I was skeptical first to order food but food was very delicious. I have always tried one particular Somalian food in San Diego but today wanted to try same food but at different place.abdul was very nice person and treated me very nicely. I will definitely will go back next time when I m in San Diego area. read more

I was looking forward to check out this place. I arrived around 4pm. The restaurant is in the back of a supermarket. I ordered Chicken stew, grilled salmon, chicken sambusa (the only option), and Mandazi. I wanted to order chapati & maharago but i was told that they didn't have it. It took about 50 min to finally get my food. I loved the grilled salmon! The chicken stew was good too. The chicken sambusa was not too crunchy on the outside and a bit too dry for my taste. The Mandazi was undercooked. The center was gooey. The flavor was good though. The price is reasonable and there's parking out front. Overall, the experience was ok but the food was good. read more

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The food is delicious and the customer service is amazing but just some small things we dislike was just that the prices were not what is listed online, and the had shampoo for us to wash our hands in the guest bathroom instead of regular soap but aside from that their mandazi is delicious! And so is their tilapia and their chicken and pasta plate ! And don't forget to get their tea it's out of this world thanks ! From Arizona to San Diego read more

I passed by this place so many times and always wanted to stop in. I can't get my husband to go for African food so I finally decided to just go on my own. It's very tiny inside and most of it is a market. You have to go to the left and all the way to the back to get to the food counter and there are only about half dozen places to sit. I ordered the goat meat with rice dish that came with a crispy little salad on the side, mostly just lettuce and onion rings. The rice is magical! So delicious! The goat meat was good but a bit dry and not a lot of flavor but still delicious. There were a lot of bones. I don't mind the big ones but the little ones you have to watch out for if you don't want to champ down hard and crack a tooth. I got a dessert like a donut ball with custard inside for a $1.50, one sambusa to try, and some Somalian milk tea, all very good. The rice was the star of the show. The price was very reasonable by today's prices. About $15 for the rice and goat meat, $1.50 for one sambusa and the same for the dessert, under $2 for the tea. A wonderful meal for about $22 with enough leftovers for the next day. I spoke to three or four different people and they were all extremely nice and answered my questions. The rice was so impressive I bought a bag for $18 that should last me for the next few years, lol. No smaller bags available but if I can make it as good as they do then I will use it up or maybe pass some on to family members. I weighed it on my scales at home and it's a 10 lb bag which I don't usually buy, but hey, if we have a zombie apocalypse, I'm all set for rice. read more

African Spices - The color is off but it was beautiful in person. The rice is so delicious! Goat meat had bones. It was a very delicious, reasonable meal. - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

This is the best Somalian food you can get in San Diego. I've tried other places but their food doesn't beat what you can get here. Considering I keep coming back here for the last 2 and half years consistently proves it. Their service is great. I believe it is the owner and his daughter who're always cooking the food, picking up the calls, and cashing you out. They're very nice and welcoming. They work very hard on everything and the food never disappoints. I've never dined in to eat before but I love the atmosphere and the small space they have set up inside when I get takeout. It's been decorated the same ever since I discovered this place and I hope they never change any of the decorations, tables, chairs, or pictures on the wall. Rather add more! read more

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The food is outstanding. The restaurant is in the back of a small Somalian market. There are only a couple of tables as business seems to be mostly takeout. There is a good variety of dishes. We do not eat chicken or beef so were happy they had plenty of fish, bean and vegetables dishes. The chapatis were great! Sauces delightful! Wanted to try something different than the usual Ethiopian food we like. They also have fufu which I thought was primarily Nigerian. It is funky looking for a restaurant and it takes time to get your order but worth the wait! We plan to return! read more

Amazing food, very kind people. While waiting we were given a very delicious soup I can only describe as a tomato soup style soup but with a lot more veggies and a little spicy. I came in on a Monday and had the #8 beef and absolutely loved it read more

The chapatis are burnt. I made 5pack order of chapati and half my order was all burnt and dry. It looked like it had been cooked afew days before and just warmed up when i picked my order. I do not recommend buying from here your chapatis. read more

