Jollof Rice King

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"You go to the Nigerian restaurant Jollof Rice King in Upper Kirby on a mission. A mission to stuff as much of the smoky, spiced jollof into your body as is physically possible. The spice from the suya skewers might turn your meal into mission impossible, but any of the malt drinks will help cool your tongue down enough to finish the job. The space is mostly just a counter with a few tables on the side, but truly, all you need to focus on is your plate of jollof rice. " - gianni greene, chelsea thomas

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"The debate of which West African country makes the best jollof rice will forever linger, and this Nigerian hotspot may help make up your mind. Browse the menu of rice dishes, soups, swallows, and tender meats, all costing under $20. An herbaceous traditional bowl of okra soup is the perfect place to start before diving into one of its signature plates, like the jollof rice or yam porridge, which are complimented with two pieces of meat or one portion of fish, with the option to add on chicken, oxtails, mackerel, beef, goat, or vegetarian options." - Sean Hekmat, Megha McSwain, Eater Staff

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Jollof Rice King - Review - Upper Kirby - Houston - The Infatuation

"Come to Jollof Rice King in Upper Kirby on a mission to stuff as much of the smoky, spiced jollof into your body as is physically possible. The spice from the suya skewers might turn your meal into mission impossible, but any of the malt drinks will help finish the job. The space is mostly just a counter with a few tables on the side. But the food here, especially the jollof and the suya, is why this place has crowned itself king. photo credit: Liz Silva photo credit: Liz Silva photo credit: Liz Silva photo credit: Liz Silva photo credit: Liz Silva Food Rundown photo credit: Liz Silva Beef Suya While the beef suya at Jollof Rice King is technically an appetizer, it could be its own meal. It’s served with a heap of smoky jollof rice and the suya is covered in crisp onions and doused in suya spice. photo credit: Liz Silva Meat Pie The meat pies are a staple appetizer at Jollof Rice King. And while we love the flaky crust, the filling leaves much to be desired, so feel free to skip these. photo credit: Liz Silva Jollof Rice Plate Jollof rice plates here are served with fried plantains, greens, and a choice of meat. We like to get the oxtail because it comes with a spicy tomato soup that we want to pour over everything." - Gianni Greene

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"Jollof Rice King is a fast-casual version of Taste of Nigeria, from the same owners. Try the coconut rice with stewed goat; the efo riro, a Nigerian spinach stew; and the jollof rice, a classic and beloved one-pot rice dish." - Lane Gillespie, Kayla Stewart

Pleasant Balogun

Google

I had an amazing experience at Jollof Rice King! The food was delicious and authentic, with generous portions that hit the spot. The jollof rice was perfectly cooked, and the sides complemented it beautifully. The staff was friendly and attentive, making the entire visit even better. If you’re craving African cuisine, this is definitely the place to go. Highly recommend it!

Chris Aikens

Google

My goodness, y'all need to hit this place up. Delicious and authentic food, helpful and friendly service. The Beef Pie is baking show winner quality, a crisp pastry around that packed in beef and seasoning... Fantastic. I got the Jollof Rice plate with chicken (spicy) and it was tasty to the max with enough spice to give the slow burn. Next time I will ask for more spice! Check their hours so you don't show up too early or on an off day. You will not be disappointed!

essien michael

Google

I stopped by Jollof Rice King the other day, and honestly, it was such a great experience. As soon as I walked in, the smell of the food had me excited. I got the jollof rice with plantains and suya, and everything was so good—the rice had the perfect spice, the plantains were just right, and the suya was amazing. The staff was super friendly and made me feel welcome, which made the whole experience even better. If you’re looking for really good Nigerian food, I’d definitely recommend checking this place out. You won’t regret it!

Olamide Iluku-Ayoola

Google

Jollof Rice King is hands down the best place to satisfy any craving for authentic West African flavors! The jollof rice is perfectly spiced and has that deep, smoky flavor that makes every bite unforgettable. I tried the chicken and plantain combo, and both were cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. The portions are generous, and you can tell they use fresh ingredients. The service was fantastic too! The staff were warm and welcoming, and the food came out quickly, despite the restaurant being quite busy. If you're a fan of jollof or just curious about trying West African food, this is the place to go. It’s a true gem, and I can’t wait to come back and explore more of their menu. Highly recommend

Caleb Oguntunde

Google

Deliciously rich and perfectly spiced, the jollof rice is an authentic taste of West Africa. Each grain is flavorful, with the right balance of heat and that signature smoky essence. Paired with tender chicken and sweet plantains, it’s a must-try for anyone craving genuine African cuisine. Generous portions and unbeatable flavor make this spot a true gem!

