Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD

African restaurant · Beltsville

Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD

African restaurant · Beltsville

2

10800 Rhode Island Ave Suite N, Beltsville, MD 20705

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Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by Swahili Village [official]
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null
Swahili Village - Beltsville, MD by null

Highlights

Kenyan goat stew, collard greens, rice & cornmeal mash  

Featured on Michelin
Featured in Eater

10800 Rhode Island Ave Suite N, Beltsville, MD 20705 Get directions

swahilivillages.com

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

Information

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10800 Rhode Island Ave Suite N, Beltsville, MD 20705 Get directions

+1 240 965 7651
swahilivillages.com
SwahiliVillageMaryland

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Sep 1, 2025

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@michelinguide

Black-Owned MICHELIN Guide Restaurants in the US

"Expect a span of East African flavors that extend beyond the Kenyan roots of Chef/owner Kevin Onyona. The Swahili Basket is a great way to sample such apps as samosas and bhajias (vegetable fritters) served with a lethal pilipili sauce." - The MICHELIN Guide

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/features/black-owned-michelin-guide-restaurants-in-the-us
View Postcard for Swahili Village Bar & Restaurant
@eater

15 Options for Takeout and Delivery In Prince George’s County | Eater DC

"This Kenyan restaurant draws African diplomats and bankers to Beltsville with grilled or stewed chicken, beef, goat, and fish dishes that incorporate influences from India and the Arabian peninsula. Chef-owner Kevin Onyona opened a downtown D.C. location a week before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down most business in the District. — Gabe Hiatt" - Tim Ebner

https://dc.eater.com/maps/15-options-for-takeout-and-delivery-in-prince-georges-county
View Postcard for Swahili Village Bar & Restaurant

Diablo Loco

Google
The food is expensive but delicious. They could improve their customer service by paying more attention to customers' needs. However, the atmosphere is great, and the noise level is manageable. If not for the service, I would give it a 5-star rating.

Theo de Jager

Google
Many years ago I went to their previous location on Rt. 1 and I loved the food. Their current spot is a little more hidden away, but I'm happy to report that the food is still great and the interior of the restaurant is much nicer than before. The regular menu isn't cheap, but the smaller lunch menu offers a good deal: a choice of meat (chicken, beef, or goat) and two sides. I had the grilled goat with ugali and chapati. The meat was delicious and done just right and the ugali wasn't dry. You could also see that the kitchen made an effort with the presentation of the food on the plate: everything looked as good as it tasted. This place has a more formal vibe than other African restaurants in our area - many of which focus mostly on a lunchtime crowd - and would be a great dinner option. It also has a fairly extensive wine list featuring several decent South African labels. Go check it out!

Dereck yang

Google
The waitor Adam was very friendly and helpful. The appetizers were nice, the chicken wings were crispy and juicy. The group platter had a decent portion and I liked the grilled goat. Although slightly salty, it feels just right if eating with the rice. Would recommend asking for their hot sauce!

Malkia Ra

Google
I'd heard good things about this place, so I was excited to visit. We were seated right away on a Friday night and the place wasn't too crowded, always a plus. Our waiter, Gabriel, was friendly and attentive, for the most part. We started with the samosas; $9.50 for only 2 pieces of small beef turnovers. I had the salmon salad, $25; standard portion-size, certainly not generous. $6 for warm pink lemonade, no ice. Everything was good, but nothing "wowed" me. While dining, we were ambushed by a photographer who insisted on taking our picture. I was under the impression maybe it was for the restaurant's marketing; no, she was a vendor hustling her services to restaurant patrons. I found it extremely tacky that a restaurant would allow this. That said, considering this and the gross markup of their menu, unfortunately I would not return.

Jershel Johnson

Google
This was the best restaurant food I've had in a long time...so full of flavor. My husband and I shared our plates and tore everything up! The drinks were also very good. We'll definitely be back.

