Ashur Restaurant

Went on Saturday evening, great sized portions, delicious flavors. Lamb shank was very tender. There was a little odor in the dining area though

The food here was amazing—especially the white sauce and red sauce that were given as a condiment. Personally, I felt that the white sauce blew any other white sauce out of the water. I have had white sauce at many other restaurants, and none of them were anything to write home about. The food itself was phenomenal. The place might not look like much, but it’s a hidden gem, and it’s because they focus on making good food. If you want halal food in Boston, this is the place to get it. The milk tea was also really good. Whoever created these recipes and cooked the food really knows what they’re doing.

If you're a foodie seeking an unforgettable dining experience in Boston, Ashur, a Somali restaurant in the heart of Roxbury, is an absolute must-visit. The moment you step inside, the rich aroma of perfectly spiced dishes welcomes you, hinting at the culinary delight to come. I enjoyed a generous plate featuring a variety of meats—lamb, goat, and chicken—each cooked to perfection and infused with an array of spices that elevated the flavors to new heights. The rice was a perfect complement, absorbing the flavors beautifully and adding to the overall experience. The hospitality at Ashur is second to none. The staff are warm, attentive, and make you feel right at home, enhancing the dining experience. The artful paintings and decor add a unique charm, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the ample parking outside ensures a hassle-free visit, making it convenient for everyone. Ashur restaurant stands out not just for its exceptional food, but also for its inviting atmosphere and top-notch service. Whether you're a local or visiting Boston, this hidden gem in Roxbury is a culinary adventure you won't want to miss.

Really feel at home and you can ask the chef for anything. It’s a really special place to relax and you know it’s authentic Somali because it’s always packed with uncles sipping tea or coffee and watching the game!

Beef Sambusa with Snapple cost me $6 cash. Try their chai.

Their food taste African and delicious. I visit the area during convention, searched African restaurant near me & Ashur came out. I went to Ashur each day 12mins drive based on the positive online reviews & it was good. I tried the goat meat, lamp & chicken all taste good👌.You may be a bit discouraged by the environment but the food tastes good.

I went here with friends. I wouldn’t really call this Middle Eastern cuisine. The spice level is less than mild. The food (goat cubes, lamb, chicken biryani, samboosas) also came out astonishingly fast, a sign that it was reheated. One of my friends said the chai was fantastic though. The restaurant was very community oriented- I’d come here again for the vibe, but not the food. The staff was very pleasant and polite. Something to take note of is that all of the patrons seemed to only have chai and not food. If you want something strong, spicy, and fresh at 7 pm, go to Nachlo- they also make homemade mango lassis. Their dishes are also $15 compared to the $20 here.

Halal restaurant. $26 for one big sharable plate for 2 people. There wasn't much lamb meat on our plate compared to other reviews. It was a late dinner w arrival at 9.30pm but spices were spot on and rice good too, with exotic sodas like french orangina, uk vimto and Shani soda in arabic.

Came to this neighborhood restaurant while traveling in the area. I had very low expectations and was very confused when I arrived. The menu was a little confusing but the staff at the counter was able to answer my questions. Got the goat with chicken and federation (which I learned is pasta with a sauce). Waiting around 10 min for the food to come out at one of the many tables. The goat was top quality, fresh and so well spiced. Chicken was a little salty but still good. Bathrooms weren't the cleanest, it was actually a little scary using the bathroom. However great dining experience.

Went there and the portion was good and so were the people. You get discount if you pay cash.

Came in one day randomly after years of walking past this place. The lady behind the counter didn't acknowledge us when we entered or even asked if we wanted to order... nbd. My husband and I asked about some dishes and were told there were only three options to choose from today. I ordered the lamb leg and rice platter and my husband ordered the chicken and rice platter. We sat down at a table of our choice and waited about 10-15 minutes before our food came out. Both meals were cooked up by the lady at the counter, both meals were extremely delicious and it was not expensive.

