and asked how our meals were and thanked us for coming. I appreciate this kind of hospitality. I'd come back.
(4)
Mani A.
Great tasting food that is also cheap. Loved the veggie sambusa and they seemed to run out of some menu items about closing time, which was my only problem. My friend ordered the Afro Asian Chicken Suqaar recommened by them and he loved it. A must try place, but I wish they stayed open late.
(4)
Diana D.
I'm surprised no one has made a comment about the reggaeton music in an Afro Deli?! So confused but I like the overlap. That is until I feel like I'm in a Miami club and it's been 20 minutes and I still haven't gotten my food and I'm surrounded by crumbs on dirty tables and I start to hyperventilate because of the small space. I began to see floating stars, until finally, through the distance, I hear my name and I snap back to life. I grab my order and quickly exited out to the patio. I leave all the chaos behind me as the door slowly closed shut. I picked out a seat on the patio and took my first bite of the steak sandwich. Ah, so this is the meaning of tranquility. (Disclaimer: I love reggaeton.)
(4)
Rowena N.
i work in the hospital near this place, and it is so good! We got one sambusa of each kind to try the different flavors (veggie, chicken, beef). I am a heavy carnivore but i think the veggie was best seasoned. I had my share of bad/old sambusas but these were flakey and just enough crunch. We also got the Chicken fantastic and the Afrosteak in a bowl. They are pretty hefty portions (see picture). I usually like read meat but i actually preferred my chicken fantastic bowl. It was a bit creamier whereas the steak one was more stir-fry looking. Both were pretty good and we had no complaints. I took a baklava (to go because I was dead full), which was pretty awesome (not to sweet, and little crunch from the nuts -- just the way I like my baklavas). I am not sure how authentic "African style" the food is given Africa is huge. But, the experience was great and I know I will come back. Note the place is pretty small so not a lot of seating if you have a larger group.
(5)
Kelsey P.
This is a hot spot in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood for good reason. It's affordable and delicious. Seating is limited, but don't forget about the back dining room! The Chicken Fantastic is my favorite, but I haven't found anything I didn't like yet.
(5)
Cassandra B.
For eating in, takeout, or catering Afro Deli is the bomb. You get cheap, generous helpings of delicious African food while supporting an awesome local business. My favorite is the Chicken Fantastic--creamy, delicious, great combination of vegetables. I've been to a few events in the neighborhood where they cater from Afro Deli and I head straight for the big tray of Chicken Fantastic to get a generous helping before it runs out. I'm also a fan of the falafel sandwich and the gyros. I've gotten a gyro to go before and there was so much lamb on it I ended up taking some off and making it part of a meal later. Also delicious--the Sambusa. They have beef or lentils with just a bit spiciness and yummy green sauce for dipping. My habit of grabbing a sambusa when I was hungry between classes is basically the reason I gained like 20 pounds in grad school, so be careful. The main room is usually crowded with just a few small tables and a bar, but a little known fact is that there's a very underutilized back room! Just go through the door past the fountain drinks and to the left. There are also tables that accommodate bigger parties there. In conclusion--Afro Deli is great! Go there!
(5)
Richard S.
Easily one of my favorite places to go to at the U. My friend and I eat there at least one every two weeks. I always order the Somali Steak Sandwich (without mayo). The sandwich is so good and pretty inexpensive too. I also like the Sambusas with the dipping sauce. They are filled with meat and veggies and deep fried to perfection. My friend also gets a gyro (either lamb or chicken). The side salad has a good dressing, which is kinda like Italian. The burritos are chipolte size. The Chicken Curry is also really good. All the desserts are awesome! I always recommend this place to anyone who has never tried it.
(5)
Cindy T.
A friend introduced me to this place and I'm disappointed that I didn't visit Afro Deli when I first moved here! The workers here are not just friendly -- they are kind. Sometimes, one of the workers gives me a free tea or sambusa. :) I don't usually become a regular, but I now go to Afro Deli twice a week. At first, I wanted to try half the menu, but I started with the lamb gyro and was hooked. Still, I'm on a mission to try at least 10 items, and here's what I have to say so far: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Lamb Gyros -- if you don't know what to order, get this. This is the only item with lamb in it (though I've asked for it in other dishes!) and the meat is juicy. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Somali Steak Sandwich -- the steak tastes chewy because it is cooked well-done, as in other dishes. I like the flavors, the bread, and the size (it might be more like a snack for most Midwestern men; it looks like a 500-600 kcal sandwich)...but I just don't like the way the meat is cooked. Update: this sandwich is great the next day, after the juices have soaked into the bread and I'm too busy to make anything! Falafel Sandwich -- standard fare and a solid choice, though I would still prefer the lamb gyros or chicken fantastic. Chicken Fantastic -- the regular size is two meals for me! It is very filling, especially with the rice and fiber-rich vegetables. Harar Beef & Veggie Stew -- this stew is mildly spicy and tasty. However, the meat seems overcooked and I got tired of chewing it. Keke -- I ordered the vegetarian version and asked for lamb on top. Loved the lamb, disliked the African noodle. The noodle tasted bland and dry...like over-floured pie crust. In the leftovers, I could even see flour in the noodles that fell apart. I would not recommend this dish. (When I came back a week later, one of the workers explained that the noodles were actually a paratha or chapati flatbread that has been fried or stir-fried...) Caesar salad -- great dressing-to-greens ratio. Chicken is on the dry side. Sambusa -- love all of them, though I usually get the veggie one. They seem so neatly folded and I like how sambusas are easier to eat than its doppelganger, the samosa. Sambusa = flat. Samosa = pyramid. And always cooked to order! Shrimp Sambusa -- limited edition, March 2014 only. Meh. It was not good. The tiny pieces of shrimp seemed like the sort that comes out of a plastic bag and gets dehydrated. Chicken wings -- crispy and on the plain side, comes with a mild/med bbq sauce and ranch. The one time I ordered a dozen wings, my basket had 15. :) Sweet potato fries -- soggy and no accompanying sauce :( Baklava -- I don't know if it's made in-house, but I love the version that is sold here. I am starting to think it's dangerously unhealthy to eat this dessert even once a week, given how filling the above are. Somali tea -- what a wonderful winter drink! it has milk and spices, and makes me smile when I take a sip. Conclusion: Lamb gyros is my #1. And maybe a veggie sambusa. And maybe baklava. I don't miss the other dishes at all. (The one other dish I would recommend is the Chicken Fantastic, for curiosity's sake.) P.S. Free wifi! Extra seating in the quiet conference room! Nice bathroom with thick toilet paper! P.P.S. Eventually, I plan to try the afrosteak dinner, veggie platter, suqaar, chicken curry, and chapati wrap. I will update this review accordingly. :)
(4)
Shane S.
Great place for sambusa! The atmosphere is friendly and busy. Took a bit to get my sandwich but it was worth the wait. The samoli steak sandwich was amazing; great spices and perfect bread.
(5)
Sarah S.
I finally made it to Afro Deli after a work meeting at the African Development Center and it was painfully clear that I have been missing out. I ordered the small chicken curry and a side order of sweet plantains to go. The staff were extremely friendly and the diversity of the patrons reflected the neighborhood. Everyone comes together over good food! The curry was larger than I had expected for a small order but I'm not complaining over leftovers. The curry was moist and seasoned well but I was hoping for more heat. I have a ridiculous standard of "hot/spicy enough" though so I have come to expect this. The plantains were freshly prepared and perfectly sweet with that caramelized flavor and coloring that I hope to see. This place is a true value. I paid less than $11.00 If you are intimidated by trying Somali food, don't be! Almost all of the menu items were familiar and the staff is friendly enough to answer questions. Also, don't let the parking situation keep you away. I was never interested in competing with two campuses worth of students and locals for parking but I easily found a spot right off the side of the building.
(5)
Vy B.
Chicken Fantastic? Yes. Asian chicken with rice? Yes. Sambusas? Yes. Tres leches cake? Yes. I am a big fan of this place because the food is made fresh and right in front of you, there's good variety throughout the menu, and has very generous portions at a good price. I can appreciate this place for offering a wide spectrum of food for the noobs and pros. The owner is super nice and gives a great deal on catering needs. My favorite is the chicken fantastic because it's creamy but still light with the fresh veggies they mix in the perfectly cooked rice. The only item I haven't enjoyed are their chicken wings which after trying them, realized they were frozen wings likely bought from a warehouse store. They outsource their desserts but the tres leche cake is muy delicioso! Probably my second favorite next to cafe latte! Parking is impossible but if you are on campus for some reason, round out your visit with a trip to Afro deli.
(4)
J M.
Plus: it smelled awesome. The issue: I got here right after they opened. Music was blasting so loud that I could not even concentrate on what was on the menue. The smiling girl behind the counter turned it down but a few seconds later it came right back on at near the same volume. A jet at takeoff would not be audible over this volume. After waiting a minute to see if it went back down, I told the girl that I would not be able to eat because of the volume of the music. If she could not read lips she probably had no idea what I said. I was looking forward to trying this place given all of the great reviews.
(1)
Daniel R.
Had an excellent meal here on Saturday night. There were lots of great choices and each person in the group had something different and it was all good and the prices were fair. But in addition to great food, the service really set it apart. In ordering they were helpful in helping us. When our food was ready two of us went to grab it and quickly realized we were a pair of hands short. The person behind the counter grabbed a plate before we even could have asked and said let me help. They were so nice, definitely a great place to go and eat.
(5)
Gretchen B.
Afro Deli was the only place I ever went if I wanted to get lunch while on campus. I've since graduated, but I still make trips out to West Bank to get my favorite gyro. Don't be afraid to go here if you're not super comfortable with African food; it's an Afro-American-Mexican fusion place--something for everyone. It's a small place. If you're eating in, you want to be in the main room so you can see all the action, but there is more seating in the back. If it's nice out, they just got a new HUGE patio. It can take a while to get your food, especially if its busy (~15 minutes), but the staff and owner are friendly, and it's worth it. All the food is reasonably priced. My favorites are the lamb gyro, veggie sambusas, and the chicken fantastic. The falafel is a little crispy for me, but it's still good. The keke is a good pasta-type dish, but it's pretty spicy so watch out. The fries are some of my favorite around, thick but crispy. And you won't be disappointed if you pick up a dessert.