Brad Orme

Google
Came for a business lunch and got one of the large shared platters and some samosas to get started. All the food was excellent and flavorful. Service was friendly and food came out quickly. Highly recommend for a new world of flavor

Abigail Smith

Google
Service We came to Swahili Kitchen for a date, excited because Kenya is one of my favorite places after traveling there. We were seated quickly, though it took a little while for our order to be taken. Once the waiter came, they were very helpful in guiding us through the menu and recommending dishes. Taste We ordered the Nyoma Choma special, which came with shrimp, greens, and jollof rice, as well as the lamb chops served with chapati and rice. Both dishes were absolutely delicious! The flavors were authentic, and the serving sizes were generous--enough for leftovers the next day. Ambiance The ambiance is lovely, with a cozy yet vibrant feel. The music selection complemented the experience perfectly, adding to the cultural vibe. The restaurant caters to both small and large groups, as we saw a party of about 20 people in a separate section enjoying themselves. Recommendation Swahili Kitchen is a gem, whether you're on a date or dining with friends. The food is flavorful, the portions are satisfying, and the prices are reasonable, especially given the ambiance and location. Definitely worth visiting again!

Jacob Bellicouse

Google
We heard the one in DC was really good so we came to this location because it was closer to us. Big mistake. There were flies everywhere. The service was horrendous. We were blatantly discriminated against. We came at a later hour and honestly did not feel safe eating here. There was someone passed out in the middle of the parking lot right outside the restaurant. A lot of the food is microwaved. They have a window into the kitchen and you can watch them microwaving plates of food. That’s why you see in previous reviews that the fries are soggy.
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Stephanie H.

Yelp
Placed a carry out order online Food was delicious!! Portion was massive and well worth to the price paid. Even though I waited for my order in the front entrance way, the ambiance was nice. Very family friendly atmosphere.
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Genie F.

Yelp
OMG!!!! I am ashamed admit that this is my very first time at Swahili?! How on earth as a loud and proud, real African American is this my 1st visit to Swahili?!! Perhaps it's because I heard about my girl Jordan! Jordan the bartender is the bomb.com!! Great music, great suya and the service is good. We were lucky to secure seats at the bar, before it was jammed packed by 11pm. If you have a larger party, make reservations!
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Marcus W.

Yelp
AMAZING experience. First time trying an African restaurant and it was one of my best experiences with food overall. Friendly staff, great service, our waiter was phenomenal. Felt like family soon as we sat down. Everyone checked on us, and our waiter explained the menu thoroughly. Got the appetizer basket and the Suya dish I have pictured. We WILL definitely be back, they need to open one in VA but will burn gas to get back in there.
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Madeleine O.

Yelp
Swahili Village is always a 10/10 for me Unfortunately, I had to give this visit 4 stars because the service wasn't amazing. Nonetheless, the food is always a hit! The drinks took FOREVER to come. We got our appetizer before the drinks even came out. Whenever I go, the wings are a must. They are so flavorful and the sauce is delicious. I got the mbuzi mchuzi w jollof and spinach for my entree and it was yummy. The portions size is huge. My man got suya, pilau and plantain and he enjoyed it. We also got a side of the delicious chapati. I love the vibe of the restaurant and the afrobeats music that plays. Overall a great restaurant to try out
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Tiffany D.

Yelp
I've had food from here on several occasions. I enjoyed my dine-in experience, but I get food to go more often. GLOWS: -The food travels well. They pack everything up so that it doesn't leak. - I like the red snapper, but I enjoy the tilapia more. The red snapper is a good alternative to deep fried fish -Grilled wings were quite tasty. GROWS: -I don't care for the greens much. I'll try cabbage next time -The plantains are very greasy. The oil could be strained off a little better. -I wish their tilapia had different preparations. All of the fish comes deep fried, which is very heavy.
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Kiana M.

Yelp
One of my favorite restaurants! The food is amazing!!! After 9, the DJ comes in and that's when the party begins! Great music and service is good. Normally I sit at the bar, but decided to dine in. Bar gets crowded after 10pm. If you have a larger party, make reservations!
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Brisje G.

Yelp
I love Swahili!! This is my second time to this location and the food never disappoints. This place is a whole vibe. The ambiance is cozy & nice with a great selection of music. The food I ordered the first time I came about 4 yrs ago was so rememberable I wanted it again this time. I ordered the flaming margarita for my cocktail. It was balanced nicely. For dinner I chose the beef stew. The entrees come with two sides so I got Jollof rice and fried sweet plantains. Everything is so so good. The spices and flavors paired beautifully. The beef was so tender. I will def be back and it won't be in a few years! Excited to try more.