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Very unique and has various extra Somali authentic food selections that's not available at other restaurants, I.e. : chicken Stew, Maharagu curry; Spinach Amanda, Fufu, Fish curry and other food selections that I haven't see or eaten in any other Somali restaurant .Affordable, authentic Somali food. I've been to many Somali restaurants in the U.S.A., they all have the same menu. Best of all, very affordable especially in today's economy and very tasty! Definitely, recommended! read more

Amazing first dining experience for African food, Muhidin the host made us feel welcome and explained how to eat the cuisine really well. It took a bit to get our food, but it was very tasty and well worth the wait. Would come again! read more

I had never tried African food before and I really wanted to try fufu and egusi, so I drove an hour to come here. I loved the food here. The people who run this place are the sweetest people and it made the experience so much better. I loved the goat meat a lot by far my favorite. They give a lot a food I couldnt finish it all in one sitting. If i ever have a craving for african food again i will for sure come here. read more

The service was great. Food is made fresh so it does take a while but having fresh food is worth it if you have the time. I'd highly recommend the beef sambusa. It's tucked away in the back of Sakata Market and there are a few tables. read more

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DONT COME HERE I called over the phone and the lady was super rude then I got there and costumer service sucked and when I finally got my food it tasted like waka culo I rather lick my own balls read more

Right as I walked in, I knew it was a family business. It was so warm and welcoming. Everyone greeted me with smiles and constant accommodation. Amazing service. THE CHICKEN WAS NOWHERE NEAR DRY. It was so moist, quite literally falling off the bone. And the sambusas (I believed that's what it's called?) It was delicious.. the spices paired with the creamy and spicy dips.. wow. The cake was also very moist and succulent! I was quite content as they were very reasonable prices too. Loved my experience here, and I will be coming back with friends and family! read more

African Spices - some type of dessert cake - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Local owners. Family owned and operated. Community oriented. A hole in the wall gem. Try the fish, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

African Spices is located on University in City Hieghts, San Diego serving up some great African food specializing in Kenyan and Somalian flavors. We dropped by on a weekday and were in the mood for somthing different then our typical Asian food so we went for African and didn't regret it one bit! The place is located at the back of a walk in store where they sell clothes, teas, and coffee. As we walk in we see a huge display of the menu on a TV screen. They serve all kinds of East African dishes and also have Gyros as well and spaghetti. The cook greeted us with a smile and recommended dishes for us to try and let us know that all dishes are cooked to order and come out piping hot and delicious. We went ahead and went with the fried tilapia and rice along with hot chai tea. The food did take a while to cook but it was all worth the freshness and greatness we were presented on our table. While we were waiting we enjoyed some Somalian music on Youtube playing on the big screen which was nice for a change of music and learn new cultures. When he brought the food out he introduced his self to us and let is know he is Somalian but moved to Kenya when he was a young boy. He was very friendly and provided top notch customer service. The fish was beautifully fried to perfection and the portions were huge. The basmatti rice was very tasty and the small side salad complimented the dish very well. The chai tea came out hot with very aromatic smells of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. The ginger gave out a nice bite to it and a teaspoon of sugar really brightened things up for it. This is a great place to visit to change your palate of food and explore other food options in San Diego and I guarantee you will be satisfied while visiting here and meeting Chef Mohammed! read more

I work at the gas station down the street, one of the chefs comes and regularly visits so he invited me to try his food! I have very little knowledge of what the items are called but I picked the chicken wrap after being offered a meat pastry,(Samosa) ,which to my surprise tasted differently delicious. The beef pastry had corn and veggies, warm, soft and FRESH! The chicken wrap was great and I was satisfied with the curry sauce inside and the spicy sauce on the side. The green sauce is hot you've been warned. so if you want some good food hidden in wall then I'd recommend this. I'll be back and try the beef wrap or salmon thanks again read more