The Kollective

Google

Absolutely loved my experience at Jollof Rice King! The flavors were authentic, rich, and absolutely delicious. The jollof rice was perfectly spiced, and I could tell they use fresh, quality ingredients. I also tried the suya, which was tender and packed with flavor—an absolute must-try! The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the staff made me feel like family. If you're craving real Nigerian food, Jollof Rice King is the place to be. Can't wait to come back and try more dishes. Highly recommend!

damilola odunayo

Google

As a Nigerian, I know good jollof rice when I taste it, and Jollof Rice King does not disappoint! The rice is perfectly spiced, smoky, and cooked just the way it should be. Their portions are generous, and the meat (I got goat) was tender and flavorful. It felt like I was back home eating mama’s Sunday jollof. If you’re craving authentic Nigerian food, this is the place to go. Highly recommend!

Laura C

Google

I wasnt sure what to expect because reviews seemed so mixed but our meal was solid and will definitely be coming back! I got the chicken with coconut rice and plantains and greens, and the chicken pie and Vita Malt. My friend got the jollof rice with either goat or oxtail (not sure) and he liked his food too. The young lady who works there was super sweet also. Definitely worth checking out!

Mesinze K.

Yelp

Have an amazing time with my friend we were expecting to get a small portion of food, but both of our food was plenty. The place was quiet. The service was quick and the servers were really nice and receptive.

Daxton J.

Yelp

Oh baby no. 1. I called and made my order, I even got a text that it was ready. Okay great. 2. I get there and I did t see my order, he just immediately wanted me to pay without checking out my food, granted I called at 8:11 they close at 9. 3. I was already on FaceTime with a friend so I was just showing the food vs. Tasting it. YALL, The rice had a BURNT SMOKEY TASTE. B U R N T AF! & I happen to take a full bite of the rice. Instantly pissed. I'm like okay let me try the chicken. I bite in it, it was like a fried consistency on the skin buuuut I could see the HUGE amount of oil in the bowl and I do mean HUGE amount of oil. Almost threw up. Now let's get to the fishy Spinach, WHY in the world did my Spinach taste like a catfish's back from the sea. Of the Pacific Ocean. Needless to say only thing that was good was the plantain. Everything was oily,Smoky, and fishy. It's a never again for me. I called at 8:58 to tell the cashier I'll be there in the afternoon to discuss my experience and get a refund because no. Idk if it's because I was towards the end of the night but burnt tasting jollof rice, I've never had.

Alicia M.

Yelp

First time trying this location and the food was great! Jollof rice was delicious the spinach was tasty as well. Chicken was juicy and flavorful and the meat pies were my favorite. Customer service was friendly and food was fresh and came out in like 20 min. Location was clean with pretty of seating

Carol C.

Yelp

Great location and friendly staff. The restaurant has plenty of seating and is very clean. The food though, is OKAY. The beef skewers was really dry and ox tail was so tough and chewy. It almost wasn't enjoyable too eat. The hollow rice was good though and the regular beef was the best choice. Ox tails would've been so good if it was tender. They also weren't accepting cash, which isn't a huge issue. Just keep that in mind before coming.

Enaefe Z.

Yelp

First visit here in search of some good Nigerian good. It took close to an hour for my food to be ready. No update was provided while I waited. I had to keep asking and it seemed like I was a bother. Ordered meat pie while I waited. The meat pie wasn't tasty at all. It lacked flavor. Upon getting home, the rice that I waited an hour for also lacked flavor. No reason why for a hefty price tag, my food had no seasoning. I will not be returning.

Michael C.

Yelp

I ordered the Spicy Chicken / Jollof Rice Meal this Thursday evening. It was very delicious, comforting and full of multiple flavors. The chicken quarter was nicely spiced with an ideal amount of heat, juicy with some outer crisp and very tasty with that unique aroma they give it. The Jollof rice was very tasty, moist and very satisfying with the rest and great all on its own like the chicken. It was very savory, pretty smoky in flavor profile combined with a little heat to it. The kale was juicy and tasty with a mild spice in it. The little fried plantains were very tasty, sweet, fresh, crispy on the outside with a soft middle and were also like a mini dessert contrasting the bold carb and protein sects of this dish. The service was both friendly and efficient. Great little cafe.

