West African Restaurants near Silver Spring, MD

“Love the food and the customer service“

“Soo, this is an unconventional review, because I was mentioning to someone how much I was craving some god jollof rice and they recommended this place and another… and imagine my surprise when they were at the Hst festival! I hopped in line, waited (amongst a crowd) for about 10-15 mins… they did have a fluid operation going for an outdoor event, so I can only imagine what a dine in experience is like! Very impressive.

But, can’t compare prices because it was an event… but the 2 items I got were definitely pricey and flavorful!
And probably enough for 2 people to have some sides if you chose a meat entree (which I didn’t), just the 2 sides (which would classify as vegetarian, Macn cheese and the jollof ( possibly vegan, not sure if the rice was boiled in a broth?)

The Jollof: The rice was very different, can’t explain the grain used, it’s very small, reminiscent of a tiny couscous… I’m told they use something similar in Hati, but with the other flavors and veggies with the grilled onions on top, it was just right.
But I was informed the Senegalese do jollof different.

So yes on the very different, but equally yes on the flavor, though different also, it was hints that are familiar while taking their own spin on it.

Will be on the lookout for them if I’m ever close to that side of Maryland.“

“great seafood, will come back!“

“The food was delish!!! A nice quaint spot! The Sorrel was balanced very nicely to me. The Hostess was very personable and lovely!! I emptied my plate!! I ordered some food to go. I will post about that when I dive in. The jollof rice was good! Im learning to adjust to different styles of jollof, its so dag on good!!“

“Wow, after everything I have heard and the awards this place has received, I had high expectations. My TLDR is that some of those expectations were met, others were not.

I have been wanting to try Dogon for a while, my boyfriend finally got a res for my birthday dinner. The food was great, some of it was excellent (Ben’s Bowl, ugh that sauce!!), our server was helpful and met expectations, but I cannot look past feeling rushed during my dining experience with Dogon. Especially when the booking says to plan to be there for at least 2 hours, reservations are so hard to get, and the staff KNEW we were there to enjoy an occasion. Plates were being cleared while we were not done with dishes, or we still had food in our mouths. We felt rushed eating, we felt rushed to place an order, and pressured to order everything for the table at once. We were going to order a bottle of wine, but we felt there would not be enough time to enjoy it. In total we were in and out of the restaurant in an hour and 15 minutes for a full birthday dinner. I want to make crystal clear that our server was great, and this issue isn’t on one person. It is on the service team and their communication with the kitchen.

My dad was the head chef at one of the most popular restaurants in NYC for a long time, I know what is a reasonable expectation of a high volume, high end restaurant, and what isn’t. Pacing is something the restaurant is in full control of. Dogon should look into improving here. Even with this issue, I would still go back to try more of the menu.“

“So many folks have been drawn to the new kid on the block, Koma Café, but don’t forget about the welcoming, delicious and expansive Mansa Kunda at the corner of Flower and Erie Aves. There is plenty of interesting space to enjoy a meal, a quiet afternoon coffee or a friendly drink. You can even sit on a chair made from a traditional West African drum. There couldn’t be a more gracious host than Hatib who serves brunch in addition to lunch and dinner. This morning he welcomed five of us for a 10:00am feast, first asking if there was anything we didn’t eat (meat for the most part) but yes to eggs. We trusted him to surprise us and indeed he did. The veggie omelets were tender, whole wheat rolls still warm, the home fries crunchy and rich and the Brussel sprouts delicious. There were small coconut fritters, lightly fried and dusted with powdered sugar. So tasty! The brunch menu at Mansa Kunda includes familiar favorites like blueberry pancakes in addition to traditional West African dishes. Peanut butter chu anyone? It’s open from 10:00am to 9:00pm every day with Happy Hour from 4:00 to 7:00. Hatib is also an excellent baker so the sweets are a treat. We’re very lucky to have Mansa Kunda in the neighborhood. If you haven’t been there already, you’ll find something special to enjoy.“

“The best restaurant in USA“

“Really delicious Ivorian food -- grilled red snapper, stews, and jollof. I love the little curries that came with our dishes. But honestly the fresh ginger juice was seriously the best ginger drink I've had anywhere. We're going back to just pick that stuff up and sip and restore life to our eyes. Friendly folks too :)“

“Love this place. Walk in the door and immediately to the right is Lawd Shawarma! A wonderfully warm meal of fish & eggs with vegan bread and Christmas-spiced Sorrel / Hibiscus drink. No matter what they call the next respiratory illness, no matter if you need to starve a flu or feed a cold. Problem solved for me. Lawd! I thank you.“