Mia G.

Yelp
Customer service for takeout orders is disgustingly poor. It needs ALOT of work and it's brought down the general rating of this place. Cierra (Ciara, or however her name is spelled) is so rude on the phone. She lacks patience when it comes to dealing with older individuals who have a hard time hearing and her tone is condescending. Whoever is the manager in Beltsville needs to look into hiring empathetic employees that actually care about customer service.
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Darren T.

Yelp
Was invited here for happy hour. First time having Samosa's & I'm now hooked. The grilled wings were also . Ordered extra for both to-go. Service was cool (bartender was heavy handed with the wine
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Eunice I.

Yelp
I prefer this location over the DC one. It's a bit more spacious and less loud music. I went on a Friday night a couple weekends ago, and had a great time with my boyfriend. As usual, their plates are large and it's enough to take some home. I ordered the beef stew with jollof and a side of spinach. My boyfriend ordered the grilled chicken with a side of spinach and collards. Everything was tasty, and it had a nice presentation. There was a side spice condiment that was definitely on the hotter side, so I had to make use of my water. I did order a cocktail--can't remember which one, but it definitely had me feeling nice, so would recommend it. The service was pretty good. Our waitress checked in on us a few times to make sure we are good. We are excited to come back again!!
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Gabriel C.

Yelp
Ordered take out via uber eats, so not sure who to blame here, but the order I received was just slightly incorrect - I got a different side than what I ordered. However, grilled lamb was delicious, the rice was surprisingly very well seasoned, but instead of the collard beans I got mashed potato and peas.
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Kim W.

Yelp
Oh wow the food was so good. The sambusa was to die for. I mean finger licking good. The beef stew was tender and succulent; so well seasoned. The spinach the spinach. I've never had better spinach in all my life. Plus the place is a vibe. Music was good and the staff was super accommodating and friendly. Can't wait to return.
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Scott M.

Yelp
I have eaten here several times and the food is expertly prepared and extremely flavorful. The staff is well versed in the food and how it is prepared, they are friendly and are always clean and well dressed. The star of the show is anything on the menu and make sure you order a to-go dinner to take with you, you will thank me after.
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Cindy S.

Yelp
I will definitely be back here again when in Maryland. We don't have one of these in the 757 and that makes me sad but I was glad to try this authentic Kenyan food. We did call and make reservations as it was 5 of us in our party. The food was fresh and simply put delicious. I had the salmon, joloff rice and fried plantains. My daughter had their fried wings and fries. Sister and nieces had some type of spicy very tasty beef tips with salmon bites, Buffalo wings and other sides. This was a great place for families and parties as we noticed a family had the front room booked and we heard happy Birthday being sung. Very clean establishment and clean bathrooms and that's important for me as well as the food. There was also a photographer taking pictures of the patrons and the photos came with a nice glass frame for $20. Thank you for an awesome outing experience.
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Dani F.

Yelp
The food Gods have spoken and it is Swahili Village. Usually, when you hear about a popular place on social media, the food is not that great, or the ambience is lacking or, or, or-I am sincerely glad to say this spot is absolutely worth the hype! We were greeted immediately and sat in Nigel's section where he quickly introduced himself and grabbed some water with lemon. We ordered drinks while contemplating food and whew - they are NOT shy with the liquor. One drink is plenty! We started with the Swahili basket which had the potatoes, sausage and samosa. That samosa was one of the t I have EVER HAD - honestly & truly. For entrees, we settled on the salmon with jollof rice and premium side of the red beans. The food is super intense and packed with flavor. All that being said, the red beans make you want to kiss the chef. The other entree was the chicken curry which also was delish and salty but in the most perfect way - IYKYK! And with that dosh the sides were the other rice option (forgot to try it) and the the spinach - also delish. The food is thick and heavy and sits in your stomach well with plenty to take home for leftovers. Beyond all of that though is the service provided by Nigel. He was welcoming, answered our many questions and gave great suggestions. I could happily see myself celebrating an event at this beautiful spot with the delish food and hella strong drinks.
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Andrew P.