Long time African cafe that's full of locals, great smells, huge portions, and lots of sweetened tea. Their menu is simple but consistent, the meats are halal, and the only time it's super packed is right after the mosque next door lets out or Islamic holidays. If you aren't sure of the type of cuisine, the manager and owner will be happy to help you. Plates come with meat (chicken, goat, lamb), salads, and a huge portion of rice. They also have pastas and bananas (Somali food gives a banana on the side). Has been rated in Boston Magazine's top neighborhood restaurant lists for years. Never ordered delivery, have always gotten takeaway or eaten in, so I'm not sure how the food is using GrubHub or DoorDash. Small restaurant, but fine for groups of men, women, and children. Looks like a "clubhouse" for the old men in the neighborhood but all are welcome.

It is not your regular fancy restaurant but it is a great place. The food is excellent, the portions are generous and the staff is hospitable and accommodating. It is a good community restaurant.

Ashur was introduced by one of my friends And I would highly recommend their hot tea (with or without milk) for the cold weather. I prefer without milk and the tea is loaded with good amount of flavorful spice and delicious.

I booked a brunch reservation for 15 people here and could not be happier with the service! Abdullah was so nice and accommodating especially before his Friday after jummah prayer rush. I read reviews and knew I had to get in before! I had also read they don't have menus , but we were definitely given menus. I have to say that the chicken biryani they served was my favorite on the menu. I don't typically eat dark meat so I probably shouldn't have ordered lamb, but the rice, sauce, and salad were delicious. The chicken here is also made very well. My family loved their dishes including the Somalian beef stew with Somalian bread. I would highly recommend this place and would definitely go back!

The restaurant brands itself as a authentic Somali or African cuisine restaurant. Unfortunately, after several attempts at trying to enjoy the atmosphere, the food was bland, the television was very loud the service is poor. The atmosphere is not welcoming to non-Somalian or Women. Diversity is a must.

Lose one star for not able to dine in but the lamb? AMAZING!!! I like the white sauce too it's like ranch but not that creamy

At first we were not sure what we got ourselves in to. We walked in during lunch time & we were the only people in there to eat. We called out, "Hello" 3 times & no one answered. We were turning around to leave, when a woman appeared. She was not welcoming but took our order. We seated ourselves & within a few minutes a beautiful dish appeared and I told her how amazing it looked and she smiled and said thank you & patted my shoulder. It was delicious. So glad we stayed. It was worth the mile walk from Dana Farber to come here! It is not often we can order goat & lamb at the same time. All was cooked to perfection & the presentation was beautiful too. It was a worth-while experience!!

got the lamb biryani and wow!! so divine! portion was huge and reasonably priced. i'm definitely going back to explore more of the menu! highly recommend to look at the online menu before hand because they didn't have any lying around

Simple excellence. I tried the lamb shank, goat, and chicken kebob. All were tender with a balanced seasoning. I liked the lamb shank and chicken best. They came with a long grain rice similar to indian basmati. The rice was safron and clove flavoured. Hot sauce and a garlic mayonnaise were optional. Both were tasty. Somali tea was also offered at no extra charge - a sweetened black tea with ginger and other spices. Friendly service. Most other patrons appeared to be Somali.

Imagine your grandma's kitchen commercialized. They know how to cook real food really well and they'll serve it to you straight up. It seems like this place is consistently full of regulars, and the price point and quality of the food explains why. Vibe is home cooked food, but also sports bar (without the alcohol) since they always have a game on Had the lamb shank, lamb biryani, and goat dishes. The meat was all flavored and cooked perfectly. The rice was SUPER flavorful and complemented the meat well. The plates are massive (all family style sized) and well balanced, as they come with a salad. What I really enjoyed about their salads was that they had raw onions in them which really packed a spicy punch! Couldn't leave a review for this place without mentioning their chai teas. Only place in Boston that does chai tea justice! There's a strong ginger flavor here which is amazing. I think they use condensed milk to sweeten it, and for me, it's a little too sweet, but I still couldn't stop drinking it! Also love that this place accepts credit cards

Ordered lamb biryani for lunch delivery to downtown Boston. Speedy but most importantly, DELICIOUS. They've totally got a new follower and fan.