Alicia N.

Yelp

The food is good, but it's already cooked and just heated. I don't know if they make anything fresh to order. The lack of customer service is why I won't go back.

Chi A.

Yelp

Jollof Rice King lives up to its name because the jollof rice is probably one of the most tastiest jollof I've ever had. It's very comparable to party jollof. I ate here two days in a row and each time, the food was great. The staff was pleasant both times and they were very patient with all the questions I asked. While I didn't dine in, they have lots of space for folks who want to sit indoors. Now the reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because of the price. Now I know the food is good but $10 for a side of plantain is absolute madness. Even the snail being $25 is crazy but the side of plantain got me. The food is great but be ready to spend!

Jojuane P.

Yelp

3.5. (because of the rice and spinach). Def not a 4. I really liked the Jollof rice and the spinach. If you're going to tax me for basically two fatty oxtails that weren't trimmed and barely had any meat, the oxtails should be cooked. They were undercooked and so tough that I gave up. I'd go back, but I'm buying Jollof rice only.

Katherine H.

Yelp

I wish the people selling the product could better explain anything. It's OKAY if you don't eat African food regularly. Oil is expected in the cooking process and collects at the top so you mix or tilt the pan and collect the goods. Who ever is scooping the servings to paying customers should be ashamed. The place needs better ventilation- while waiting 30min for your food when you leave you smell of fried food. We won't be coming back but appreciate the attempt. Consistency must be accomplished before going into restaurant business .

James S.

Yelp

Amazing dinner. The Jollof rice was amazing and the beef stew was so flavorful. Would highly recommend whether you've never had Nigerian food or just missing the taste of home. Can be considered a bit spicy if you're not used to it, so be mindful of your spicy level tolerance.

Brianna C.

Yelp

I loved the jollof rice! The plaintain and spinach was great too. The oxtails were inedibly fatty, VERY tough, and just had little meat all together. I would not recommend. I also tried the mackerel which was delicious and the stew sauce was great too. We had the beef and chicken meat pie and the pastry dough was delicious. The dine-in is no frills, but comfortable. There were quite a few pick-up and delivery orders. The person at the counter was pleasant and patient while we decided what to order. Our total came out to $70 for 2 rice plates, 2 Patties and 2 soft drinks and that's really high in my opinion.

Art D.

Yelp

Nice food. Parking is a challenge this is a pick up to go only not dine in. There are two parking spots in front of the restaurant. I have tried to check this place out several times and every time I would come by it was closed, during the hours it said it was open. IJS. As for service well not much of that just take your order and push the food in front of you once it is ready to go. As for the food, now that was pretty good. If the food was not as good as it was I would not recommend nor go back again. I had the pepper soup goat. fish, chicken and something else but it was all excellent. Now a bit pricy but everywhere is these days. I will give it another try and recommend it as well.

Quinn K.

Yelp

I'm so happy I found this place, it's the best African food I've had in Houston. I think they deserve way more attention, the food is amazing and very well priced for the portion sizes. The restaurant is located in a strip mall and the inside is basic, modest and clean. I love spicy soups with greens so I got the bitter leaf soup with rice on the side and it was absolutely perfect. Hot but not too hot, super flavorful and soo satisfying; I usually can eat a ton but I had to get a to go box for more than half cause there was just so much food. The service was quick and polite too. I will definitely be returning and highly recommend this place.

Kourtney H.

Yelp

There aren't many options for African food on this side of town. This restaurant is really all we need. Everything is delicious, but, the hours aren't consistent. I wanted to order yesterday around 6pm. But they were showing closed on Door Dash. Not sure if that's accurate but I was disappointed. If you can catch them when they're open all the flavors were full and fresh. I had Goat Egusi w/ yam swallow and plantains. My friends had several other entrees and no one was disappointed. Looking forward to more menu items soon.

Victoria L.

