Mary's is one of the prepared food vendors at the Seaport Farmer's market, in between two Indian food stalls in what may now officially be called Samosa Central. The menu is surprisingly expansive with a few different types of curries and stews, sauteed spinach, cabbage, fried plantains, chicken kebabs, samosas and meat pies. You can choose between a $7 or $8 plate, or get the super sampler for $10. Being that it was my first time here and I was pretty hungry, I got the super sampler, which came with fried plantains, lamb curry, chicken stew, goat stew and the spinach and cabbage, all on a bed of jasmine rice. After a short jaunt back to the office, I was digging into my container of food (bonus points, it was made of paper and not styrofoam). The fried plantains were very tasty; lightly caramelized on the outside, they were slightly sweet with a mild banana flavour, with a firm but smooth texture. The lamb curry was rich and flavourful, but was lacking in any discernable kick, and the lamb was not as tender as it could have been. The chicken stew was more like slow-cooked chicken rather than the typical North American chicken/potatoes/veggies stew that we're used to. In a mild tomato-based sauce, the chicken was tender and moist. The goat "stew" was the best of the proteins, with more spice than the lamb, but not enough to have you instantly reaching for a drink. The meat was also more tender than the lamb, perhaps the goat is more forgiving to being slow cooked and sitting in a warmer. The spinach was mild and nearly cooked to mushy oblivion, it added some green to an otherwise meat and carb heavy plate, but not much else. The cabbage was dressed in a sauce with a nice bit of kick and gave some crunch to my lunch, not to mention the legendary health benefits of cabbage! The goat stew and plantains were definitely the stand out items on the super sampler, and I look forward to going back to try some of their samosas and meat pies. read more

Mary's African Cuisine - a street vendor selling food - Farmers Market Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Delicious goat meat stew! They ran out of beef so we tried the goat. The rice was fluffy and the sides were also good. Only $12. Highly recommend! read more

Mary's African Cuisine - Goat meat stew - Farmers Market Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Edit: I wrote a review for the wrong location. There's an actual sit-down location (1701 barrington), and the farmers market location which only opens in Saturdays until 5pm. The menu is slightly different. I'd recommend the sit-down location because it's more comfortable and less crowded read more

You've got to try this place. The oxtail was the best I've ever had, my daughter loves the veggie platter with black eyed bean stew. The people are just awesome, great service. I'd highly recommend giving Mary's African Cuisine a try if you are downtown and looking for some soul food. read more

I love Mary's. The vegetarian combo is great- with stewed cabbage, black eyed peas and a lovely spinach dish and rice (plain or spicy!) Nice amount of spice and flavour and I feel healthy and full afterwards. Friendly service and fair prices. Definitely will go again. read more

The staff are consistently kind and friendly and the food is phenomenal. This is one of the best places to eat in the HRM. The $8 vegetarian combo is a delicious deal and the best part of my Saturday each week. Highly recommended! read more

I couldn't recommend this place enough. As someone who considers themselves a foodie, especially with international foods, I think I have found the crown jewel of Halifax. I've tried a handful of items from here and every time find myself blown away by the flavours in the dishes. For those that are a bit hesitant to try as they prefer less spice, I would recommend trying any of the veg options (pumpkin is my favourite) or the juicy chicken/ grilled chicken. But seriously if you've ever considered trying this place I highly encourage you to take the leap and give it a go. Recommendation: Egusi (pumpkin and spinach), grilled chicken and jollof rice. Also Mary the owner is a wonderful woman who clearly takes pride in sharing her amazing recipes with people who may not be exposed to these types of dishes. So knowing that these are the types of people you are supporting when you choose local is an added bonus. read more

One of my favourite places to eat! They have vegetarian and vegan options and very affordable. The people are very friendly!

Tried the new location at Barrington and Prince. Delicious. I had the lamb curry with lentil rice and black beans, to go, for lunch. Highly recommend. read more

This is always the first stall I go to when I am the Market. The samosa's are the best, and the plantain chips, are better then potato, They have so much other food I'd love to try, but I'm a creature of habit. I love the owners friendly and welcoming service, and beautiful authentic african clothing! read more