Yelp
Surprised I didn't write about this spot back when I went! My friend and I were catching up for the first time in a looong while, and decided to give this spot a shot. It's in Beltsville off of Rhode Island Ave in a plaza with K(orean)FC, a bakery, a beauty shop and more. They have a second location in DC, that I still haven't been to! The restaurant is... nothing short of a vibe! One side is lots of tables, and the other is a full bar area with surrounding high tables. I'm not sure what their latest is on happy hour, but at the time they didn't have it. My friend and I shared wings & samosas, which were delicious and flavorful, and I had the Homeland cocktail... which is kind of like a long island with mango in it. It was wonderful! Drinks were noticeably expensive for the area, so I do wonder if they ever brought back the happy hour. Either way, it was a total vibe and I'm long overdue to return!
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Tania A.

Yelp
I'm literally yet to find someone who doesn't love the food at Swahili Village! There is literally something on the menu for every dietary requirement... Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, veggie free etc. etc. I've been visiting this first location for the last 6 years and never been disappointed. I usually have the samaki wanazi (whole grilled fish with this amazing coconut sauce), or the nyama choma (diced beef in THE most amazing aromatic sauce)... but during my last visit I ventured out and tried their lamb chops & my friend had the oxtails!!! Yummm yummm yummm We sat at the bar, which meant the service was literally perfect! Their mixologist was super personable, attentive and helped us choose the drinks we wanted - because there was a great selection to decide from. Whether it's a family outing, date night, solo meal or night out with the girls or the lads - Swahili Village in Beltsville is a great option. At certain times there's also a live DJ... So, if it's a quick bite or just a few drinks - this is also a great choice.
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Emoni S.

Yelp
Couple friends and I went to the movies and decided to grab food after. We all love an African cuisine so I decided to let's go to Swahili Village. We were in the Beltsville area so it was only right to come here, this was also our first time here. I've heard great things about this location as well as the DC one and they did not disappoint. It was not busy at all and we were seated right away. The ambiance is really cute and cozy and we had no complaints. The table did have a paper covering I'm not sure if that was a place mat or it was just easier to clean, a bit strange but we ordered our drinks. We ordered-- wine, and 2 cocktails. My cocktail was cute and huge almost too heavy for the actual glass, but it was pretty good. I started off with the beef Samosas--it came with a spicy sauce and a sweet chili sauce. I recommend to mix the sauces together, the spicy one was extremely spicy literally was panting like a dog lol. We placed the order and 2 of us got the beef Suya, plantains and jollof rice. Now I was a bit weary to order the jollof rice and it was ok, but not bad. My friend ordered the beef stew, plantains and chapati. She absolutely loved her dish. I tasted a bit of the stew and it was seasoned very well. The service was great and overall we had a nice experience here. We also met the manager and he was telling us about the other locations and how they came about. I will absolutely be back to try the DC location. Check it out, it'll be worth it!
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Whitney B.

Yelp
BABYYYYYY?!?! This is some of the best food I've had in a long time and I eat everyday lol. I've been dying to go here for a while, so I'm happy that I had time to eat here while I was out in MD. Reservations weren't available and the place was packed, but my friend and I still managed to make it happen. The place was a vibe!!! It was packed and everyone seemed so happy. The energy was on 1000!! I liked the decor and service was good. Our waiter was very attentive and gave us good recommendations. My friend had the tilapia with plantain and rice. I had the lamb chops with plantain, jollof, and cabbage -- EVERYTHING WAS SO GOOD!! Like, good is an understatement. It was simply AMAZING, definitely a party in my mouth. We also had mango mojitos and they were good drinks too! Y'all, I'm going back for sure!! 10/10!! They did not miss!!

Peter K.

Yelp
The cuisine is passable, but the ambiance feels like a perpetual Friday. The restaurant is stylish, but be prepared to break the bank. While catching up with my friend, the bill caught us off guard. I couldn't fathom taking a date there.lol
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Karley H.