(5)
Rachel E.
How I failed to stop into Afro Deli despite attending the University of Minnesota completely baffles me. Better late than never though! I was recently back on campus for a recruiting event, so a coworker and I decided it was time to break our terrible streak of Afro-Deli-free living. Suffice it to say, I regret missing this little spot during my undergrad days. Afro Deli has a great menu, fun and friendly staff, and unbeatable prices. I opted for the falafel wrap with sweet potato fries and it was love at first bite. The falafel pieces were enormous and flavorful - I couldn't even finish the wrap! If you are a U of M student, staff, or just happen to be in the area, don't make the same mistake I did. Add a little Afro in your life.
(5)
Jonathan T.
I have eaten through this menu several times, and I can honestly say that from top to bottom, everything here is delicious. Ever since I finished my masters program at the U of M, I have had Afro Deli withdrawals. Affordable, tasty, convenient - what else does a person need? But let's talk about the delicious food. Seriously, last week, I dreamt about ripping apart those soft yet hard triangular sambusas with either lentils or beef inside slathered with that spicy green sauce with my teeth. Oh, and those tasty sweet potato fries that perfectly compliment the sandwiches and wraps there. I highly recommend the lamb gyros and the Somali steak sandwich. If that's not really for you, try the Chicken Fantastic. Yes, this sounds corny, but it truly is fantastic with the sauteed bell peppers, red onions, carrots, zucchini, fresh garlic held in a lighr cream sauce with grated Parmesan cheese on top of basmati rice. You will not be sorry. I've catered from Afro Deli about six times and eaten there way too many to count. Afro Deli is certainly a jewel in the neighborhood. The only critique I would have is that during busy hours, the service is absolutely horrid. It takes forever to get my meal. However, it's definitely worth the wait.
(5)
BK J.
First I have to express my thanks to Jonathan for having a Yelp event here and introducing Afro Deli to me. Grabbed some takeout tonight and just had to have some of those shrimp sambusas. They are an item of the month (in Yelp's honor) and are only available for a limited time (so get in there and get some). Also grabbed some beef sambusa, wings and a greek salad. Everything was super tasty and I need to tell Rhonda to check out the wings here, a real bargain - a dozen for less than $8. The green sauce for the sambusas was even hotter than what we had the night of the Yelp event but was absolutely perfect with the sambusas. Great food, excellent prices and friendly service will keep me coming back. The one downside is parking is tight in the area but circle the block and you will find something.
(5)
Shekinah S.
3.5 Stars After having it bookmarked forever and reading all the fine reviews, I decided to have my bday dinner at Afro Deli. We sat outside on a glorious evening, which turned out to be the only Sat in June when it didn't rain. Many reviews mention the Chicken Fantastic, so I decided to go with that. My brother's girlfriend got it too. I thought it was good, but not fantastic. The sauce, vegetables, and chicken seemed like they would go better with pasta, but the dish is served over rice. Something was just odd about it. My brother got a noodle dish that was spicy and I kind of wished I'd gotten that instead. My boyfriend may have gotten the same dish -- though oddly, his wasn't spicy, and he also got some sambusas. The best part of the sambusas was the green sauce that accompanied them. Our table shared some yam fries, which were also not as amazing as the reviews led me to believe. My brother and his girlfriend ordered hamburgers for their assorted offspring. I don't really know what the kids thought of their food, but I guess it's worth mentioning that there are some American/Western foods on the menu for those less adventurous. I'm glad I finally got to try Afro Deli but it didn't wow me enough to want to go back.
(3)
Andy M.
They have a great menu, the food's (mostly) healthy, it's tasty, and the prices are reasonable.
(4)
Wayne S.
Great food! Had the Somali steak sandwich and hummus. Food was great but wait was a bit long
(4)
Nicole H.
I've driven past here many times on my way to work, and decided to give it a try. Got to park across the street at a meter, but when I walked in, the place was packed! I had a good 20 minutes to stand in line, but watched the guys haul arse to crank out the orders and everything looked delicious! I wanted to try everything. After I paid, I turned around and the line was out the door! Ended up getting a chicken chapti wrap and was so good! Also got some baklava and it was perfect. I can't wait to go back and try the chicken fantastic!
(4)
Kade K.
Soo. Sometimes I am that jerk that orders a triple nonfat, sugar free vanilla latte, extra hot, no foam. Sometimes I make things excessively complicated. But in my defense, I have food restrictions, and I know lots of other people do too. Afro Deli isn't really the kind of place for food restrictions or custom orders. You can try to order "extra crispy" fries or "the dressing on the side" but there is a chance you won't get it. Sometimes you just settle for soggy fries. Sometimes you just eat your dry falafel in a crowded corner in a crowded deli, instead of taking them "to-go" like you ordered. Sometimes you say "hey that was an experience". And then you cook for yourself the next time you want Mediterranean food. Sometimes.
(4)
Alex C.
As a student at the U, this is probably the restaurant I go to more than anywhere else. Somali Steak Sandwich - delicious. I've had it multiple times and there is quite a bit of variation. Sometimes the steak can be chewy and the bread dry. But the vast majority of the time I get a perfectly cooked sandwich with great flavors - 4 Stars Chicken Fantastic - delicious - 4 Stars The Lamb Gyro had delicious juicy meat. One of my favorite gyros near campus - 4 Stars Veggie Sambusa - mmmmmm so crispy on the outside - 4 Stars
(4)
Breanne K.
No surprises here, I still love Afro Deli. Maybe even more than I did the first time I had it. Their food is very addicting, so it's a good thing I don't work on West Bank. It can be a treat for me every few months. Saw that they added coconut shrimp to the menu. Six big pieces of shrimp fried in coconut and served with a spicy cocktail sauce! Really good deal for an appetizer of this quality. I'm gonna have some big decisions to make, lentil sambusas or coconut shrimp. How will I ever decide?!
(5)
Clare S.
Ordered a number of entrees for take out. The staff was very accommodating and helped me pick out a number of things to try. LOVE the chicken fantastic. Also, the owner has gotten a ton of recognition and is somewhat of a local leader in the community. Great to see that neighborhood doing well and this place is a staple.
(5)
Madison S.
When St. Martins closed I was incredibly sad and skeptical when a new place went up across the street. Well, this place is an awesome addition to the neighborhood. I can't believe I went years before trying their coconut shrimp-I figured it couldn't be that great at the low price. Well I was completely wrong and it's a great app. Their gyros are amazing and crispy, the chicken fantastic can feed me up to 3 meals and every single item I have ordered I love. It can be packed, so I try and call ahead if I'm just doing take out. Such a great local place. Ps there is a room in the back with tables when the front is full-you can eat there.
(5)
Joel S.
I always get the chicken curry. The food is consistent, and the service is always great. The only issue in my opinion is the chaos around picking up your food. The layout of the space doesn't lend itself well to the number of people who come for a bite. Pro tip: Go past the soda fountain to the back, take a left through the door, and right in the last doorway for extra indoor seating.
(4)
Jaehak Y.
Afro-Deli was a good introduction to African cuisine. Yeah, yeah, I realize Africa is a continent and not a country. But each area has their own regional trends and stylings in food and Afro-Deli was a great introduction to African food. I'm not entirely sure how authentic it was but the experience was good enough for me. I had the Chicken Fantastic which, according to the cashier, is by far the favorite. Great dish. I'm a bit of a picky eater and didn't care for the zucchinis or whatever green thing they had on it, but overall it was solid. The chicken could have used a little juice though. Given that the rice itself is very dry I thought they needed a little bit more juiciness in the dish to balance it out. I also tried chicken sambusas for the first time. I enjoyed it and thought that it made a great snack food. This too, however, a bit too dry for me. Perhaps the dryness of food is a cultural food thing that I'm just not getting. In which case, it's my problem I guess. But if you don't like your food too dry, then it might become your problem too. Pricing is also rather reasonable. It's no wonder the place is a hit with the local U. of Minnesota kids. As for the restaurant, it's cozy. I came in on a raining day and it was a nice shelter -- warm, smells good, and clean. The staff are knowledgeable and will step in when you feel out of your depth and don't know what to get. I imagine that happens a lot given how unknown African food is in most of the world. All in all, a very solid restaurant. Nothing phenomenal and the food is a bit too dry. But it's still a good place to go when you need something to eat.
(3)
Raja B.
Very cool little place. Just ran into it and was very impressed with the food, their mission and service. Definitely a place to check out when in MSP
(4)
Morgan K.
Food and service is fantastic. Only downside is that the parking lot is a bit hard to get to by sight because of all the one-ways.
(5)
Hannah T.
OH MY GOODNESS! Why had I never come here before? I've been here twice in the past week. This is some of the best food I've ever had, and it's food I've had a million times. I haven't tried too many things, but next time I go which I'm sure will be soon, I'm excited to try some of the main entrees. I ended up having the veggie Sambusas and the Falafel sandwich. The Sambusas at 3 for $3.95, were huge! Like 3 inches wide huge! They were also amazing and served with a jalapeño type sauce, a perfect pair. The sandwich also stellar. I didn't actually know a Falafel sandwich could be this excellent and I've had good falafels. Bonus points: one of the cooks dropped the sauce (with a lid on it), which did not bug me or or the boy nor should it bug anyone I'd hope, but he felt bad and gave us an order of Sweet Plantains ($2.95) and they were also the best. I don't eat many sweets, and this was the perfect caramelization/sweetness ever. This might be a weekly stop now that I'm back at the grind of school! So happy I finally tried it.
I love it here. Super friendly, great indoor and outdoor atmosphere, and really good food. It's just simple, delicious, and parking isn't the worst. I had the steak sandwich, good all around, and the bread was fucking divine. I hope that this place lasts in the neighborhood for a very long time (infinity preferable).
(5)
Ramesh P.
Ordered takeout from here and the order was all vegetarian options they have and the overall food was all right! 1. Samosa/Sambosa was OK lacked flavor 2. Falafel was also OK 3. Order appetizer platter similar experience nothing too great could have been a little more flavorful and seasoning.
(3)
Mahesh K.
I had no idea about this place until my friends suggested this place for dinner one night. I was so happy to see many vegetarian options on the menu. If you are a fan of food at Shish or Black Sea then you will certainly fall in love with the food at Afro Deli. The falafels, sambusas and baklavas are finger-licking good. The portion sizes are huge for the price.
