Africana Halal - Des Moines

This is a no-frills spot that doesn't even have a sign out front, and there's just one menu on the wall featuring only four items. The son took our order on a napkin! His mother prepared the food, and he brought it to us. That being said, the food was absolutely DELICIOUS! Both the son and mother are incredibly sweet and a pleasure to chat with. Mom has been cooking for over 40 years! If you're looking for authentic Somali cuisine with generous portions at an affordable price, this is the place to go. I definitely plan to return for more of their food. Don't let the simple atmosphere deter you!

The lamb (Hilib Ari) was incredibly flavorful, with a fantastic texture that paired perfectly with the aromatic rice—definitely not your average dry dish. The Chicken Suqaar was served in small pieces, featuring a vibrant spice that complemented the rice and salad (which included lettuce, onion, and lemon) beautifully. The standout for me was the spiced coffee; add a bit of sugar, and you've got yourself an amazing boost of energy! My sister’s tea was also delightful, although it was quite hot and already sweetened. The lovely woman who has decades of cooking experience was very welcoming; she checked in on us, and we had the opportunity to learn more about her rich story. [Thumbs up if you’re tempted to try their coffee!]

I was just passing through when I noticed the positive reviews and decided to dine here. Upon entering, I found the entire restaurant empty, which was quite unusual – it seemed like no one had been there all day. I inquired about several menu items, but they were unavailable, which struck me as odd. However, after an eight-hour drive, I was hungry and didn’t want to search for another place to eat. I ordered beef with rice but ended up receiving beef kebab instead, and it was disappointing. While the rice was freshly made, everything else tasted like it had been reheated. It seems like no one visits during the summer, so they didn’t bother preparing fresh food for customers like us.

I absolutely love the food here! The rice with chicken or goat meat is a must-try. We make a 40-minute drive to enjoy this place at least once a week. Even though it has new owners now, the taste remains just as fantastic. Highly recommended!

I decided to try something new and stumbled upon this place! When I called to place my order, I didn't realize they had updated their menu. Thankfully, the owner promptly sent me the new menu and then called back to assist me with my order. Let me tell you, the food is fantastic! We ordered lamb with bread, lamb with rice, Sambusas, and Baklava. The lamb was tender, the bread was fresh and homemade, and the rice was perfectly spicy and well-seasoned. The Sambusas were also amazing, featuring a fluffy crust and delicious filling. The Baklava was a perfect sweet treat to end the meal! The owner was incredibly kind and spent time helping me with the menu and answering my questions. I can't wait to place my next order!