Yelp
Great food and service. Dined in on a Friday evening. Arrived around 7 and was able to get seated immediately. This was my first time here and was pleasantly surprised. I had the Swahili Basket, red snapper with jollof and kachumbari and got goat soup to go. I'm actually just eating the goat soup now which prompted me to leave this review. It's so good. All the food was delicious. I did not care for the texture of the sausage that came with the basket but the flavor is good. I'm a texture person so this is no fault of the restaurant. I also ordered the homeland cocktail and sparking water and was advised they were out of the bottled sparkling water. I opted for club soda out of the soda gun instead. A $5 club soda...I wasn't prepared for that, especially once I found out the bottle was $7 and seemed like a better deal but whatever. I ended up sending the cocktail back because it tasted like cough syrup to me. Again, no fault of them, I just didn't like it. Great service from Kwame, too. Will definitely return.
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Tosin O.

Yelp
Where do I begin! This place was on my to-visit list and I finally made it in. When my party arrived we were greeted with a smile and seated fairly quickly by the hostess. The ambiance was nice. Our waiter BRANDON WAS AMAZING! He took our order, answered our questions about the menu, made recommendations and had a keen sense of humor. The food was very good, umm very very good. I don't know what I was expecting but I was very satisfied. A member of my party requested the manger to say how pleased we was with our waiter. When the manger arrived to our surprise it was the same lady we witnessed around greeting people and making sure everyone was alright. The staff is definitely a reflection of her leadership. I will definitely be back , waiter Brandon and manager Ada please keeping being amazing!
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La-Kia K.

Yelp
Hubby gets a gold star yet again for finding the best place to eat. It was packed with several people either at the bar, the private dining area, as well as large group in celebratory mood. We were able to be seated immediately upon check-in, and taken to our table which was hard to get to since the tables were packed close together. The host advised once the food arrives to our table we have only an hour to dine. You have to scan a barcode to review the menu, I had a hard time with the barcode, but thankful for our server who helped me settle on my food choice. Hubby ordered the Nyama Mchuzi (choice of sides of Mokimo and Pilau) and I ordered the Nyama Kaanga (choice of sides of collard greens and jallof rice) , along with plantains and Chapati as an extra side. both beef dishes. We also ordered a samosa as an appetizer. The food hands down was soooooo good! But don't take me word for it, go try it out.

William J.

Yelp
Had the pleasure of being here for my cousins birthday party. We had a private area to ourselves which was slightly less noisy. They had a DJ playing music but it didn't disturb our dinner. The service was really good and the food was amazing. Very nice size portions. We were here during the weekend so maybe it's less crowded and busy. They possibly don't play music as much. The huge downside to this place is the parking. The parking is horrible since it shares space with an entire shopping center. One business close by is a laundromat. So just keep that in mind when coming here. Though IT IS worth the trip.
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Jeanette G.

Yelp
I'm always skeptical when I see too many good reviews, but this place is the TRUTH. Hands down the best meal I've had in a restaurant in YEARS. This was my first time trying African cuisine and I was curious to see how it would compare to Caribbean cuisine since the dishes appear to be very similar. OMG! The seasoning, the flavors, so rich and complex, I wasn't just having a meal, I was having an experience. And don't get me started on the coconut cake. Amazing. Stopped in for lunch on a Saturday. We were attended to by Sean. He made us feel special, walked us through the menu, made suggestions, checked on us. Best service I've had in a long time. In short, I have already recommended this restaurant to a number of friends and I can't wait to go back. My only complaint is that leftovers smelled so good when I got home my college kid took it up herself to help herself to my food. I was madder than the mad hatter!
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Min Z.

Yelp
Located in an off street shopping center and claims to offer a true taste of Kenya. It is a bar and restaurant, quite spacious inside. It looked nice and organized, peaceful and quiet atmosphere, outstanding service. Only QR code menu available. The waitress was very kind and patient when answering my questions about ingredients; she made some good suggestions. The prices were inexpensive and the portions were big. We enjoyed our meal and would definitely come back again. We ordered: 4*Swahili basket-- a combination of beef samosa, fried potato slices called bhajia, and Kenyan sausage: I loved the sweet and spicy sauce. Everything tasted better with it. 3*Goat stew (no sides): generous portion, the stew was very tasty and we didn't waste a drop. The meat could have cooked a bit longer and tender. Some pieces were too grisly to chew. 4*Goat Suya: goat was cooked with authentic Kenyan spices and sautéed with onions. The portion was big and the meat was tender and easy to chew. I took the advice and replaced bread with spinach which was sautéed in coconut milk. It tasted rich. Cornmeal mash Ugali was plain and no taste by itself. It was rather soft. I should have replaced it with more flavorful plantain. It was still a very good dish. I liked it.
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Benny B.