My goodness, I'm here so often that I forgot to write a review for my favorite lunch spot in all of Roxbury. Tucked into a side street off of Malcom X Blvd, right across from the Muslim mosque where many of the worshipers eat and congregate after services, this place is definitely a textbook definition of a "hidden gem". It can be a little confusing and intimidating to a newbie here and I felt that way the first few times I visited. Do you order at the counter? Do you sit and have waiter service? Where is the menu? Actually, some of these questions are still unresolved for me because it seems that if they aren't busy, they will wait on you. But if you go at 1:30 on a Friday right after the mosque has left out, all rules are thrown out the window. Oh, and there isn't a menu besides what is on the wall next to the counter......they got rid of those about two months ago and I'm a little miffed they haven't been replaced. So why would you come here? Because the food is quite exotic for someone who has never traveled to Africa. I've been offered free tea a handful of times and have yet to turn it down. I have no clue what kind it is but watching them fill it about a quarter full of condensed, sweetened milk and getting my first whiff, I fell in love. A quick bite for me has been the $5 falafel "sandwich" which is more like a sub. And the chicken soup, wow! Packed full of incredibly tasting broth and veggies....although the chicken is sometimes a tad overcooked in it, it was my go-to most of the winter. I've tried many of the plates that come with rice, salad or french fries (I take it they went American on this one and it's a bit unnecessary). My favorite is the lamb but it is also the most expensive at about $13 for lunch. You'll easily have two meals out of it, though because it's virtually impossible to finish in on sitting. So if you want to travel to Africa without leaving the confines of Boston proper......hear languages you've likely never heard before and surround yourself with a caring owner and crowds of people who all seem to know each other, this is the sort of place for you.

So, the menu is confusing - even if you're familiar with Somali food. All the specials are listed under 'Lunch', even if you're getting dinner. There's a picture of stew, but we didn't see it listed. What does 'Lamb with another lamb' mean? It's a barebones place - which I love. Most folks get take out. Our waiter was wearing a hoodie and sweats. That's what to expect. He was super friendly and helped us navigate the menu a bit, made some jokes. We felt super welcomed. Food was great. I got the goat. Very tender. Somali tea is provided - so good. Dude even gave us some to go after we paid, was really appreciated on a cold and snowy day. I'm still fairly new to Somali cusisine, I'm really excited to try more. Am happy to come back to Ashur!

This place is an embarrassment to the true authentic Somalis cuisine. Hugely disappointed out of towner who expected true mouth watering Somali flavored food, perhaps this established has tuned down the intense delicious spices and flavors to appease non-Somali neighborhood clientele. Food was basic, bland, dry rice, portions were measly, meat felt like scrape bones, can't help it but feel being served leftover food. Paid a pricey sum for several of us and moved on, should have stuck with Turkish cuisine option. if you from out of town looking for authentic Somali food, stay clear off this place.

The food was pretty good but they need to get a little more organized and professional. We were sitting there for a while and no one came to get our order. If you want customers to order from the counter, make it clear pls.

I love this local hidden gem. Its one of our trusted go to favorite spots! We love the Philly steak Biryani and the lamb dishes!