Not the best sambusa you can get this side of the Mississippi, but definitely the one where you're guaranteed that everyone speaks English! Seriously, great food, great tea, and a wonderful atmosphere. Real close to the Cedar Cultural Center, Seven Corners, Augsburg, and Seward Co-Op. Love! Wonderful place to hang out as opposed to Hard Times (which, I'm sorry, still skeeves me out a bit). I work in the area during the summer and I love having a go-to lunch place with fabulous options and service all around. Would highly recommend for anyone, tons of good vegetarian options (not sure about vegan- they have great falafel but I don't know how they fry it) and a wonderful place to sit outside in the summertime.
(4)
Dave L.
Freaking delicious and I feel like nobody knows about it. I ask friends if they've been there and they've never heard of it. That's another reason why I love it. Be careful what kind of spice you get in your meal. I always think I can handle spicy and then I get destroyed. I nearly got destroyed.
(5)
Angelina B.
Not impressed. did not like that much. :( I was expecting something better. I got the veggie pasta. It was great to see that it was handmade (at least I think it was) but it was a little over done and kind of hard and chewy. Maybe it was the lunch rush. I'll have to try it again, or not.
(2)
Kerry G.
The veggie sambusas are out of this world, so crisp and flavor packed. Also a very yummy falafel sandwich. Service is great- they even sweetly replaced my meal without me asking when I accidentally dropped my tray!
(5)
Sadia K.
This place is special. Having never tried Somalian food, i was in for a surprise. The food had a modern twist and was very unique. We had their keke beef and their chicken fantastic (large size is good for 2 servings).. both very flavorful. The rice that they serve on the side is very different. We also had their sambosas (chicken, vege and beef).. They were all really good but personally the beef was the best.. Had i more time, i would come back to try their other dishes..
(4)
Anil H.
The food here is delicious! My organization has worked with Afro Deli a few times, and they have never disappointed. I highly recommend the chapati wraps and the sambusas. This is a place that I will return to and recommend to friends, over and over again.
(5)
Paola M.
Still 5 stars and a whole new menu! Go check it out!! Now they have a burrito-type wrap - the chapati wrap - , a number of additional entrees - many of which are vegetarian - , 2 types of soups changing weekly and sweet plantains. And I have a new favorite (actually 2): Keke and Suqaar. Both not to be missed. Go visit and enjoy your lunch!
(5)
Shravan S.
Chicken Fantastic is indeed fantastic, So filling and so delicious. They have this peculiar cream that is so yummy and you can sense that same peculiar taste even when your done eating.
(4)
Kien N.
The steak sandwich is great and I definitely agree with everyone's recommendations. A side of regular fries is an extra $1 but well worth it! The meat sambusas were good and perfectly deep fried. I wish they came with a creamier sauce to help with the dryness of the meat. I'm thinking something along the lines of Chimborazo's Aji sauce. This is crossing cultural boundaries, but it would shut this place down with lines out the door :p The place was packed, so to go was the only option. Even then, I was just standing around not really going anywhere with the slow service. I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Vivian I.
I've always had an AMAZING experience at Afro Deli. I frequently order catering for work events and my experience working with the staff has always been easy and enjoyable. You can never go wrong getting a sambusa, or a chapati wrap, or the coconut shrimp or the Somali sweet spiced tea...okay the list of favorites is already getting to be too long but you can probably tell that you should just try anything on the menu! The biggest draw for me is that Afro Deli is values driven which is represented by their commitment to donating a percentage of proceeds to local organizations that promote a vibrant and healthy community for all. Also, their partnership with the African Development Center has drawn support for the Cedar Riverside community. All these things, plus the delicious food they serve, keeps me coming back!
(5)
Eva D.
Overall, the sambusas were excellent but everything else was meh. My husband tried the chicken gyro. The chicken was dry and bland. I tried the keke with gyro meat. It was like a sweet pasta that was ok, nothing compelling and the sweetness overpowered the flavor of the gyro meat. In short, I've found there to be more compelling options in the twin cities.
(3)
Ahmad R.
I'll just write some words describing my first experience here, which I just finished in my car and its savory morsels still linger in my mouth. 12 min line including takeout wait at lunch rush. Upbeat music from the Southern Hemisphere. Gargantuan burrito thing! Yummo. Oh sweet lord this is good. Spicy? I need to tell my brother about this place, who is also not African. I wonder if I can eat the whole thing? No.
(5)
Jessica S.
Afro Deli is a busy little business just outside of the UMN - West Bank campus. The menu includes Middle Eastern / North African - style dishes, such as sambusas, falafel, Somali-style rice bowls, and so on. I've tried an array of items here, and I return to dine occasionally but I'm not overly enthralled by the options. My go-to's are probably the vegetarian platter (hummus, yogurt sauce, hot sauce, veggie lentil sambusas, falafel) and the roasted vegetable sandwich. Very mediocre stuff. But, the price and convenience (order at the counter) factors are desirable. The dining area upfront is tiny with a ledge and some stools, but there is also a slightly larger backroom for overflow as well as a fairly spacious patio with some lovely floral arrangements when the weather permits.
(3)
Eryn L.
Literally everything I've ordered so far was fresh, tasty without making me feel too guilty. Homemade doughs were just magical. Made me feel at home (even though I've never been to Africa nor the Middle East)
(5)
Michelle B.
Love the chicken fantastic. It's nice to have something different and authentic every once in a while. Very quick service and reasonable prices. Don't go with a big group unless you want to sit outside and have a casual experience!
(4)
Rebekah E.
Yummy, yummy, yummy! I've been eyeing up this place for months, and today, I finally got the opportunity to step inside for lunch. I ordered 3 veggie sambusas to go, for $3.99. Even though they were very busy, my food was up quickly. They had some fun music playing, and the employees looked like they enjoyed their jobs. The sambusas were delicious. The smell alone made my mouth water. They were filled with lentils, onions, garlic, and lots of cilantro. I cannot wait to go back and try the rest of the menu. I'm guessing they make a pretty mean gyro.
(5)
Tony J.
I tried Afro Deli on the recommendation of some classmates, not thinking it'd leave much of an impression... WOW, was I wrong! Let's just say, I ended up going so often over the course of a couple years, that the owner and I were on a first name basis, and I could order custom versions of each dish. Seriously, Afro Deli is awesome. I've tried nearly every item on the menu, and I don't think you can go wrong with anything. Give it a show! Biggest tip: If you can, order ahead! The wait is usually very, very long, if you get a made-to-order item. The quesadillas are the best kept secret! Mmmm, my mouth is watering as I type this...
(5)
Steve B.
This was a great find (thanks to the Yelp reviews!). We all had different things and I can recommend it all, especially the spicy chicken curry and the sambusas. Also, everyone there, customers and staff, were really friendly and helpful to we out-of-towners new to Somalian cuisine. As other reviewers have said - generous and tasty portions at a good price, and the coffee was excellent, too. Re the reggaeton music, that was nice but I'd have preferred something African!
(5)
A Z.
this was one of the best sandwiches i've ever eaten! service was really friendly and fast; i'd love to come back and try more menu items than this steak sandwich!
(5)
Justin S.
This place make a damn good falafel gyro.
(4)
Joel M.
Really great food and the quality is very consistent. The steak sandwich, chicken fantastic, and chicken wings are some of my favorites. The fries are also amazing. I'm not sure how they do it, but they are always incredibly crispy and flavorful. The owner is very friendly, too. My only complaint is that sometimes there can be quite a wait for your food, but I guess that's the price you pay for having your meals prepared fresh in a small, but busy deli.
(4)
Troy C.
Excellent Somali Steak sandwiches and lamb gyros. The Somali tea was an interesting first.
(4)
N E.
Moderate prices. Interesting and unique menu. Well prepared food. I ordered chicken curry. Good spice. Healthy portion.
(4)
Mustafa J.
The beef jabati wrap is amazing, and the coconut shrimp is the best.. My office has catered from AFRO Deli several times and all of our guest loved the food.
(5)
Hannah E.
I keep eating here. I can't stop. The sambusas are just so good and it's so close to where I'm living and the green sauce is so spicy (although the spiciness varies - the second time it burned my face off but the third and first time it was merely barely tolerable). Also, Somali tea = delicious fuel for research. Like a cross between chai and something hibiscusy. ALSO, coconut shrimp is like $4 and comes with a crapload of perfectly fried, coconut-oily shrimp and a big old container of cocktail sauce that doesn't just taste like watered down ketchup like most cocktail sauces do! The prices are pretty astonishingly low for how much food you get. I want to be adventurous, Afro Deli, and try new places, but you are making this very difficult!
(5)
Gloria L.
This is a great lunch spot (as it's close to work). I have lately been ordering the curry chicken over rice. So good I keep ordering it. I also really liked their sambusas, humus, and fries. The only downside is that it gets busy during the lunch rush and you have to wait a while for your order. So I try to go early and it is fine.
(5)
Christy M.
One of my favorite places to meet up. We hold our nonprofit board meetings here sometimes. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is inspirational, even better are the people who work here.
(5)
Lisa E.
The Deluxe veggie platter was a dream combination of falafel, pita, hummus, tabouli, tzatziki and sambusa ! I had a side order of gyro added to this happy plate to make it even happier! For under $10, there was enough food to eat three meals! The pretty orange and red painted walls brighten up this small space and the helpful smiling people who work there make it a five star place. I will definitely be back to try other things on the menu.
(5)
Shaynna R.
I'm super picky about how my food is prepared. You can watch them put your food together (think of how subway has glass that blocks you from the food - same thing). The ingredients alway look fresh. And their grilled chicken is soooooo good! So if you haven't been here before: think of it like a fast food restaurant - menu is on the wall, order your food, then stand down the counter a ways waiting for your food. Decent prices. Decent size side parking lot. Small store - but there is more seating in the back. Super friendly staff(:
(5)
Niki R.
Often overlooked, this Afro joint is a gem. Yummy and affordable food - sambusas, soups, falafel, and even dessert! I recommend the Somali Tea, as well as anything with a hard-to-pronounce name. Take a pal here for lunch the next time you're hanging in Cedar/Riverside.
(4)
Chanstay Y.
