African Restaurants near Bloomington, MN

“Leave your prejudice behind because this market is a trip. This is like going to East Africa. A Somalian restaurant and market located around the corner from the Mall of America, perhaps a mile down the street from MOA. The food is original and there are no big thrills, East African cuisine as you’d get in Somalia or Kenya. The food is tasty and it’s a hub for Somali cabbies (taxi) drivers. There is a market too. Worth to get camel meat from the tiny meat market. There is a little room for the men but I’ve never seen there any women. Worth exploring every aisle in the market.“

“I love their food. Stopped by yesterday for chicken and rice. The flavors are wonderful and the salad pairs so well with the dish! I always get their chai and chapati when I’m there, it’s the Kenyan in me that craves it. The chai is delicious and full of flavors! Generous portions!“

“I loved the food Ms.Grace was really nice and I loved the painting I would highly recommend this place“

“I had a long layover in Minneapolis and wanted to try Somalian food. The food was very good. I explained to the man working the counter that it was my first time trying Somalian food, so he was helpful explaining the dishes and making recommendations. I felt very welcomed. Would recommend“

“Timely delicious & a great atmosphere. The staff is wonderful and the Chef JoJo knows how to add a special touch to every meal.“

“This food was so DELICIOUS! The flavors were on point and the presentation absolutely beautiful. This was my first experience with Ethiopian food but it's definitely going to be my weekend treat. If you're looking for vegetarian food that speaks to your soul, fills your tummy, and makes you forget that you're normally a carnivore This is the place to go. We had the family plate that had all the main course dishes and honestly only one item that didn't work for me but I can definitely see where others would love it. I'm not going to name that dish, but please believe everything else on that platter plus the hummus made up for it. Please go and check them out you won't regret it!“

“I’ve ordered delivery several times and have ordered several items: I’m telling you, this place doesn’t miss. Fufu and collards are rich, warm, and comforting with pieces of chicken and smoked pork - absolutely divine. The oxtails are perfectly cooked, falling apart, and simmered in a velvety sauce with chunks of potato and pepper that taste like they’ve stewed with the unctuous meat all day long. The sambusas are filled with meat; the wrapper light, flakey, and crisp without being heavy or oily. Get some of their hot sauce on the side- it’s great for dipping, adding to any food on the menu, or saving in your fridge to use as a condiment for literally anything else you eat. And the portions are huge! I get three or four meals out of each entree. Blow this place up! They deserve every ounce of praise they get- it’s no frills but some of the best food in the city right now.“

“I was staying in the University of Minnesota and this place was a life saver when I did not want to eat in the dining hall. Their falafel sandwich was genuinely some of the best falafel I have ever had and their fries were undoubtedly the best fries I have ever had. The service was super quick and we got our food in under 10 minutes consistently. The staff was super friendly and the restaurant had a great atmosphere to it. Would strongly recommend if you are in the area!“

““Delicious food and excellent service!”
I visited Sambusa Restaurant and ordered the chicken suqaar. The food was flavorful and beautifully presented. The service was quick, and the staff was very welcoming. I’d recommend it anytime!“

“1st time was a great experience. Service could not have been friendlier. Prices not as steep as some other East African restaurants. Each got a “half” portion for $15. Plenty of food! (Next time will split the “full” portion for $20.) Rice was a standout.“

“Good stuff for takeout. Big portions ad filling. They were out of what I was going to initially order, but don’t let that intimidate you. Just ask what they do have or what they might recommend. The guy working the kitchen let my friend and I try a couple different types of meat that were both great since we hadn’t had it before. Sambusas were good too but are spicier meat.“

“best somali food in state...their food literally put quruuxlow or whatever that overhyped restaurant is called“

“The best East African restaurant in the Twin Cities hands down! I go to Kalsan at least once a month to get the Chicken Suqaar with rice, it's one of my favorite dishes in the city. They recently remodeled the interior too so I tend to sit down instead of ordering take-out now. Great place!“

“This was easily one of best restaurant meals I've had in the last year, maybe ever. I had hulbat marakh, and the owner brought out sambusas (on the house!) for us to share. I have enough leftovers for 1-2 more meals, after eating my fill. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I will definitely be back!“

“Exploring different cuisines from across the world is always an adventure- but sometimes you stumble across a refreshing new world of flavors. That is what this place did- everything was so good- the waitress was friendly and helped us with ordering. The food was delicious and had so much flavor. We plan on going again soon!“

“Great customer service on the phone i was asking about the malawax burrito wrap i saw my friend had so i needed to call to get the sauce. But after inquiring about the price it just made me appreciate my family more🙏 but I will pull up inshallah and have a brunch here soon 💯 mashallah 💯“

“Embetito Dnish at Snelling Café

I keep coming back for this.

They call it Embetito Dnish—potato sandwich. Nothing fancy. Just warm sliced potatoes, fresh tomato, romaine, green senstro peppers, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, all wrapped in toasted bread.

What makes it hit? The contrast.

The warmth of the potatoes and bread. The cool bite from the romaine and tomato. The salty edge mixed with olive oil. A slight heat from the green pepper. And that twist of lemon—it wakes everything up.

Then there’s the tea. Hot, simple, spiced with Aforki’s touch. You feel it in your chest.

No menu can explain this. You just know when it’s right.“

“We just got the gyro sandwich which was good, but the website menu doesn't really reflect the offerings inside as well - pretty bare bones. We were also charged more than it said on the website or the picture menu inside the restaurant.“

“The quantities and quality are very good. Glad to find this diamond in the rough. Perfect for takeaway lunch.“