Yelp
The food was excellent. I loved every dish I tried on the menu. The jollof wasn't West African but it was decent. Best lamb chops I've had in a long time. The food came out quickly too. Good food and prompt service. The only thing I saw that could be improved is the wait staff checking up more frequently. It was a Saturday night though and the space is kinda tight. Overall it's good to go
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Morena A.

Yelp
Fun place to catch a vibe, the music was entertaining. Be prepared to get up and move your body. The food is delicious, large selection to choose from. Staff were attentive. Tons of street parking available.
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Pat M.

Yelp
Very good food , goat meat stew and jollof rice with plantains Service was good the place wasn't crowded so food and drinks came out pretty fast Red snapper was tasty !! Definitely will go back on the weekend to check out the DJ
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Monae S.

Yelp
My coworker who originally hails from Kenya treated me to lunch at Swahili Village. I parked in the large parking lot that the restaurant is located in no problem. The signage led me right into this spacious restaurant. When I came in, I washed my hands and give the cleanliness of the bathroom 2 thumbs up. As soon as I sat down the server came over and got us started with drinks. She then returned and patiently helped me struggle through my order as I wasn't too sure what some of the items were. My food came out and looked, smelled, and tasted amazing. I ordered the goat stew with jollof and cabbage. The goat was so tender and the stew itself was perfectly seasoned. I ate it all and it was a hefty portion. Although I did not pay, i would gladly return and try again paying in full. Overall I would recommend as the food was delicious and the restaurant itself is quite nice.
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Ron H.

Yelp
Service sucks just set it and forget it really why am I waiting 15 mins before service and the restaurant not even full, and why can't I get a refill
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Amy W.

Yelp
Don't let the outside of this place fool. The inside is beautiful. Most of the food was great. Bhajias were fantastic! I ordered oxtail. They were so small there was barely any meat on it at all. I complained to the waitress since it's $38 for the dish but she she just basically said " sorry". Mokimo and collards were good. The samosas are a bit spicy but good as well. Next time i will stick with chicken
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Sean B.

Yelp
First time I got the Yoma Choma!! Not sure on the spelling and the spinach amazing. Jollaf rice not impressive.
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Brooklyn C.

Yelp
Update to my previous review. Swahili never disappoints. The food is consistent, the service is on point and the vibes are great! Although I love and frequent the DC location, eating here with a group was just as pleasant.

Victor O.

Yelp
Reviewing as a Kenyan, Not worth it any more. Used to be a really nice place but it seems as though the owners are getting greedy. It's Swahili village....wtf is Suya? (Not Nigerian Swahili village - no offense to my naija brothers and sisters) Pro: ambience Cons: expensive, service is mediocre (probably coz staff is jaded and underpaid- see article below), portion sizes are average (ugali haimatch sukuma, ni Kama patco) Meanwhile: https://www.washingtonian.com/2023/08/23/dc-restaurant-swahili-village-accused-of-wage-theft/
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Lynn B.

Yelp
First time visiting and all in all enjoyed the food and the wait staff was great. There were four of us and the three decided to share our dishes so we could sample a variety, while the fourth person was a vegetarian where there were very limited items. We ordered Kiki curry chicken. It was delicious but was expecting more of a curry favor which did not come through. I still enjoyed it but if salt is an health issue do not order this dish. We also order the Nyama Choma which is the grilled beef tenders. This was my favorite item--tender and seasoned to perfection. Lastly, Mbuzi Katanga, the other two enjoyed it, I did not. It lack seasoning and was very chewy. My partners told me I got a bad piece. We had as sides the sautéed cabbage, yummy, mokimo-mashed peas, corn, potatoes and sautéed onions--bland and forgettable and chapati--Kenyan flat bread--bland, dense and oily but it helped with the saltiness of the curry chicken. All and all I enjoyed and would go again with slight modification on my order. It was much better than I expected and would recommend giving it a try. Oh, place looks much better on the inside so don't be scared away from the exterior
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Wright S.

Yelp
Beef Samoosas Pork Sausage Beef Bites (ribeye) Start ofwith these amazing appetizers and you can thank me later. This is a kenyan restaurant and carries as well a large variety of other african authentic foods
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Tawnie G.