This really is one of my favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities. The Chicken Fantastic and Afro Steak dinner are consistently amazing. I bring my daughter her and we will get both and split them. Anyone I've every brought with has left happy. I have never been disappointed. Everything I've had here has been great.
(5)
Immaculate I.
I had the samosas and they are delicious. I have to say that the tres leche cake, first time I had it I fell in love. I go back there for that...ironic as this is an afro deli but the spanish cake takes me back there! Oh well. I take the samosas to go
(4)
Jason G.
Chicken suqaar is delicious!!! Next time i will avoid the shrimp sambusa and go for the beef cuz thats the stuff!!!
(4)
Nicholas R.
Afro Deli is a tiny little cafe across the street from part of the University of Minnesota campus. When I went, the line was nearly out the door - and wrapped all around inside, what with the cold. I ordered some Somali tea while I waited for my Harrar Beef & Veggie Stew. First off, the tea is quite good; similar in taste to chai, but somehow less cloying. The Harrar stew was flavorful and well-prepared, but the most interesting part was definitely the rice that accompanied it - very very flavorful. The rest of the menu looked like a split between authentic African food and highly Americanized versions. I guess it can't be helped when you're right next to a college, so I can forgive them for the latter. It would be nice if they included the origin of the dishes on the menu (Ethiopian, Somali, etc) though!
(4)
Ashley F.
While Afro Deli is is clean and shiny and only two blocks from my work, it's my least favorite Somali food. It's still really, really good, but their rice is just so boring compared to all the other Somali food I've had. The rice at Safari and Quraxlow is magical. This rice is flavorless. And rice, to me, is a pretty important part of the food. Sambusas are awesome though, the prices are great and the take-out is fast. I will probably end up eating here more frequently than the better places just because of the convenience.
(4)
Sara W.
Yes I did visit Afro two times in one week. And yes it was delicious both times and I can't wait to go back. 1) The Chicken Fantastic is truly fantastic. Chicken, veggies & basmati rice. Also, I ordered the smaller size, and woah it's a definite large helping. I'm nervous to see what the larger one looks like. Meal for two? 2) The Somali Tea and hummus are definitely dos if you're in the need for a snack. Seriously the best tasting and budget friendly tea & hummus around! I'm craving some meow. 3) My friend ordered the Beef sambosas and yikes they are tasty. I sampled Alexandra H's veggie ones last time and I think they may have won my heart over a little more. Either way, they are both delectable. Thank you Afro Deli for brightening up West Bank with friendly service, and bringing delish (& affordable) fun food options. And great news to students and those up late, Afro is open until 10pm Monday through Saturday!
(5)
Molly D.
Disclaimer: Only have had the catering service so far for a work event. I hosted an event featuring Africa trips with my organization and Afro-Deli was the perfect choice for catering. I spoke to the owner, who arranged everything for me after I told him my budget and number of attendees. I was shocked by the portion size for the price as well as the savory flavors. Everything was prepared on time and they went the extra mile by bringing it out to my car for me. Our guests went back for seconds and thirds!
(5)
J S.
Best food on west bank, get the veggie platter.
(5)
Kathy S.
There are certain things you try once and can't stop thinking about for a week: Godiva chocolate shakes. Lobster rolls from Smack Shack. Somali steak sandwiches from Afro Deli. When I need a meal to make me happy, I without a doubt trek over and get myself a steak sandwich. Just don't pay attention to the enormous amounts of butter they put on your bun before grilling it. No big deal. :) I've ordered quite a bit off the menu: Chicken Fantastic (the name says it all), beef stew (good, but not at the top of my list of things to order again), lamb gyros, chicken gyros (love!), hummus (extremely thick and creamy, a little too much so for me), steak sandwich (see previous paragraph), sweet potato fries (YUM), both kinds of sambusas (eh..) and tiramisu (I don't care that it was probably frozen, I still loved it.). The basmati rice is GREAT. Overall, the menu is pretty diverse and seems a little confused: cheeseburgers and quesadillas too? But hey - I'm not judging. I've loved Afro Deli from my first bite!
(5)
John C.
The classiest bathroom in a take out place I've ever had the pleasure of relieving myself in. This is my new favorite Somali restaurant. The Chicken Fantastic was (I'll spare you the pun) good, but the AfroSteak Dinner I had for lunch today was fantastic. The decor is incredibly sparkling and cheery, and it seems to be doing a brisk business. They even have a few outdoor tables. It uses part of the old North Country Coop, which struggled for so long before closing. And the rest of the building is the African Development Center of MN, which partnered with Afro Deli to make this small business happen - thank you. Ask for the meal card and the 10th meal is free.
(5)
Lila C.
Way to delicious to be so close to school! I find it hard to stop myself from coming here several times a week. So far I've had: Afro Steak Dinner - perfectly tender shredded beef over basmati rice, tossed with peppers, sweat onions, lime, and cilantro. By far my favorite. Chicken Fantastic - white chicken meat in a light cream sauce which sort of reminded me of cream of chicken, not really my thing and NOT as delicious as the steak. Meh. Falafel Sandwich - this was news to me. Definitely different, definitely yummy however difficult to eat. Don't make mistake of trying to eat this while on the way to class. I'd say that the falafel was a mix of flavors and texture, the fried chick peas contrasted with the onion and sour cream a lot - not sure how I feel about that. I'm thinking I need to try a few more before I decide if I like them. Beef Sambusa - deep fried pastry filled with ground beef and seasonings. I enjoyed the salsas that came with it more than the actual thing. Sweet Potato Fries - I split this with a friend during the lunch rush and unfortunately got some short and too crispy fries, a little flavorless as well. Hopefully we had just reached the bottom of the barrel...I'm a little hesitant to order them again. Overall super cute decor but I wish there were more tables.
(4)
Habib S.
Excellent food and environment. Not a comfortable study place, rather a good break between classes to get a taste of home! Go motherland!
(4)
Malika S.
Delicious chicken curry!! (add green pepper sauce for a kick). Customer service is fantastic and the building is beautiful. If you get a chance and the restaurant is busy sit in the conference room next door or walk around the halls and look at the beautiful art. Recommend the veggie sambusa it's extremely flavorful.
(5)
Alexandra H.
YUM. I am so glad this place is across the street from school! I know where I'll be getting a pick-me-up when I need one. I had a chicken gyro and sweet potato fries one day and came back for veggie sambosas the next. (Side note: I don't even know what's in a veggie sambosa, but holy cow, they are good.) The chicken gyro was good, but like Sara W. said, there's a lot of meat and a lot of cucumber sauce. The sweet potato fries were also good, but not nearly as satisfying as the sambosas. Wanna know what else was satisfying? The prices. $3.50 for 3 sambosas. Can't go wrong there! I'm getting the Chicken Fantastic next time: Chicken, veggies & basmati rice. Excuse me while I wipe the drool off my keyboard...
(4)
Timothy F.
I cannot tell you how delicious Afro Deli is. The Somali steak sandwich is darn near perfect, and the sambusa (meat or veggie) are both incredible, and it's only $2.45 for 3. That's a virtual meal in itself! Some of the dishes can be a bit heavy on rice and bell peppers, but the spice level is simply perfect and the service has always been extremely friendly. If you've never had Somali food, be sure to watch out for the green hot sauce; it's basically just liquified jalapenos. I could eat from this restaurant almost every single day and not get tired of it.
(5)
Jes M.
Yummy food, clean & safe place and no weird smells-- passes my test! I'll def be back. A little slow if you're in a rush, but it's completely understandable given it's all made to order and not just sitting there under heat lamps.
(4)
John H.
It is located near the University and prices are low. Need to be careful when to come as lines can get long. Prices are so low that I am worried about where they get their meat.
(4)
Jake P.
This place is the BEST. Every single menu I tried tastes like a 4-star restaurant's dish, seriously! All the cooking staff are super nice as well. I didn't try the desserts yet-something to look forward to. Burgers, fries, anything with the yellow Balsmati rice, even the coffee is FANTASTIC. LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (It gets even better with time! I haven't been there in a while and went there today and it was SO GOOD, even better than I remembered it.) May this place prosper for a loooooooooooooooooooooooong time. :)
(4)
Suzie Q.
Excellent food, very tasty and unique. The falafel sandwich has to be the best I've tasted in town, not greasy, and easily shared with a friend. Sweet potato fries, YUM. I've also had the chicken breast sandwich, which was also very good. Sambusas were good and spicy. and the desserts are huge! Worth a visit and a short wait in line during lunch rush. (go early)
(5)
Bree A.
Awesome. Great prices, great food. Loved the coconut shrimp and sambusas. Both are fried, so I suppose that might have had something to do with it. Regardless, great place.
(5)
Justin S.
Amazing!! Chicken fantastic! Somali steak sandwich with Somali sweet spiced tea on a rainy day is worth getting wet for! The food is always spot on, the service is very good and did I mention the food? Afro deli is a West Bank food staple and a first rate establishment.
(5)
Amirhossein K.
I had never had Somalian food and this place completely changed my mind about it! You should definitely give it a try! and the prices are very reasonable for student budget :)
(5)
Daquynh N.
Visited this place many times. every time I go there, it has not disappointed me. I always ordered sambusa, chicken fantastic, dinner steak and rice. the rice has golden raisins which makes it fabulous. it's close to the U of M-TC-west bank. although the wait for the food may take up to 10-15 minutes. it gets very busy during rush hour and the line can be out the door with on where to stand. I advise going during non rush hours or come early to stand in line.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Gary H.
This review is for their new St. Paul location, on 7th place. I had the felafel sandwich with the veggie sambusas. Both were delish. My dining partners enjoyed their Somali Steak meals. We ate after the lunch rush, so the mangers/owners (not sure which) came out and asked how our meals were and thanked us for coming. I appreciate this kind of hospitality. I'd come back.
(4)Mani A.
Great tasting food that is also cheap. Loved the veggie sambusa and they seemed to run out of some menu items about closing time, which was my only problem. My friend ordered the Afro Asian Chicken Suqaar recommened by them and he loved it. A must try place, but I wish they stayed open late.
(4)Diana D.
