The African Calabash

This is a top Nigerian restaurant, highly recommended. Friendly & helpful staff The food is fresh, well made with good presentation and very tasty. The Egusi soup with pound yam was absolutely amazing, so so good! Best eaten with your hands - break off the pound yam, pinch it between your thumb & fingers & use it to pinch into the soup & meat. Highly enjoyable using your hands - so much tastier & you don't overeat. The fish was so, so good, so very good!

The best chicken I've ever had. My sons beef meal was delicious too. Portions are ample and the cost was reasonable. The only issue was the plantain was served in a wire basket that was placed directly on the table. I'd rather it was placed on a plate first. No alcohol service either, however other yummy drinks on offer.

Loved trying fufu for the first time and fish was divine 🔥 Malt drink was yum too! Will definitely come back to try more 😊

Myself and my friend Alexia have been eating at the African calabash regularly for about a year, she’s been going there for about 3 years. Every time we walk in we’re warmly greeted by the owner, Colin, who always remembers us and starts conversations each time. The rest of the staff there are also super friendly and the atmosphere as a whole is very wholesome. Myself and Alexia always get fufu (pounded yam) with our choosing of stews that they have a variety to choose from, including egusi (a crowd favourite) , banga soup, okra soup, and more. We’ve never been disappointed with our meal, they’re always made fresh and hot, with extremely generous servings, and are always flavourful and packed with meat. Highly recommend this place for anyone interested in trying authentic west-african cuisine, or are just looking for a chill, wholesome environment to have a meal!

Wanted to try African food for the first time and this place had the highest rating in the area. For good reason! The place was so welcoming and everyone was so friendly. the food came out quickly which was perfect as the kids were ravenous. Had to try the pounded yam which was all the craze on tiktok awhile back and it was exceptional. I can see why it is so popular and will definitely order it again. also the unsung hero was the cassava chips which were so good, we had to order another two serves as soon as we finished one. the talapia was fried perfectly and I wish my stomach could fit more things. everything was really enjoyable and appreciate all the little thoughtful things like having wet wipes available in the bathroom. Also as we have little children, must say they have the cleanest bathroom I've seen in a restaurant in a very long time and this is very much appreciated when having to help kids in there.

I’d never tried African food before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The flavors were interesting, but the lamb dish had small bones throughout, which made it hard to enjoy. The other dish had a texture I wasn’t used to and found a bit odd. I’m not quite sure how I feel about it overall. Maybe I just need to try other African restaurants to get a better sense of the cuisine.

This is the first time for me and my friends to try African food, the experience is fantastic and we all love the food here. Jollof rice and fish was tasty, the fish was grilled very well and the spices were just right. It was a pity that I didn't try the special drink Bissap this time, which is only available on weekends. I have been looking forward to trying it. I wish you could tell me where I can buy it in Melbourne

I went to African calabash and I’ll tel you now this place does not miss. From the moment you see the menu and you see your plate on your table you know it’s about to be serious. Portions? Very good for you not to run back to get Maccas😂 Sauce? It’s just packed with flavour. Taste? Well I wouldn’t be writing a review I tell you that. It’s not rushed and also where it’s just “serve and move on” it’s nothing of the sort, staffs are welcoming and vibe is there. The whole experience feels like comfort food. I’ll definitely be bringing my lads down next time😋🔥.