African Spices - Chicken wrap brought back to my work place. - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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I'm just not going to bother ordering from here again. First experience was fine, just a little late. Second experience, the food never came. Restaurant never answered the phone. Grub hub was nice enough to refund me. I got a text from them a day later apologizing. I decided to try them one more time and guess what... Jeez. The food was supposedly out for delivery (at 640pm). Come 710pm, I contact grub hub after not being able to get a hold of the restaurant again. As grub hub is about to refund, I get a text from the restaurant saying it was out for delivery. It took another 25 minutes to get here despite this place being a 5 minute drive away. Then I knocked my drink over cuz it was so close to the door, lmao. And our second drink was forgotten. The food here is good (we've had the cheesesteak, deluxe fries, Sambusa, black bean fritters and a few other things) but for the love of everything: don't bother with delivery. Go pick it up. The restaurant delivers their own food and it's clear that this is an issue for them, so they should probably only do pick-up. read more

African Spices - Random texts from.the restaurant both instances. - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Good food loaded with flavors always a large portion . Love this place it's my go to for comfort food.

I was on the search for Fufu because of what I seen on TikTok. Finally found a place and now my cravings are satisfied. I ordered fish curry as well as beef stew. I am not huge on fish, but OH MAN ! The flavors are amazing. I would def recommend ! read more

African Spices - a person placing a piece of bread on top of a bowl of stew - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Bumped into this hole in the wall by accident. I was dropping my bikes off next door and wondered about this place. So instead of indulging on some nasty American corporate fast food, I thought about trying out a mom and pop shop. This is as authentic as it gets! Got the sambusa chicken and beef... amazing! The hot sauce is divine. So, people, try something new... give this place a try! You won't regret it. I can't wait for my bikes to be ready so that I can swing by and order up! read more

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The soup is A1 tbh I've tried the chicken/beef wrap and sweets I recommend it it's the best I'll fs go back for more food.!!

This place is absolutely phenomenal. A definite hole in the wall, this place has so many options and so much flavor. There's so many small snacks to get and try. And my favorite dish is the fish curry. Definitely worth going. read more

I came here bc as a child, my somalian neighbors would give me sambusas and wanted my tastebuds to reminisce, and did they. The sambusas were so flavorful & the fufu with beef & spianch soup were exquisite!. i can not wait to go back & get more !l read more

Don't Uber from here or get anything delivered. I waited 30 mins or more for my Uber order for my customer. It'd be better if you came and picked it up but definitely call it in way beforehand. The workers are kind of everywhere as well except one worker that was extremely helpful. read more

While the food is good, getting it depends on your luck. This restaurant is very unorganized and has a very difficult time in preparing the orders such as including all items that is supposed to be with the order. Many times items are just plain missing. Then there is a problem of the restaurant actually capable of making the order so that it can be picked up or delivered. A person may place an order but good luck in having it actually prepared. read more

Really excellent food. You may have to wait a bit but it's worth it. I recommend the Sambusas and Mandazis.

This is the cheesesteak sandwich I ordered from here. It was very disappointing! Looks like they scraped the very last pieces of meat from a container. read more

African Spices - This is the cheesesteak sandwich I ordered it was very disappointing! - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Food preparation did take longer than anticipated but, while I was waiting, I was given a delicious, perfectly spiced, lentil soup which took the edge off my hunger. People were bustling in and out of the market/restaurant, bringing lots of energy, laughter, and friendliness. I quickly became aware that this is not just a market with a restaurant in the back, but it is a community center. I felt honored to have been able to share in this experience for a short time. The food was excellent, especially the fish curry, chicken stew, sambusas, and maharago. Next time, and it will be soon, I will try the FuFu. read more

Hole in the wall goodness! Nestled in back of Market- delishious chicken Sambusas and strong African coffee and great service! Thanks read more