I'm surprised no one has made a comment about the reggaeton music in an Afro Deli?! So confused but I like the overlap. That is until I feel like I'm in a Miami club and it's been 20 minutes and I still haven't gotten my food and I'm surrounded by crumbs on dirty tables and I start to hyperventilate because of the small space. I began to see floating stars, until finally, through the distance, I hear my name and I snap back to life. I grab my order and quickly exited out to the patio. I leave all the chaos behind me as the door slowly closed shut. I picked out a seat on the patio and took my first bite of the steak sandwich. Ah, so this is the meaning of tranquility. (Disclaimer: I love reggaeton.)
(4)Rowena N.
i work in the hospital near this place, and it is so good! We got one sambusa of each kind to try the different flavors (veggie, chicken, beef). I am a heavy carnivore but i think the veggie was best seasoned. I had my share of bad/old sambusas but these were flakey and just enough crunch. We also got the Chicken fantastic and the Afrosteak in a bowl. They are pretty hefty portions (see picture). I usually like read meat but i actually preferred my chicken fantastic bowl. It was a bit creamier whereas the steak one was more stir-fry looking. Both were pretty good and we had no complaints. I took a baklava (to go because I was dead full), which was pretty awesome (not to sweet, and little crunch from the nuts -- just the way I like my baklavas). I am not sure how authentic "African style" the food is given Africa is huge. But, the experience was great and I know I will come back. Note the place is pretty small so not a lot of seating if you have a larger group.
(5)Kelsey P.
This is a hot spot in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood for good reason. It's affordable and delicious. Seating is limited, but don't forget about the back dining room! The Chicken Fantastic is my favorite, but I haven't found anything I didn't like yet.
(5)Cassandra B.
For eating in, takeout, or catering Afro Deli is the bomb. You get cheap, generous helpings of delicious African food while supporting an awesome local business. My favorite is the Chicken Fantastic--creamy, delicious, great combination of vegetables. I've been to a few events in the neighborhood where they cater from Afro Deli and I head straight for the big tray of Chicken Fantastic to get a generous helping before it runs out. I'm also a fan of the falafel sandwich and the gyros. I've gotten a gyro to go before and there was so much lamb on it I ended up taking some off and making it part of a meal later. Also delicious--the Sambusa. They have beef or lentils with just a bit spiciness and yummy green sauce for dipping. My habit of grabbing a sambusa when I was hungry between classes is basically the reason I gained like 20 pounds in grad school, so be careful. The main room is usually crowded with just a few small tables and a bar, but a little known fact is that there's a very underutilized back room! Just go through the door past the fountain drinks and to the left. There are also tables that accommodate bigger parties there. In conclusion--Afro Deli is great! Go there!
(5)Richard S.
Easily one of my favorite places to go to at the U. My friend and I eat there at least one every two weeks. I always order the Somali Steak Sandwich (without mayo). The sandwich is so good and pretty inexpensive too. I also like the Sambusas with the dipping sauce. They are filled with meat and veggies and deep fried to perfection. My friend also gets a gyro (either lamb or chicken). The side salad has a good dressing, which is kinda like Italian. The burritos are chipolte size. The Chicken Curry is also really good. All the desserts are awesome! I always recommend this place to anyone who has never tried it.
(5)Cindy T.
A friend introduced me to this place and I'm disappointed that I didn't visit Afro Deli when I first moved here! The workers here are not just friendly -- they are kind. Sometimes, one of the workers gives me a free tea or sambusa. :) I don't usually become a regular, but I now go to Afro Deli twice a week. At first, I wanted to try half the menu, but I started with the lamb gyro and was hooked. Still, I'm on a mission to try at least 10 items, and here's what I have to say so far: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Lamb Gyros -- if you don't know what to order, get this. This is the only item with lamb in it (though I've asked for it in other dishes!) and the meat is juicy. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Somali Steak Sandwich -- the steak tastes chewy because it is cooked well-done, as in other dishes. I like the flavors, the bread, and the size (it might be more like a snack for most Midwestern men; it looks like a 500-600 kcal sandwich)...but I just don't like the way the meat is cooked. Update: this sandwich is great the next day, after the juices have soaked into the bread and I'm too busy to make anything! Falafel Sandwich -- standard fare and a solid choice, though I would still prefer the lamb gyros or chicken fantastic. Chicken Fantastic -- the regular size is two meals for me! It is very filling, especially with the rice and fiber-rich vegetables. Harar Beef & Veggie Stew -- this stew is mildly spicy and tasty. However, the meat seems overcooked and I got tired of chewing it. Keke -- I ordered the vegetarian version and asked for lamb on top. Loved the lamb, disliked the African noodle. The noodle tasted bland and dry...like over-floured pie crust. In the leftovers, I could even see flour in the noodles that fell apart. I would not recommend this dish. (When I came back a week later, one of the workers explained that the noodles were actually a paratha or chapati flatbread that has been fried or stir-fried...) Caesar salad -- great dressing-to-greens ratio. Chicken is on the dry side. Sambusa -- love all of them, though I usually get the veggie one. They seem so neatly folded and I like how sambusas are easier to eat than its doppelganger, the samosa. Sambusa = flat. Samosa = pyramid. And always cooked to order! Shrimp Sambusa -- limited edition, March 2014 only. Meh. It was not good. The tiny pieces of shrimp seemed like the sort that comes out of a plastic bag and gets dehydrated. Chicken wings -- crispy and on the plain side, comes with a mild/med bbq sauce and ranch. The one time I ordered a dozen wings, my basket had 15. :) Sweet potato fries -- soggy and no accompanying sauce :( Baklava -- I don't know if it's made in-house, but I love the version that is sold here. I am starting to think it's dangerously unhealthy to eat this dessert even once a week, given how filling the above are. Somali tea -- what a wonderful winter drink! it has milk and spices, and makes me smile when I take a sip. Conclusion: Lamb gyros is my #1. And maybe a veggie sambusa. And maybe baklava. I don't miss the other dishes at all. (The one other dish I would recommend is the Chicken Fantastic, for curiosity's sake.) P.S. Free wifi! Extra seating in the quiet conference room! Nice bathroom with thick toilet paper! P.P.S. Eventually, I plan to try the afrosteak dinner, veggie platter, suqaar, chicken curry, and chapati wrap. I will update this review accordingly. :)
(4)Shane S.
Great place for sambusa! The atmosphere is friendly and busy. Took a bit to get my sandwich but it was worth the wait. The samoli steak sandwich was amazing; great spices and perfect bread.
(5)Sarah S.
I finally made it to Afro Deli after a work meeting at the African Development Center and it was painfully clear that I have been missing out. I ordered the small chicken curry and a side order of sweet plantains to go. The staff were extremely friendly and the diversity of the patrons reflected the neighborhood. Everyone comes together over good food! The curry was larger than I had expected for a small order but I'm not complaining over leftovers. The curry was moist and seasoned well but I was hoping for more heat. I have a ridiculous standard of "hot/spicy enough" though so I have come to expect this. The plantains were freshly prepared and perfectly sweet with that caramelized flavor and coloring that I hope to see. This place is a true value. I paid less than $11.00 If you are intimidated by trying Somali food, don't be! Almost all of the menu items were familiar and the staff is friendly enough to answer questions. Also, don't let the parking situation keep you away. I was never interested in competing with two campuses worth of students and locals for parking but I easily found a spot right off the side of the building.
(5)Vy B.
Chicken Fantastic? Yes. Asian chicken with rice? Yes. Sambusas? Yes. Tres leches cake? Yes. I am a big fan of this place because the food is made fresh and right in front of you, there's good variety throughout the menu, and has very generous portions at a good price. I can appreciate this place for offering a wide spectrum of food for the noobs and pros. The owner is super nice and gives a great deal on catering needs. My favorite is the chicken fantastic because it's creamy but still light with the fresh veggies they mix in the perfectly cooked rice. The only item I haven't enjoyed are their chicken wings which after trying them, realized they were frozen wings likely bought from a warehouse store. They outsource their desserts but the tres leche cake is muy delicioso! Probably my second favorite next to cafe latte! Parking is impossible but if you are on campus for some reason, round out your visit with a trip to Afro deli.
(4)J M.
Plus: it smelled awesome. The issue: I got here right after they opened. Music was blasting so loud that I could not even concentrate on what was on the menue. The smiling girl behind the counter turned it down but a few seconds later it came right back on at near the same volume. A jet at takeoff would not be audible over this volume. After waiting a minute to see if it went back down, I told the girl that I would not be able to eat because of the volume of the music. If she could not read lips she probably had no idea what I said. I was looking forward to trying this place given all of the great reviews.
(1)Daniel R.
Had an excellent meal here on Saturday night. There were lots of great choices and each person in the group had something different and it was all good and the prices were fair. But in addition to great food, the service really set it apart. In ordering they were helpful in helping us. When our food was ready two of us went to grab it and quickly realized we were a pair of hands short. The person behind the counter grabbed a plate before we even could have asked and said let me help. They were so nice, definitely a great place to go and eat.
(5)Gretchen B.
Afro Deli was the only place I ever went if I wanted to get lunch while on campus. I've since graduated, but I still make trips out to West Bank to get my favorite gyro. Don't be afraid to go here if you're not super comfortable with African food; it's an Afro-American-Mexican fusion place--something for everyone. It's a small place. If you're eating in, you want to be in the main room so you can see all the action, but there is more seating in the back. If it's nice out, they just got a new HUGE patio. It can take a while to get your food, especially if its busy (~15 minutes), but the staff and owner are friendly, and it's worth it. All the food is reasonably priced. My favorites are the lamb gyro, veggie sambusas, and the chicken fantastic. The falafel is a little crispy for me, but it's still good. The keke is a good pasta-type dish, but it's pretty spicy so watch out. The fries are some of my favorite around, thick but crispy. And you won't be disappointed if you pick up a dessert.
(5)Rachel E.
How I failed to stop into Afro Deli despite attending the University of Minnesota completely baffles me. Better late than never though! I was recently back on campus for a recruiting event, so a coworker and I decided it was time to break our terrible streak of Afro-Deli-free living. Suffice it to say, I regret missing this little spot during my undergrad days. Afro Deli has a great menu, fun and friendly staff, and unbeatable prices. I opted for the falafel wrap with sweet potato fries and it was love at first bite. The falafel pieces were enormous and flavorful - I couldn't even finish the wrap! If you are a U of M student, staff, or just happen to be in the area, don't make the same mistake I did. Add a little Afro in your life.