My first time was a year and a half ago... and I'll never forget it. We were hungry late one night and didn't want to journey far. Fortunately, we discovered this treasure within walking distance. Distance is no longer a factor; I would venture to the ends of the earth for Ashur. The lamb sports plate is incredible amazing wonderful times a million! The sports plate is their bone-in lamb with rice for two. Soooo good! It reminds me of the delicious food growing up in the Middle East that I've missed. Different, I know, but it still brings back that nostalgia and taste memory. It's super authentic, full of flavor, heart-warming, and you'll never want to stop eating even after your stomach is about to explode bc the sports plate is huuuge. You get a giant platter of enormous lamb shank, tons of rice, and a large salad on the side - altogether an amazing deal. I want to try their biryani, but I keep coming back to this! The staff is very friendly and happy to guide you through the menu. The last time we went, we got a complimentary banana each. You put in your order at the counter, grab a drink from the fridge, and take a seat. They will bring your food out and you pay at the counter after you are done with your meal. The whole experience is super laid back. They also have screens available for families that may wish to put up a partition for religious/cultural reasons. It's across the street from the mosque, so if you come in at the right time you'll share the restaurant with a large group of men coming in after worship for a meal. You feel an immense sense of community. You can also tell that they are very proud of the restaurant and they know their food is amazing - we've been asked on a couple of occasions by gentlemen on our way out if we enjoyed our meal and are very happy to get our reaction. We now live downtown, but I will be making special trips to Roxbury Crossing just to get some Ashur in my belly! While I want to keep this place a secret and maintain its intimate, local community quality, my overwhelming desire to share this treasure with the world and bring everyone here wins. You're welcome.

A no frills restaurant with delicious food and kind people. We went during Ramadan, so I assume that is why there weren't as many people as the other reviews say. I got goat with rice, my brother got the lamb shank, and they were both deliciously seasoned. Order at the counter and wait at a table for your food! I also got the chai which people have recommended - delicious!! I might come back just for the chai.

Delicious food and friendly service. I had the salmon with rice. Everything was fresh and well prepared.

The food here is amazing. There is a nice dining area to sit down and the portions are generous. We got the goat and the lamb and both were incredibly tender and delicious.

Had the chicken and rice and it was really good. Their red sauce also gave the dish a good kick. I've always loved chicken over rice, but the Boston area is lacking with good chicken over rice. And no, I don't really think Halal Guys is that amazing. BUT this place has good chicken and rice. TRY IT YOU'll LIKE IT!

Huge portions, great prices, delicious food! Lamb in bone was tender and well cooked. The rice was delicious. Would definitely come back soon!

this is an embarrassment to somali people if you ask me...who cooks their rice with potatoes & carrots....so much coriander i couldn't even enjoy my meal. ita always just too much going on the plate.. please hire better cooks this does not represent somalia

A Somali restaurant/luncheonette next to the Mosque in Roxbury? What's not to love. Ali with the NY Yankees hat in the middle of Red Sox nation is a great host and serves up a delicious complimentary sweet Chai tea. i've tasted the goat, lamb and chicken here. Good basic food at affordable prices. Go for the goat and stay for the chicken.

One of my favorite restaurants in Boston hands down! Highly recommend the lamb shank/lamb with bone and the black tea :) Conveniently close to the masjid to pray as well.

We went here last Ramadan when one of our friend was visiting and we wanted some Somalian food. I know obviously a but late in writing the review but oh well... Loved it.!!! The food is delicious and tastes similar to Pakistani cuisine ( which is perfect because it reminded me of home ). Also all my friends are huge tea drinkers and the tea tasted just like the chai from back home. Win-win!!

This place is the epitome of "hole in the wall". A simple restaurant with a world of flavors. I have had many things on the menu but my favorite is the chicken biryani. The portions are huge and the prices are well worth it. Don't let the exterior dissuade you. If you haven't gone yet, you are truly missing out.

Last night I got a chicken salad and a shrimp salad. The intent was dinner and a second meal for tomorrow. I killed the shrimp and started on the chicken last night because it was so good. Luckily I practiced enough restraint because I had enough chicken salad left over to have an enjoyable lunch today.

Such a surprise when I got there and ordered lamb with bones for the first time. It must be a gem in Mission Hill. The lamb is cooked with very limited seasonings, so you can taste the original favor of lamb, which is always one of my favorite. Every time I do want another dish, but I was always too full. Definitely recommend to people who like the original favor of lamb.

- Filthy, dirty and disgusting food and place. - We ordered chicken kabob, they suggested to have a side of pasta, then they gave us lamb with a side of rice! - Me and my friends got sick the next day from the food we ate there.

Great lamb shank! Rice very fragrant and light with just the right amount of spice in it! Samosas were amazing with a kick at the end so watch out. Even the baklava was great not too sweet or hard! All this for under $20 is the ultimate shocker! Definitely a favorite of mine!

