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 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“

“My goodness! I am full and have a full second meal boxed to go. I ordered the Alfredo with chicken and got a huge plate of spaghetti with some of the most deliciously soft and perfectly cooked chicken. I cannot explain the sauces but on the chicken and tasty red sauce on the pasta other balanced and yummy. Cannot wait to return and have the nafago.“

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

“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 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!“

“Had a get -together with my cousin and decided to try a new restaurant. This is a hidden gem!! I tried the Chicken Suqaar. YUM!! The chicken and sauteed vegetables had great seasoning! Nice that the dipping sauces were on the side...and fun to try them all!
Great portions. Had to bring the rice home as I could not eat that much! Also tried the beef sambosas. LOVE IT! Another fun dipping sauce to try and was great with it. Friendly staff answered our questions. Fast service. Really enjoyed our experience and trying new food. Thanks. We will be back!“

“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.“

“I just got dinner from this cute hole in the wall Somali restaurant and it was soooo good! Just Don’t use “ZING” link to order. Call them instead or use Uber Eats. The ZING page doesn’t communicate with the restaurant so my order never got placed. They were SO helpful when I got there and made my food so quickly ! The Best sambusa’s I’ve had in a long time and the beef and rice was also so tender and flavorful.“

“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 💯“

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

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

“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.“

“Best food in town Mashallah degdeg“