(5)Jonathan T.
I have eaten through this menu several times, and I can honestly say that from top to bottom, everything here is delicious. Ever since I finished my masters program at the U of M, I have had Afro Deli withdrawals. Affordable, tasty, convenient - what else does a person need? But let's talk about the delicious food. Seriously, last week, I dreamt about ripping apart those soft yet hard triangular sambusas with either lentils or beef inside slathered with that spicy green sauce with my teeth. Oh, and those tasty sweet potato fries that perfectly compliment the sandwiches and wraps there. I highly recommend the lamb gyros and the Somali steak sandwich. If that's not really for you, try the Chicken Fantastic. Yes, this sounds corny, but it truly is fantastic with the sauteed bell peppers, red onions, carrots, zucchini, fresh garlic held in a lighr cream sauce with grated Parmesan cheese on top of basmati rice. You will not be sorry. I've catered from Afro Deli about six times and eaten there way too many to count. Afro Deli is certainly a jewel in the neighborhood. The only critique I would have is that during busy hours, the service is absolutely horrid. It takes forever to get my meal. However, it's definitely worth the wait.
(5)BK J.
First I have to express my thanks to Jonathan for having a Yelp event here and introducing Afro Deli to me. Grabbed some takeout tonight and just had to have some of those shrimp sambusas. They are an item of the month (in Yelp's honor) and are only available for a limited time (so get in there and get some). Also grabbed some beef sambusa, wings and a greek salad. Everything was super tasty and I need to tell Rhonda to check out the wings here, a real bargain - a dozen for less than $8. The green sauce for the sambusas was even hotter than what we had the night of the Yelp event but was absolutely perfect with the sambusas. Great food, excellent prices and friendly service will keep me coming back. The one downside is parking is tight in the area but circle the block and you will find something.
(5)Shekinah S.
3.5 Stars After having it bookmarked forever and reading all the fine reviews, I decided to have my bday dinner at Afro Deli. We sat outside on a glorious evening, which turned out to be the only Sat in June when it didn't rain. Many reviews mention the Chicken Fantastic, so I decided to go with that. My brother's girlfriend got it too. I thought it was good, but not fantastic. The sauce, vegetables, and chicken seemed like they would go better with pasta, but the dish is served over rice. Something was just odd about it. My brother got a noodle dish that was spicy and I kind of wished I'd gotten that instead. My boyfriend may have gotten the same dish -- though oddly, his wasn't spicy, and he also got some sambusas. The best part of the sambusas was the green sauce that accompanied them. Our table shared some yam fries, which were also not as amazing as the reviews led me to believe. My brother and his girlfriend ordered hamburgers for their assorted offspring. I don't really know what the kids thought of their food, but I guess it's worth mentioning that there are some American/Western foods on the menu for those less adventurous. I'm glad I finally got to try Afro Deli but it didn't wow me enough to want to go back.
(3)Andy M.
They have a great menu, the food's (mostly) healthy, it's tasty, and the prices are reasonable.
(4)Wayne S.
Great food! Had the Somali steak sandwich and hummus. Food was great but wait was a bit long
(4)Nicole H.
I've driven past here many times on my way to work, and decided to give it a try. Got to park across the street at a meter, but when I walked in, the place was packed! I had a good 20 minutes to stand in line, but watched the guys haul arse to crank out the orders and everything looked delicious! I wanted to try everything. After I paid, I turned around and the line was out the door! Ended up getting a chicken chapti wrap and was so good! Also got some baklava and it was perfect. I can't wait to go back and try the chicken fantastic!
(4)Kade K.
Soo. Sometimes I am that jerk that orders a triple nonfat, sugar free vanilla latte, extra hot, no foam. Sometimes I make things excessively complicated. But in my defense, I have food restrictions, and I know lots of other people do too. Afro Deli isn't really the kind of place for food restrictions or custom orders. You can try to order "extra crispy" fries or "the dressing on the side" but there is a chance you won't get it. Sometimes you just settle for soggy fries. Sometimes you just eat your dry falafel in a crowded corner in a crowded deli, instead of taking them "to-go" like you ordered. Sometimes you say "hey that was an experience". And then you cook for yourself the next time you want Mediterranean food. Sometimes.
(4)Alex C.
As a student at the U, this is probably the restaurant I go to more than anywhere else. Somali Steak Sandwich - delicious. I've had it multiple times and there is quite a bit of variation. Sometimes the steak can be chewy and the bread dry. But the vast majority of the time I get a perfectly cooked sandwich with great flavors - 4 Stars Chicken Fantastic - delicious - 4 Stars The Lamb Gyro had delicious juicy meat. One of my favorite gyros near campus - 4 Stars Veggie Sambusa - mmmmmm so crispy on the outside - 4 Stars
(4)Breanne K.
No surprises here, I still love Afro Deli. Maybe even more than I did the first time I had it. Their food is very addicting, so it's a good thing I don't work on West Bank. It can be a treat for me every few months. Saw that they added coconut shrimp to the menu. Six big pieces of shrimp fried in coconut and served with a spicy cocktail sauce! Really good deal for an appetizer of this quality. I'm gonna have some big decisions to make, lentil sambusas or coconut shrimp. How will I ever decide?!
(5)Clare S.
Ordered a number of entrees for take out. The staff was very accommodating and helped me pick out a number of things to try. LOVE the chicken fantastic. Also, the owner has gotten a ton of recognition and is somewhat of a local leader in the community. Great to see that neighborhood doing well and this place is a staple.
(5)Madison S.
When St. Martins closed I was incredibly sad and skeptical when a new place went up across the street. Well, this place is an awesome addition to the neighborhood. I can't believe I went years before trying their coconut shrimp-I figured it couldn't be that great at the low price. Well I was completely wrong and it's a great app. Their gyros are amazing and crispy, the chicken fantastic can feed me up to 3 meals and every single item I have ordered I love. It can be packed, so I try and call ahead if I'm just doing take out. Such a great local place. Ps there is a room in the back with tables when the front is full-you can eat there.
(5)Joel S.
I always get the chicken curry. The food is consistent, and the service is always great. The only issue in my opinion is the chaos around picking up your food. The layout of the space doesn't lend itself well to the number of people who come for a bite. Pro tip: Go past the soda fountain to the back, take a left through the door, and right in the last doorway for extra indoor seating.
(4)Jaehak Y.
Afro-Deli was a good introduction to African cuisine. Yeah, yeah, I realize Africa is a continent and not a country. But each area has their own regional trends and stylings in food and Afro-Deli was a great introduction to African food. I'm not entirely sure how authentic it was but the experience was good enough for me. I had the Chicken Fantastic which, according to the cashier, is by far the favorite. Great dish. I'm a bit of a picky eater and didn't care for the zucchinis or whatever green thing they had on it, but overall it was solid. The chicken could have used a little juice though. Given that the rice itself is very dry I thought they needed a little bit more juiciness in the dish to balance it out. I also tried chicken sambusas for the first time. I enjoyed it and thought that it made a great snack food. This too, however, a bit too dry for me. Perhaps the dryness of food is a cultural food thing that I'm just not getting. In which case, it's my problem I guess. But if you don't like your food too dry, then it might become your problem too. Pricing is also rather reasonable. It's no wonder the place is a hit with the local U. of Minnesota kids. As for the restaurant, it's cozy. I came in on a raining day and it was a nice shelter -- warm, smells good, and clean. The staff are knowledgeable and will step in when you feel out of your depth and don't know what to get. I imagine that happens a lot given how unknown African food is in most of the world. All in all, a very solid restaurant. Nothing phenomenal and the food is a bit too dry. But it's still a good place to go when you need something to eat.
(3)Raja B.
Very cool little place. Just ran into it and was very impressed with the food, their mission and service. Definitely a place to check out when in MSP
(4)Morgan K.
Food and service is fantastic. Only downside is that the parking lot is a bit hard to get to by sight because of all the one-ways.
(5)Hannah T.
OH MY GOODNESS! Why had I never come here before? I've been here twice in the past week. This is some of the best food I've ever had, and it's food I've had a million times. I haven't tried too many things, but next time I go which I'm sure will be soon, I'm excited to try some of the main entrees. I ended up having the veggie Sambusas and the Falafel sandwich. The Sambusas at 3 for $3.95, were huge! Like 3 inches wide huge! They were also amazing and served with a jalapeño type sauce, a perfect pair. The sandwich also stellar. I didn't actually know a Falafel sandwich could be this excellent and I've had good falafels. Bonus points: one of the cooks dropped the sauce (with a lid on it), which did not bug me or or the boy nor should it bug anyone I'd hope, but he felt bad and gave us an order of Sweet Plantains ($2.95) and they were also the best. I don't eat many sweets, and this was the perfect caramelization/sweetness ever. This might be a weekly stop now that I'm back at the grind of school! So happy I finally tried it.
(5)R. L.
Ordered Afro Steak Dinner, Chicken Fantastic, Beef Sambusas (with jalapeño sauce), and Somali Tea. Steak Dinner has some spice and was pretty tasty. Chicken Fantastic is great if you're a Norwegian with a bland palate, but still good. Sambusas were yummy with the sauce that is basically puréed jalapeño. Now the baklava was the best I've ever had, and the tea was piping hot and tasted like a sweet tea style chai with spices like cinnamon. I'd go there just for that. Looking forward to trying the Somali Steak sandwich next time. The place is TINY. Good sign: lots of Somali people eating there. Weird sign: all the cooks were Mexican. There is no real ambiance - kinda felt like a gas station to me with their faux white dishes (they're plastic), but with a name like "Afro Deli" - nothing was misleading to me. The prices were super affordable and the food portions were definitely share-able. Matter of fact - I have a huge take home box. Someone commented on the music being "Afro beats." That makes me laugh! The music blasting tonight was definitely Mexican hip hop or whatever the real name for that is. I wish it was "Afro beats." I'd give it 4 stars for that! Street parking was perfect at 7pm on a Friday.
(3)Annalee T.
I love it here. Super friendly, great indoor and outdoor atmosphere, and really good food. It's just simple, delicious, and parking isn't the worst. I had the steak sandwich, good all around, and the bread was fucking divine. I hope that this place lasts in the neighborhood for a very long time (infinity preferable).
(5)Ramesh P.