Today, my dad and I went for evening prayers at the ISBCC (mosque in Roxbury). When we walked out, the luscious scent of frying oil and spices beckoned. A few steps later, we were at Ashur Restaurant. It said "Halal Somali food". We had never tried this cuisine, but we thought we should give it a try. As soon as we walked in, we were seated and offered menus. I was the only female in the whole restaurant, but I did not feel awkward. When I looked through the menu, I saw Italian spaghetti, Mexican quesadillas, American cheeseburgers, and meat and rice platters. In fact, most of the menu is not Somali at all. We went with the Moroccan tagine (advertised as herbed chicken with lemon and olives) along with goat soup. When we received the "tagine", it was nothing like tagine at all! It was actually a platter of French fries with spiced chicken and jalapenos, served with chili and garlic sauce. The goat soup was served with a WHOLE LOAF of French bread. The goat soup was just like meat broth (aka yakhni in India, and yahni in Turkey and Bulgaria). The garlic sauce was amazing with the fries and chicken, so that redeemed the fact that it was totally not the item described on the menu. We enjoyed the vibe of the place; it definitely seems to be not only a restaurant but a community center of sorts. I saw a guy sit down with his laptop and start doing his homework. Other guys were watching the football game between SC and Vanderbilt and cheering. Middle-aged dudes in plaid shirts were laughing and drinking tea. Everyone was kind of in slow motion, and that seemed to apply to the service a little bit too. We could not find our guy, and then after our plates were taken away, we were waiting for the bill for a long time. Eventually, we went to pay ourselves. The man seemed a little taken aback when we asked where to put the tip, and then he decided it could go in a donation box. It seems they have the old world style where people do not tip. This shows that the workers were nice genuinely, not because of any expectation of money. You could leave a tip, but I noticed that we were the only ones who did. If I was a RCC student, I would definitely hit this place up for breakfast. Can't go wrong with a $3 egg and cheese sandwich or $6 for 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, vegetables, bread, and tea. All drinks are $2 and under. Lunch and dinner prices are in the $8 to $12 range but with generous servings. If you are envisioning an 'ethnicky' restaurant experience with tribal print tablecloth and some African drum music or something, this is not the place. I wouldn't drive out of my way to eat here. But if you are a: I. RCC student ii. Somali dude iii. Muslim person that wants food after prayers iv. At the Roxbury Crossing station v. just want a tasty, filling meal vi. RCC Somali Muslim student at Roxbury Crossing in search of a tasty, filling meal I'm sure you will find something here to make you a happy diner. :)

My review is based on service. Didn't get to eat this food that I was trying out for the first time as I waited for over 5 hours. I was looking for something that tastes like homeand this was supposed to be it. I ordered online with Yelp Eat24 at about 11:30 am for the Lamb Briyani, samosas and baklava. I had heard great reviews about. After about an hour, an Eats24 agent contacted me and said they were failing to get a hold of the restaurant coz no one was picking up. I didn't cancel the order because it was early fir lunch, I was okay waiting and I really wanted to try this. After another 1.5 hours, I checked my order status and I Eats24 told me they had finally gotten to the restaurant but that they were closing for the morning shift and they would only be able to deliver after 2:20 pm. Even then, I said that sucks but I'll wait coz it had already been long enough and I decided I wasn't cooking today. At about 3:30 pm I checked in with Eats24 and was told they still couldn't get to the restaurant. I called the restaurant and a male picked up and I inquired about my order. He checked through and saw that it was a much earlier order and said that his was a new shift and the order hadn't been passed on to him. So I asked that he go on and get mine delivered. He proceeded to ask me what I had ordered and as I was telling him he switched and quite rudely asked me to call Eats24 and not the restaurant and hung up me. Tried to call right after and there was no response. I got in touch with Eats24 and let them know I had talked to the restaurant that they should call. They replied saying they had just tried to call Ashur again and there was no response. I I am disappointed in both Ashur restaurant and Eats24. TIP: Maybe try sitting in or picking up coz onlne was clearly a nightmare!