I was so lucky to find the African Spices restaurant on University Avenue and San Diego. I'm not usually in this part of town, and I really wanted some sort of authentic lunch but couldn't put my finger quite on what I wanted. And then saw the really delicious looking signs for African Spices café. I started with their absolutely delicious sambusa with dipping sauce, and also an absolutely heavenly sweet soft bread called malawah. I was soooo hungry and this was so tasty! Later my food arrived - I had ordered the maharago, which is a kind of bean stew with coconut and a flat chapati bread. It also came with rice and a small salad. Absolutely delicious, too. Finally as I was leaving, I asked if I could I also have their amazing chai tea and a kind of fruit / mango smoothie to go. The chai is homemade and just so tasty. The lady serving was so sweet and made everything as it was ordered. Her father (the gentleman who greeted me) was very nice again. My first time eating Somalian food, and I will definitely be back! Many thanks again for such a delicious day of eating. read more

Ordered: Chicken rice plate Beef rice plate Chicken sambusa Beef sambusa We ordered delivery. It took an hour to get our food. Rice plates were dry and we expected a lot more from it. Sambusas were alright. They were a good size and enough filling and has a little kick to them. The chicken sambusa was dry though. read more

Food here is AMAZING....when they have it! Despite coming during the hours that are posted here 3 separate times in the afternoon, they either seem like they aren't expecting anyone or are out of most items and just have sambusa (which are incredible). I've had the whole fried tilapia with chapati and the fish curry with rice and all have been great! Just wish they were open and prepared more! read more

Loved the fugu and fish curry. My only complaint is the amount and type of packaging (styrofoam) that was used for takeout. We won't do takeout again without bringing our own containers. read more

I'd like to give this restaurant more however the experience wasn't quite up to par. I ordered online and my total said $9 ish..either way less than $10. I got there 12 mins after I placed my order and it wasn't ready, no greeting and quite uncomfortable chairs. I liked the authenticity of the store. Only one lady was working the and cooking in the back so I understand how the greeting was lost. About 15-20 mins afterwards my food was ready and the total was $16 and I asked if rice came with that and was told no. Al I ordered online was tilapia and one sambusa so if the fish is $16 I would hope and expect it to come with at least one side dish..really disappointed in that cause I wanted rice! A side of rice that's fairly small was $3 and on top of the $16 I just didn't want the hassle. Payment was easy however I wanted a receipt to see what the difference was between online and in store pricing but the machine was offline and not working. I found this out 10 minutes after paying and waiting on my text receipt. She ended up being able to print it out but it wasn't itemized so I still don't know where the discrepancy lie. Also, I ordered a veggie sambusa and got a chicken one. Great flavor on both however not what I had in mind when I ordered. I may try again, I may not. Meh read more

African Spices - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

First time trying this- Great taste, freshly made, kind of reminded me of tinga. Employees/cooks were nice and helpful- great service... food was tasty and good. read more

African Spices - Nafaqa & Pasta - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Went in to pick up Sunday Lunch and this hidden place was VERY HIDDEN. It's in the back of a market, which smelled of material. All was good, service was good. Only bit confusing when it came to ordering because I had to order off of their tv which had 5 slides so i had to wait for the slide to change 3 times to order all the right things. 1 Sambusa, 1 chicken suquua rice dish, 1 chapati. One thing for sure their 2 little sauces made the whole lunch amazing. I wasn't a fan of the Sambusa, and the Chapati reminded me of a not well cooked tortilla but also not thin enough so it almost felt like a bread but it definitely wasn't a pita. Now that we're done with the cons, the pros were the rice was really tasty and well cooked along with the chicken. And like I said before those two spicy sauces make make the dish for sure. Regardless of how good the chicken and rice was, it doesn't make me want to come back which is my explanation for the 3 star read more

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My favorite dishes are the delicious soft chapati, buskut, sambusa and halwa! The prices are extremely reasonable, If not better! African Spices customer service is quite good. The owner and daughter are very friendly, polite, and efficient. Best African restaurant in San Diego! read more

I really enjoyed the chicken and rice also for the quality of food the price is fairly reasonable!!!

I ordered through Grubhub around 2pm with expected delivery by 3:15. Food never showed and they wouldn't answer their phone. Very disappointed. I later noticed others complained about the same thing. My bad for not reading those reviews. Thankfully Grubhub was quick to respond and canceled my order and I was refunded. read more