Yelp

This is not a review of the food. I'm not even sure they actually sell food. I have been trying to visit this place for months and they are always closed (despite the hours on the door). I arrived just as they were opening (it was 11:55, they unlocked the door) and they told me they weren't open yet and to come back in 4 minutes then shooed me out the door. I patiently waited outside in the Houston heat until it was after 12 (12:03) to let them finish setting up and then went back inside. I was ignored. No one said "we'll be right with you" or "sorry for the delay". No one even looked at me. The three people I saw working inside were not interested in my business. So I left. It was 12:08 at this point. After at least 6 attempts to come here, I'm done trying. TL;DR: they're often closed and when they're open they ignore customers.

Mahwish S.

Yelp

Ordered carry out because I was in the area and love me some African food! Their portion of rice is very generous! With two pieces of meat I was able to make this into two meals. I loved the spice! Saved my sweet plantains for last as a mini dessert. I enjoyed the food!

Joiya A.

Yelp

Finally tried this place out and it did not disappoint! I had been craving egusi and fufu again after trying it for the first time the past weekend. This place was way closer to me and o had driven by it numerous times but never tried it. I ordered over the phone and it was ready when I arrived. Service was great employees were great. It's a small restaurant but enough room to dine in if you choose. TVs as well. Clean. I ordered the egusi soup with fufu and oxtails. They came in three separate containers which I actually liked rather it all be mixed together. Food was hot and delicious! I hate I hadn't tried them before.

Carmel H.

Yelp

After reading the reviews I thought for sure I made the right choice to eat here. BOY WAS I WRONG!! First hiccup was they had no more chicken for your meat option and NO fufu (pounded yam) for the swallow option. So we ordered 2 Jollof rice with beef. Secondly, we waited 30 minutes to get our food and when delivered they only delivered one order. So after another 20 minutes I asked the young lady what was the status of the order. She stated it's on its way.... We ordered the same thing why would it not be made at the same time. Thirdly, after an additional 20 minutes of waiting the waitress came out with 2 orders (huh)!?? I had already got my order so I thought but nope the man from the back brought me out someone else's order and when I told the lady about it she TOLD ME... well you must have told him that was what you wanted. REALLY???! I told her I only placed our orders with you and she said "I know. But he brought you this". We were so confused so I asked to speak to the young man that gave me the first order. He simply stated there was a mix up with the order she placed and that we would not be charged for it. COOL. Lastly, when I tell you the beef was harder than beef jerky and it was so crunchy we spit it out and couldn't eat it. Sadly we took our rice to go and left the beef on the plate. But I let her see how hard the beef was and she just stated sorry. Another customer came over to our table and to ask about the beef (she saw our reaction) and immediately changed her order. I have had this cuisine many times at different restaurants and this by far was my worst experience. If this would have been my first time I for sure would have never tried it again AWFUL!! Zero stars!!!

Theresa B.

Yelp

Meat was dry and chewy even though it was in a sauce...it was my first time there and I just wanted some good African food. The rice was decent.

Rachel K.

Yelp

Jolly Rice King? More like Jolly Rice Disaster. The cashier was a strange creature, unable to tell me what was in stock or what certain items were. She had to ask the cook for help and it was clear that they were more than just colleagues, with their lovey-dovey behavior. To top it off, we were constantly interrupted by a customer who kept cutting in line to grab a menu and then put it back. My fiancé and I had enough and left before even ordering

Evbayoboru A.

Yelp

I only order jollof rice from this spot and it is always good! Not a big fan of the way they make there oxtails and chicken. The service is okay.

Wilson O.

Yelp

This is the worst African restaurant ever. I ordered amala with vegetable soup it came with beef, beef tripe(shaki) and cow skin(ponmon). it was a piece of garbage. Beef tripe was so hard you can not take a bite, even to cut through with knife, same thing with the cow skin(ponmon) harder than a rock. I called the waitress attention to it only to remove them without replacements. Nothing was done to at least compensate for it. And I still paid full amount for the meal. My wife ordered jolly rice it tastes like shit. Please stay away from this Restaurant they can't cook and too pricey for African restaurant. A plate of jolly rice and amala costs nearly $70.00. I will not recommend this Restaurant for my DOG! I USUALLY DON'T DO THIS BUT I COULDN'T STAND BY AND LET THIS RESTAURANT RUINED IT FOR THE REST OF THE AFRICAN RESTAURANTS OUT THERE. I HOPE THE OWNER GET A BETTER COOK SOONER THAN LATER!!!