Ordered the rice chicken kebab, lamb, and beef steak and everything was delicious! Everything was well seasoned and the sauces were yummy too!!

Hidden good eats alert! Cheap! A basic cafeteria looking place, plastic tablecloths and fluorescent lights in a nice brick building with large windows onto the street. Located on a back street on Fort Hill, Boston behind the community College and Mosque. Always busy, but easy to get in. Food is Good comfort food. Chicken, lamb , meat, salads some dishes with nice African spices. Make sure you get the rice, full of all sorts of goodies and the hot tea is delish. Service is always quirky, Order at the counter and take a seat. The other patrons are mostly male from the nearby Mosque. Have eaten here and the food is always good.

I went here last weekend on July 25th for the first time and it was delicious. I got takeout since we're still in the pandemic but it was excellent. I got the chicken kabob dinner and it was a heaping portion but I gobbled it up for an early dinner and then finished it off later for a second dinner. The rice was to die for.

Wonderful food, friendly staff, loved it . My daughter and I were the only women, we were not made to feel uncomfortable. I left a tip for the staff, they immediately donated it, so not only the food is halal, so are the owners. We are made to feel like guests. Try the Somali tea (chai), delicious!! wasalaam

Delicious food but not the cleanest place! I mean, it's so dirty you might think that you're risking your life but then... The food is so good that it's worth the risk! It's also a "guys" hangout place, not a kid friendly or family atmosphere.

No frills, solid African/Halal food that just delivers. The lamb shank and biryani are the 2 items that must be ordered here. Its a good place to go if you just want to satisfy your craving and their location is pretty convenient. I would definitely go back if I am ever in the area.

Food was reasonable, well priced, rice was good, nice portions. But the one star is for the lamb shank being bland and the fact that I spent the whole next day on the toilet thanks to some food poisoning. The B review from the Health Department should have been a warning I guess, but I was feeling adventurous. Guess I learned my lesson. Eater beware.

What an awesome place! Friendly service, home cooked meal. We had chicken biryani, chicken kebob on salad and lamb on bone. Everything were very tasty, even the picky teenager was pleased. Portions were huge. The chai tea is the best I have ever had in Boston, nice and spicy. Definitely planning to come back to try the goat dish.

Please don't come here , we ordered goat meat they have given rice with goat meat but there were only bones , how come any body can eat a solid bone . And the rice quality is so less its a kids meal . Please don't go this restaurant at all

This is the place I go to when I don't want to cook but I want homemade food. Portion sizes are huge--my husband and I ordered a biryani combo platter with chicken and lamb and we were stuffed. The lamb is cooked well (not super tender or juicy but satisfying enough) and the chicken is marinated well so that it's super tasty! Be generous with the white sauce on the biryani--sooo good. Make sure you order their chai after the meal, so many spices enter your bones and you're just in a happy place for a while.

I love this Somali Restaurant. I ate Rice Lamb with Bone. Taste so good. This is the best Rice lamb with bone I ever eat in US so far. Want to go back but is far from Pittsburgh. I recommend to try this Bone Lamb, it's cook perfect.

Excellent food, and friendly service. We just ate there for the first time on Saturday, and we will return for sure! Make sure to try the spiced chai - which was so perfect on a cold, windy afternoon in Boston. Lamb platter was excellent, and the chicken kebab had excellent spices and flavor! Our kids really enjoyed the food and the rice pilaf that was served with it - and also enjoyed the company of other patrons who were watching the Arsenal v. Liverpool game that was on. We will be back again!

Great place if you like lamb and goat, as I do. Lamb biryani was delicious - large chunks of perfectly cooked lamb. Lamb shank fell off the bone - well cooked. And the goat was very flavorful as well. Very friendly crowd. A Somali woman introduced herself and told us about her tradition of eating bananas with the rice, and brought several bananas over to us! Very reasonably priced. We'll definitely return!