Ordered takeout from here and the order was all vegetarian options they have and the overall food was all right! 1. Samosa/Sambosa was OK lacked flavor 2. Falafel was also OK 3. Order appetizer platter similar experience nothing too great could have been a little more flavorful and seasoning.
(3)Mahesh K.
I had no idea about this place until my friends suggested this place for dinner one night. I was so happy to see many vegetarian options on the menu. If you are a fan of food at Shish or Black Sea then you will certainly fall in love with the food at Afro Deli. The falafels, sambusas and baklavas are finger-licking good. The portion sizes are huge for the price.
(5)Tiffany M.
Absolutely love this place! Could be considered a hole-in-the-wall but the food is amazing. I went from the chicken chapati, the chicken keké, the sambusas, fries, all of their salads, gyros, Somali steak sandwich, and curry. Loved them all. Ingredients are very fresh, it's pretty quick, and it's dirt cheap for great portion sizes! People get scared by the name and say they've never tried African food. I'd say it's a smorgishborg of delicious ethnic foods :)
(5)Alix D.
Not the best sambusa you can get this side of the Mississippi, but definitely the one where you're guaranteed that everyone speaks English! Seriously, great food, great tea, and a wonderful atmosphere. Real close to the Cedar Cultural Center, Seven Corners, Augsburg, and Seward Co-Op. Love! Wonderful place to hang out as opposed to Hard Times (which, I'm sorry, still skeeves me out a bit). I work in the area during the summer and I love having a go-to lunch place with fabulous options and service all around. Would highly recommend for anyone, tons of good vegetarian options (not sure about vegan- they have great falafel but I don't know how they fry it) and a wonderful place to sit outside in the summertime.
(4)Dave L.
Freaking delicious and I feel like nobody knows about it. I ask friends if they've been there and they've never heard of it. That's another reason why I love it. Be careful what kind of spice you get in your meal. I always think I can handle spicy and then I get destroyed. I nearly got destroyed.
(5)Angelina B.
Not impressed. did not like that much. :( I was expecting something better. I got the veggie pasta. It was great to see that it was handmade (at least I think it was) but it was a little over done and kind of hard and chewy. Maybe it was the lunch rush. I'll have to try it again, or not.
(2)Kerry G.
The veggie sambusas are out of this world, so crisp and flavor packed. Also a very yummy falafel sandwich. Service is great- they even sweetly replaced my meal without me asking when I accidentally dropped my tray!
(5)Sadia K.
This place is special. Having never tried Somalian food, i was in for a surprise. The food had a modern twist and was very unique. We had their keke beef and their chicken fantastic (large size is good for 2 servings).. both very flavorful. The rice that they serve on the side is very different. We also had their sambosas (chicken, vege and beef).. They were all really good but personally the beef was the best.. Had i more time, i would come back to try their other dishes..
(4)Anil H.
The food here is delicious! My organization has worked with Afro Deli a few times, and they have never disappointed. I highly recommend the chapati wraps and the sambusas. This is a place that I will return to and recommend to friends, over and over again.
(5)Paola M.
Still 5 stars and a whole new menu! Go check it out!! Now they have a burrito-type wrap - the chapati wrap - , a number of additional entrees - many of which are vegetarian - , 2 types of soups changing weekly and sweet plantains. And I have a new favorite (actually 2): Keke and Suqaar. Both not to be missed. Go visit and enjoy your lunch!
(5)Shravan S.
Chicken Fantastic is indeed fantastic, So filling and so delicious. They have this peculiar cream that is so yummy and you can sense that same peculiar taste even when your done eating.
(4)Kien N.
The steak sandwich is great and I definitely agree with everyone's recommendations. A side of regular fries is an extra $1 but well worth it! The meat sambusas were good and perfectly deep fried. I wish they came with a creamier sauce to help with the dryness of the meat. I'm thinking something along the lines of Chimborazo's Aji sauce. This is crossing cultural boundaries, but it would shut this place down with lines out the door :p The place was packed, so to go was the only option. Even then, I was just standing around not really going anywhere with the slow service. I'll definitely be back!
(4)Vivian I.
I've always had an AMAZING experience at Afro Deli. I frequently order catering for work events and my experience working with the staff has always been easy and enjoyable. You can never go wrong getting a sambusa, or a chapati wrap, or the coconut shrimp or the Somali sweet spiced tea...okay the list of favorites is already getting to be too long but you can probably tell that you should just try anything on the menu! The biggest draw for me is that Afro Deli is values driven which is represented by their commitment to donating a percentage of proceeds to local organizations that promote a vibrant and healthy community for all. Also, their partnership with the African Development Center has drawn support for the Cedar Riverside community. All these things, plus the delicious food they serve, keeps me coming back!
(5)Eva D.
Overall, the sambusas were excellent but everything else was meh. My husband tried the chicken gyro. The chicken was dry and bland. I tried the keke with gyro meat. It was like a sweet pasta that was ok, nothing compelling and the sweetness overpowered the flavor of the gyro meat. In short, I've found there to be more compelling options in the twin cities.
(3)Ahmad R.
I'll just write some words describing my first experience here, which I just finished in my car and its savory morsels still linger in my mouth. 12 min line including takeout wait at lunch rush. Upbeat music from the Southern Hemisphere. Gargantuan burrito thing! Yummo. Oh sweet lord this is good. Spicy? I need to tell my brother about this place, who is also not African. I wonder if I can eat the whole thing? No.
(5)Jessica S.
Afro Deli is a busy little business just outside of the UMN - West Bank campus. The menu includes Middle Eastern / North African - style dishes, such as sambusas, falafel, Somali-style rice bowls, and so on. I've tried an array of items here, and I return to dine occasionally but I'm not overly enthralled by the options. My go-to's are probably the vegetarian platter (hummus, yogurt sauce, hot sauce, veggie lentil sambusas, falafel) and the roasted vegetable sandwich. Very mediocre stuff. But, the price and convenience (order at the counter) factors are desirable. The dining area upfront is tiny with a ledge and some stools, but there is also a slightly larger backroom for overflow as well as a fairly spacious patio with some lovely floral arrangements when the weather permits.
(3)Eryn L.
Literally everything I've ordered so far was fresh, tasty without making me feel too guilty. Homemade doughs were just magical. Made me feel at home (even though I've never been to Africa nor the Middle East)
(5)Michelle B.
Love the chicken fantastic. It's nice to have something different and authentic every once in a while. Very quick service and reasonable prices. Don't go with a big group unless you want to sit outside and have a casual experience!
(4)Rebekah E.
Yummy, yummy, yummy! I've been eyeing up this place for months, and today, I finally got the opportunity to step inside for lunch. I ordered 3 veggie sambusas to go, for $3.99. Even though they were very busy, my food was up quickly. They had some fun music playing, and the employees looked like they enjoyed their jobs. The sambusas were delicious. The smell alone made my mouth water. They were filled with lentils, onions, garlic, and lots of cilantro. I cannot wait to go back and try the rest of the menu. I'm guessing they make a pretty mean gyro.
(5)Tony J.
I tried Afro Deli on the recommendation of some classmates, not thinking it'd leave much of an impression... WOW, was I wrong! Let's just say, I ended up going so often over the course of a couple years, that the owner and I were on a first name basis, and I could order custom versions of each dish. Seriously, Afro Deli is awesome. I've tried nearly every item on the menu, and I don't think you can go wrong with anything. Give it a show! Biggest tip: If you can, order ahead! The wait is usually very, very long, if you get a made-to-order item. The quesadillas are the best kept secret! Mmmm, my mouth is watering as I type this...
(5)Steve B.
This was a great find (thanks to the Yelp reviews!). We all had different things and I can recommend it all, especially the spicy chicken curry and the sambusas. Also, everyone there, customers and staff, were really friendly and helpful to we out-of-towners new to Somalian cuisine. As other reviewers have said - generous and tasty portions at a good price, and the coffee was excellent, too. Re the reggaeton music, that was nice but I'd have preferred something African!
(5)A Z.
this was one of the best sandwiches i've ever eaten! service was really friendly and fast; i'd love to come back and try more menu items than this steak sandwich!
(5)Justin S.
This place make a damn good falafel gyro.
(4)Joel M.
Really great food and the quality is very consistent. The steak sandwich, chicken fantastic, and chicken wings are some of my favorites. The fries are also amazing. I'm not sure how they do it, but they are always incredibly crispy and flavorful. The owner is very friendly, too. My only complaint is that sometimes there can be quite a wait for your food, but I guess that's the price you pay for having your meals prepared fresh in a small, but busy deli.
(4)Troy C.
Excellent Somali Steak sandwiches and lamb gyros. The Somali tea was an interesting first.
(4)N E.
Moderate prices. Interesting and unique menu. Well prepared food. I ordered chicken curry. Good spice. Healthy portion.
(4)Mustafa J.
The beef jabati wrap is amazing, and the coconut shrimp is the best.. My office has catered from AFRO Deli several times and all of our guest loved the food.
(5)Hannah E.
I keep eating here. I can't stop. The sambusas are just so good and it's so close to where I'm living and the green sauce is so spicy (although the spiciness varies - the second time it burned my face off but the third and first time it was merely barely tolerable). Also, Somali tea = delicious fuel for research. Like a cross between chai and something hibiscusy. ALSO, coconut shrimp is like $4 and comes with a crapload of perfectly fried, coconut-oily shrimp and a big old container of cocktail sauce that doesn't just taste like watered down ketchup like most cocktail sauces do! The prices are pretty astonishingly low for how much food you get. I want to be adventurous, Afro Deli, and try new places, but you are making this very difficult!
(5)Gloria L.
This is a great lunch spot (as it's close to work). I have lately been ordering the curry chicken over rice. So good I keep ordering it. I also really liked their sambusas, humus, and fries. The only downside is that it gets busy during the lunch rush and you have to wait a while for your order. So I try to go early and it is fine.
(5)Christy M.
One of my favorite places to meet up. We hold our nonprofit board meetings here sometimes. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is inspirational, even better are the people who work here.
(5)Lisa E.
The Deluxe veggie platter was a dream combination of falafel, pita, hummus, tabouli, tzatziki and sambusa ! I had a side order of gyro added to this happy plate to make it even happier! For under $10, there was enough food to eat three meals! The pretty orange and red painted walls brighten up this small space and the helpful smiling people who work there make it a five star place. I will definitely be back to try other things on the menu.