Yelp
Swahili Village! What!!??? What did you just give us!? We've been striking out, meal after meal, and then suddenly, you brought us the best meal that I've eaten in probably two years. This was insane, and the drive was well worth it! We sat at the bar, and the service was incredible! The only negative thing I can say is, we didn't understand why an automatic 18% gratuity was added to a bill for two people. Honestly, we would have given more, so this was a bit confusing. However, my lentil stew, spinach, and plantains were all perfection. My husband got the goat stew with cabbage and fufu, and spent the whole drive home raving about it to our parents. The vibe is just perfect too, I was Shazamming literally every single song that's they came on. Such a great way to spend our MLK day! I'd come back weekly if I could!
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Toya J.

Yelp
One of the biggest lessons in life I'm adapting to is that 'it's never too late.' So, this review is for the amazing somewhat new Swahili Village in Beltsville. Oh, they got fancy, but in a great way. White table clothes, crystal wine glasses; the ones you tap and they hum, mm hmm. Yeah those. They have more space now, a cute little bar on the other side of the dining room, and this mural of an African sunset giving the dining room this warm and romantic glow. The food is still impeccable and service is great! The wine list ranges from simple to sophisticated- Impressed. My dish was amazing the TILAPIA "SAMAKI" FILLET a deep-fried tilapia fish, with bones in a rich coconut curry sauce. I added jollof rice and sauteed cabbage and had enough to take home! The fish was crispy with the head on it, the coconut sauce was perfect to balance out the spice. To look around and see all of the bright smiling faces of various ages of people from African decent and other races, and cultures, stops my heart in its tracks and allows me to feel grateful, that the diverse and harmonious America we long for does exist in these charming small pockets, and sometimes the world doesn't seem so bad after all. So, take yourself down there and go eat!
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Ronnie T.

Yelp
Before I write this review, all I can say is WOW!!! I had heard about this establishment offering authentic Kenyan food through the grapevine, and let's just say that it was a dream come true!!! Now let's dig into this review! I was greeted by warm and welcoming customer service, and I was seated promptly. The restaurant was pretty full, but I must say that the staff was on point and fully present with each and every patron. The African culture and feels were so vibrant. There was African art adorning the walls, and African music playing as well. The authentic African cultural experience is definitely present here! Now, onward to the food. I ordered a Samaki Tilapia Fillet with a side of rice pilau and plantains! This dish was bursting with flavor!!! The curry sauce hit my soul and it was seasoned to a T!!! The plantains were sweet and juicy, and the rice was seasoned as well. This dish had pure love put into it!!! I also love that hot pepper sauce came with the dish and that I didn't have to ask for it. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed myself!!! Great ambience, food, and experience.. The cherry on top is that this dining experience happened during black history month.. Happy Black History Month!!! The black culture spans across seas! As a Black American, I felt honored to be treated with such respect by my African brothers and sisters. If you want to support an amazing business & a Black owned business check this place out!
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Trish J.

Yelp
We went for Father's Day and were promptly greeted and seated. From the minute we sat down we could tell dinner was going to be amazing. The smells, the music, the ENERGY this place had just made you want to smile. Inside the restaurant is gorgeous. We were entertained for quite a while just admiring the art. We ordered drinks, appetizer, and our entrees. The bar and kitchen seemed a tiny bit behind, but it was worth the wait! Our daughter loved the wings and fries, and we got the red snapper and grilled goat. The servings were delicious and generous to say the least. Next time I think we agreed the platter is the way to go. Try a little of everything!
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Cas N.

Yelp
This place has the best food. I visited this place based on a recommendation and wasn't disappointed at all. The environment is very nice and a bit upscale. It's very clean, has good music and the staff are courteous and knowledgeable. Now for the food, it was bomb. The end. But seriously everything I tried was so flavorful, plentiful and delicious. The goat stew was rich and tender, and paired with chopati and fufu it put me to sleep. Definitely going to be one of my go to spots for Afrikaan cuisine.
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Donyiel C.