Marlenne M.

Yelp

It's concerning to know that if my food was returned due to an issue, that they will resell it to a different customer. Please beware as you could be eating someone else's incorrect food. The customer service is horrible. Would not recommend!!

Nicole S.

Yelp

My boyfriend and I had been thinking of trying Nigerian cuisine for a while and finally stopped by for dinner. The owner was extremely helpful and patient while she explained the menu to us and made recommendations for us to consider. We found the food to be well prepared and flavorful. The service was good, the food unique and tasty, and the overall experience was positive. We will be back!

Kirsten M.

Yelp

This place is pretty good every time I go. It seems like you may get more food if you dine in rather than ordering to go, but the dining area is small and can accommodate at most, 10 people. Nonetheless, the stew & jollof is always consistent and the egusi is usually hit or miss for me (still good, but lacks the extra love they usually add) . The food is really good more times than not. Service isn't terrible, but just offer some grace as they can be understaffed or extremely busy at times. I usually ask how their day has been and it seems to go a long way, so I haven't had a rude encounter.

Loan T.

Yelp

We placed an order over the phone and when we got there, no one knew what we ordered. Then we had to reorder our food while trying to talk to someone who was clearly having a handover. The guy had a big knot on the side of his face like he just got into a fight the night before. A guy from the back then came out and took our order and we had to wait an additional 30-40 mins after ordering on the phone already. Food was average and the all the protein was so chewy like it was reheated over and over. Horrible experience. And just like the review from another young lady, no one greeted us or was interested in our service at all. Don't waste your time at this place.

Jennifer M.

Yelp

Everything was sold out. They only had two chicken pies so we got that. Its was delicious. I would definitely come here again to get more chicken pies

Loan T.

Yelp

I was only there for a pick up but the guy came out with a big knot on his head like someone hit him last night. Didn't know what my order was and had to reorder again. Food was amazing tho.

Pooja N.

Yelp

Okay food and not great service. They are not polite but the chicken is pretty good. The okra soup was SO SPICY which was fine but also very slimy. They also run out of stuff pretty often - they didn't have scotch egg when I ordered at 5PM. For swallows I liked the pounded yam though.

Shawn F.

Yelp

Want to start off by saying, food taste great. I ordered Egusi Soup and Pounded Yam (Fufu) and it was my first time trying it, and without knowing what it was going to taste like. It's got a nice little kick to it which I like. I order mine with some beef and the beef was nice and tender. The restaurant was nice and clean, decorations were nice, and everyone who was in there seemed to be enjoying the food, I called ahead and ordered my food to go. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because when I did call to put my order in I had to call twice because I was out in hold for awhile, so I hung up the phone, and then when I called again I felt like I was being rushed, I mean it was my first time ordering the food I wanted to make sure I ordered the right thing. Overall the food was good, interior was nice, and the service needs a little more courtesy. Don't mean to sound all sensitive, just would like proper customer service.

Caitlin R.

Yelp

I adore Nigerian food and jollof rice in particular, and this is a great neighborhood spot. I've tried the chicken, oxtail, croaker fish, and the egusi soup with fufu. All have been phenomenal, and with good sized portions that are shareable! The only thing I would have loved is for the oxtail portion to have been a bit bigger. Other than that, the food and service is fantastic. I crave jollof rice at least a couple times a month, so I will always be a devoted customer!

Michael T.

Yelp

Wow. Great food and nice people Enough people that I have enough to last today. Really good I will definitely be back.

Chi A.

Yelp

The food and customer service is great! I have tried the okro soup, pepper soup w/goat, jollof rice, moin moin, and beef suya. Just writing this review is making me hungry lol. Most likely going to visit them today!

B D.

Yelp

I am a fan of Nigerian food. The flavors were new and incredible. However, the wait is long and hence the four and not a 5 - this is not a quick meal. Everything is made fresh.

Henry R.

Yelp

Straight over priced for what you get. I ordered tripe and meat was in big chucks and super tough. Also ordered ox tail and all i got was three pieces, two small and one extra large chunk of meat with excess fat and again, very tough. I will definitely not be trying anything else here.

adam d.

Yelp

Scrumptious, got suya extra spicy and Jollof, gonna go back to try more items ... vs suya hut? I give it a 9/10

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