(5)Shaynna R.
I'm super picky about how my food is prepared. You can watch them put your food together (think of how subway has glass that blocks you from the food - same thing). The ingredients alway look fresh. And their grilled chicken is soooooo good! So if you haven't been here before: think of it like a fast food restaurant - menu is on the wall, order your food, then stand down the counter a ways waiting for your food. Decent prices. Decent size side parking lot. Small store - but there is more seating in the back. Super friendly staff(:
(5)Niki R.
Often overlooked, this Afro joint is a gem. Yummy and affordable food - sambusas, soups, falafel, and even dessert! I recommend the Somali Tea, as well as anything with a hard-to-pronounce name. Take a pal here for lunch the next time you're hanging in Cedar/Riverside.
(4)Chanstay Y.
This really is one of my favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities. The Chicken Fantastic and Afro Steak dinner are consistently amazing. I bring my daughter her and we will get both and split them. Anyone I've every brought with has left happy. I have never been disappointed. Everything I've had here has been great.
(5)Immaculate I.
I had the samosas and they are delicious. I have to say that the tres leche cake, first time I had it I fell in love. I go back there for that...ironic as this is an afro deli but the spanish cake takes me back there! Oh well. I take the samosas to go
(4)Jason G.
Chicken suqaar is delicious!!! Next time i will avoid the shrimp sambusa and go for the beef cuz thats the stuff!!!
(4)Nicholas R.
Afro Deli is a tiny little cafe across the street from part of the University of Minnesota campus. When I went, the line was nearly out the door - and wrapped all around inside, what with the cold. I ordered some Somali tea while I waited for my Harrar Beef & Veggie Stew. First off, the tea is quite good; similar in taste to chai, but somehow less cloying. The Harrar stew was flavorful and well-prepared, but the most interesting part was definitely the rice that accompanied it - very very flavorful. The rest of the menu looked like a split between authentic African food and highly Americanized versions. I guess it can't be helped when you're right next to a college, so I can forgive them for the latter. It would be nice if they included the origin of the dishes on the menu (Ethiopian, Somali, etc) though!
(4)Ashley F.
While Afro Deli is is clean and shiny and only two blocks from my work, it's my least favorite Somali food. It's still really, really good, but their rice is just so boring compared to all the other Somali food I've had. The rice at Safari and Quraxlow is magical. This rice is flavorless. And rice, to me, is a pretty important part of the food. Sambusas are awesome though, the prices are great and the take-out is fast. I will probably end up eating here more frequently than the better places just because of the convenience.
(4)Sara W.
Yes I did visit Afro two times in one week. And yes it was delicious both times and I can't wait to go back. 1) The Chicken Fantastic is truly fantastic. Chicken, veggies & basmati rice. Also, I ordered the smaller size, and woah it's a definite large helping. I'm nervous to see what the larger one looks like. Meal for two? 2) The Somali Tea and hummus are definitely dos if you're in the need for a snack. Seriously the best tasting and budget friendly tea & hummus around! I'm craving some meow. 3) My friend ordered the Beef sambosas and yikes they are tasty. I sampled Alexandra H's veggie ones last time and I think they may have won my heart over a little more. Either way, they are both delectable. Thank you Afro Deli for brightening up West Bank with friendly service, and bringing delish (& affordable) fun food options. And great news to students and those up late, Afro is open until 10pm Monday through Saturday!
(5)Molly D.
Disclaimer: Only have had the catering service so far for a work event. I hosted an event featuring Africa trips with my organization and Afro-Deli was the perfect choice for catering. I spoke to the owner, who arranged everything for me after I told him my budget and number of attendees. I was shocked by the portion size for the price as well as the savory flavors. Everything was prepared on time and they went the extra mile by bringing it out to my car for me. Our guests went back for seconds and thirds!
(5)J S.
Best food on west bank, get the veggie platter.
(5)Kathy S.
There are certain things you try once and can't stop thinking about for a week: Godiva chocolate shakes. Lobster rolls from Smack Shack. Somali steak sandwiches from Afro Deli. When I need a meal to make me happy, I without a doubt trek over and get myself a steak sandwich. Just don't pay attention to the enormous amounts of butter they put on your bun before grilling it. No big deal. :) I've ordered quite a bit off the menu: Chicken Fantastic (the name says it all), beef stew (good, but not at the top of my list of things to order again), lamb gyros, chicken gyros (love!), hummus (extremely thick and creamy, a little too much so for me), steak sandwich (see previous paragraph), sweet potato fries (YUM), both kinds of sambusas (eh..) and tiramisu (I don't care that it was probably frozen, I still loved it.). The basmati rice is GREAT. Overall, the menu is pretty diverse and seems a little confused: cheeseburgers and quesadillas too? But hey - I'm not judging. I've loved Afro Deli from my first bite!
(5)John C.
The classiest bathroom in a take out place I've ever had the pleasure of relieving myself in. This is my new favorite Somali restaurant. The Chicken Fantastic was (I'll spare you the pun) good, but the AfroSteak Dinner I had for lunch today was fantastic. The decor is incredibly sparkling and cheery, and it seems to be doing a brisk business. They even have a few outdoor tables. It uses part of the old North Country Coop, which struggled for so long before closing. And the rest of the building is the African Development Center of MN, which partnered with Afro Deli to make this small business happen - thank you. Ask for the meal card and the 10th meal is free.
(5)Lila C.
Way to delicious to be so close to school! I find it hard to stop myself from coming here several times a week. So far I've had: Afro Steak Dinner - perfectly tender shredded beef over basmati rice, tossed with peppers, sweat onions, lime, and cilantro. By far my favorite. Chicken Fantastic - white chicken meat in a light cream sauce which sort of reminded me of cream of chicken, not really my thing and NOT as delicious as the steak. Meh. Falafel Sandwich - this was news to me. Definitely different, definitely yummy however difficult to eat. Don't make mistake of trying to eat this while on the way to class. I'd say that the falafel was a mix of flavors and texture, the fried chick peas contrasted with the onion and sour cream a lot - not sure how I feel about that. I'm thinking I need to try a few more before I decide if I like them. Beef Sambusa - deep fried pastry filled with ground beef and seasonings. I enjoyed the salsas that came with it more than the actual thing. Sweet Potato Fries - I split this with a friend during the lunch rush and unfortunately got some short and too crispy fries, a little flavorless as well. Hopefully we had just reached the bottom of the barrel...I'm a little hesitant to order them again. Overall super cute decor but I wish there were more tables.
(4)Habib S.
Excellent food and environment. Not a comfortable study place, rather a good break between classes to get a taste of home! Go motherland!
(4)Malika S.
Delicious chicken curry!! (add green pepper sauce for a kick). Customer service is fantastic and the building is beautiful. If you get a chance and the restaurant is busy sit in the conference room next door or walk around the halls and look at the beautiful art. Recommend the veggie sambusa it's extremely flavorful.
(5)Alexandra H.
YUM. I am so glad this place is across the street from school! I know where I'll be getting a pick-me-up when I need one. I had a chicken gyro and sweet potato fries one day and came back for veggie sambosas the next. (Side note: I don't even know what's in a veggie sambosa, but holy cow, they are good.) The chicken gyro was good, but like Sara W. said, there's a lot of meat and a lot of cucumber sauce. The sweet potato fries were also good, but not nearly as satisfying as the sambosas. Wanna know what else was satisfying? The prices. $3.50 for 3 sambosas. Can't go wrong there! I'm getting the Chicken Fantastic next time: Chicken, veggies & basmati rice. Excuse me while I wipe the drool off my keyboard...
(4)Timothy F.
I cannot tell you how delicious Afro Deli is. The Somali steak sandwich is darn near perfect, and the sambusa (meat or veggie) are both incredible, and it's only $2.45 for 3. That's a virtual meal in itself! Some of the dishes can be a bit heavy on rice and bell peppers, but the spice level is simply perfect and the service has always been extremely friendly. If you've never had Somali food, be sure to watch out for the green hot sauce; it's basically just liquified jalapenos. I could eat from this restaurant almost every single day and not get tired of it.
(5)Jes M.
Yummy food, clean & safe place and no weird smells-- passes my test! I'll def be back. A little slow if you're in a rush, but it's completely understandable given it's all made to order and not just sitting there under heat lamps.
(4)John H.
It is located near the University and prices are low. Need to be careful when to come as lines can get long. Prices are so low that I am worried about where they get their meat.
(4)Jake P.
This place is the BEST. Every single menu I tried tastes like a 4-star restaurant's dish, seriously! All the cooking staff are super nice as well. I didn't try the desserts yet-something to look forward to. Burgers, fries, anything with the yellow Balsmati rice, even the coffee is FANTASTIC. LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (It gets even better with time! I haven't been there in a while and went there today and it was SO GOOD, even better than I remembered it.) May this place prosper for a loooooooooooooooooooooooong time. :)
(4)Suzie Q.
Excellent food, very tasty and unique. The falafel sandwich has to be the best I've tasted in town, not greasy, and easily shared with a friend. Sweet potato fries, YUM. I've also had the chicken breast sandwich, which was also very good. Sambusas were good and spicy. and the desserts are huge! Worth a visit and a short wait in line during lunch rush. (go early)
(5)Bree A.
Awesome. Great prices, great food. Loved the coconut shrimp and sambusas. Both are fried, so I suppose that might have had something to do with it. Regardless, great place.
(5)Justin S.
Amazing!! Chicken fantastic! Somali steak sandwich with Somali sweet spiced tea on a rainy day is worth getting wet for! The food is always spot on, the service is very good and did I mention the food? Afro deli is a West Bank food staple and a first rate establishment.
(5)Amirhossein K.
I had never had Somalian food and this place completely changed my mind about it! You should definitely give it a try! and the prices are very reasonable for student budget :)
(5)Daquynh N.
Visited this place many times. every time I go there, it has not disappointed me. I always ordered sambusa, chicken fantastic, dinner steak and rice. the rice has golden raisins which makes it fabulous. it's close to the U of M-TC-west bank. although the wait for the food may take up to 10-15 minutes. it gets very busy during rush hour and the line can be out the door with on where to stand. I advise going during non rush hours or come early to stand in line.
(5)