Yelp
I'm a fan! I visited the DC location a few months ago and knew I had to come to this one. Different set up and vibes, but still great food and drinks! One great thing about this location vs DC, don't have to worry about parking or walking down a steep flight of stairs! I've literally drove by here for years. I don't know what took me so long to visit but I will be a regular! Shout out to my new favorite bartender, Julian! He knows his drinks and he's such a pleasure to chat with! I've introduced a few friends to this place! I like the chill vibes here. I've never been late night but apparently there's a DJ and it's probably more of a lounge feel! I like that you can dress down or up! It's fine to come solo, on a date or with a group!!
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Mark U.

Yelp
Had Lentils Ndengu, great vegetarian option, with coffee. Hostess gave me a full tour of the place, bigger than it seems from outside. Modern, lots of spacing vs Manhattan equivalent, if there is one Plan a family event to coincide with an NJPAC event. Visited as attendee of Dodge Poetry Festival.
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Robert R.

Yelp
From the outside the shopping center looks pretty nondescript. But once you get inside the restaurant, it is one of the nicest decorated restaurants in the area you can tell the owner put a lot of time and effort into showing off his country. The food there is always excellent after 10 o'clock the place turns more into a nightclub with lines out the door, one of the hottest spots in the northern Prince Georges County area, the owner Kevin has several locations now across the country but he can often be found here at his original location. If you're tired of always eating the same thing this is a great spot to go. Definitely unique the seasoning is delicious you will enjoy yourself.
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Keima W.

Yelp
We came here for our annual Christmas Eve 2021 dinner. We were a party of 7 and were seated within 10 minutes. We had a 5:00 reservation. Sean was our waiter. He was very hospitable and on the ball with everything. He gave great recommendations and was very efficient and friendly. We started with the Samosas and the wings. We got the fried wings since grilled wings take about 25 minutes. The samosas are little pastry pockets with spicy beef inside. They were flaky on the outside and moist inside. Very good. The wings are also very tasty. The entrees were good portions and very tasty. The goat is good and tender, the tilapia was moist inside, the salmon was perfectly seasoned. The cabbage was good but the rice was kinda dry. I wouldn't get that again. To end the meal we had mango mousse and cheesecake. Both were yummy but the mango mousse was delicious! Overall we enjoyed and will definitely come back.

Ashley P.

Yelp
The food was great per usual. Initially the service was lacking. The woman at the host stand completely ignored me then I waited for the host, then waited for a table , sat at table and waited 15 minutes for server and then the service was good and so was the food. Ambience is better at the DuPont location and more lively but food here is just as good .
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Tarsha S.

Yelp
This spot is a total vibe. Not only do they service African and Caribbean cuisines they also have a few American dishes. If your having a big party there's a seating area for you. If you want to entertain at the bar , there's a nice seating area for that. And if you wAnt a little more quiet dine in vibe there's seating for that too. Whatever you need they got you covered. The customer service was great. The bar tenders were nice and heavy on the drinks . Great music , Great vibe , Great experience.
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Linda Q.

Yelp
W O W! It was my first time having Swahili food and I ordered the Nyama Choma, Mbuzi Choma as well as a Swahili basket. There was so much flavor and each dish was cooked to perfection. Service was also amazing, our server knew we were new and was very patient, welcoming with guiding us to options we would like. What a hidden gem. If y'all haven't tried this, y'all need to (whether y'all in Greenbelt or not!). They deserve so much credit and can't wait to go back for more.
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Melvin B.

Yelp
Came here for lunch after a doctors appointment. My brother was with me. He had a problem as soon as we sat down. They did not have menus and he only had a flip phone. They want you to scan a QR code see the photo. He did not bring his glasses so he was not able to use my phone. They finally brought him a tablet and we were able to place our order. Got the sampler for an appetizer and we both ordered the goat stew. I got spinach and rice as my side. The sampler was okay but we were hungry so I am unable to provide a picture. Now it was not crowded at 2pm but service was slow. See attached picture. If you have to scan for the menu expect a little more speed in the service. I think you have to pay at the site as well I hope not. They did provide carafes of Diet Coke and water which was good. Our entrees came and it was good. The stew was flavorful and the hot was gave it a kick. The hot sauce was in the plastic cup on the bowl. As with all goat dishes you have to contend with bones but that is the price you pay. Well that was good. I'm using good a lot in this post. Anyway it was a 4 star experience.