Afro Deli & Grill
A vibrant eatery offering a unique fusion of African, Mediterranean, and American cuisine in a quick-serve format, recognized for its founder's entrep...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Afro Deli & Grill
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant eatery offering a unique fusion of African, Mediterranean, and American cuisine in a quick-serve format, recognized for its founder's entrepreneurial success.
"The food is absolutely phenomenal, especially considering the price and quality of ingredients."
Try the Chicken Fantastic
The Chicken Fantastic, a flavorful dish with vegetables in a creamy sauce over rice, is a highly recommended option.
Portions are generous
Consider splitting dishes as the portion sizes are large and offer great value.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
African Fusion
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Flavorful African-Inspired Dishes
Indulge in a unique fusion of African, Mediterranean, and American flavors, with standout dishes like lamb gyro and curry chicken.
Generous Portion Sizes
Experience hearty and filling meals with portion sizes that offer excellent value for money.
Vibrant and Welcoming Atmosphere
Enjoy a bright, modern, and friendly environment perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try the Chicken Fantastic
The Chicken Fantastic, a flavorful dish with vegetables in a creamy sauce over rice, is a highly recommended option.
Portions are generous
Consider splitting dishes as the portion sizes are large and offer great value.
Avoid Peak Hours
To skip long lines, it's advisable to visit during off-peak hours.
Don't Miss the Sambusas
Sambusas, especially the beef and veggie varieties, are a popular and tasty appetizer.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try the Chicken Fantastic
The Chicken Fantastic, a flavorful dish with vegetables in a creamy sauce over rice, is a highly recommended option.
Portions are generous
Consider splitting dishes as the portion sizes are large and offer great value.
Avoid Peak Hours
To skip long lines, it's advisable to visit during off-peak hours.
Don't Miss the Sambusas
Sambusas, especially the beef and veggie varieties, are a popular and tasty appetizer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Afro Deli & Grill is celebrated for its flavorful African-inspired dishes, generous portion sizes, and friendly atmosphere, making it a popular lunch spot. While many praise the unique fusion cuisine and value, some reviews suggest inconsistencies in food quality and service, with one diner finding the restaurant overhyped compared to fast-casual chains.
"My favorite restaurant in Downtown St Paul. I worked and lived in Downtown for the last year and a half, and Afro Deli is my favorite lunch spot. The employees are very friendly and provide prompt amazing customer service. The food is absolutely phenomenal…especially considering the price and quality of ingredients. Shaving Lamb off as it cooks, and applying good portion sizes too. I’m leaving in a week and will miss this place. If you haven’t tried it I highly suggest doing so."
Jason
"This restaurant is somewhat overhyped—it’s a very ordinary, typical Chipotle-style establishment. However, don’t get me wrong—Chipotle offers a better selection and tastier menu options overall.
During this visit, I ordered a chapati wrap with French fries and tea. The tea was decent—I’d rate it 8/10.
The chapati wrap was essentially a flatbread filled with pieces of beef, lettuce , and some vegetables. The taste was below average, especially when compared to Chipotle.
That said, the restaurant does have a nice atmosphere, good seating, and solid customer service."
Koofiro Koofiro
"Was really excited to try this place. They give huge portions, which I was not expecting, you can definitely split something. Tried the beef (Somali Steak) with lime and lamb gyro. Wish I had tried the chicken marinated with lemon. The basmati rice was delicious, it was my favorite thing! Fast service after they took our order."
Kat Spofford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include the lamb gyro, curry chicken, Chicken Fantastic, and sambusas (beef and veggie).
Yes, customers frequently note that the portion sizes are very generous and often suggest splitting meals.
Afro Deli is known for its quick-serve format, making it ideal for a fast and delicious lunch, especially if you visit during off-peak hours.
Yes, Afro Deli offers a Chicken Fantastic that can be made vegetarian, along with other vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
Sambusas are savory, triangular pastries, often filled with spiced meat or vegetables, similar to a samosa.
Accessing the St. Paul location can be a bit tricky; some visitors have noted needing to use a side door or sneak through a neighboring establishment.
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St. Paul's Best Restaurants
Afro Deli owner Abdirahman Kahin (2023 U.S. Small Business Adminstration’s Small Business Person of the Year) was born in Djibouti and moved to Minnesota in 1997. This explosively popular lunch spot features something for everyone: Somali fusion dishes, West African classics like Yassa Chicken, and even Caesar salad to please your pickiest friends. Be prepared to wait in line during peak hours, and don’t forget to add a side of sweet plantains.
Best Restaurants in the Twin Cities, 2023
It has been a joy to watch Afro Deli make a bid to be the Chipotle of Somali and East African food in Minnesota. First came the Cedar-Riverside location in 2010, then St. Paul. Now there are four locations, plus a State Fair booth, and founder Abdirahman Kahin was named the National Small Business Person of the Year for 2023 by the Small Business Administration and the Biden administration.
Five St. Paul restaurants to get you started with African cuisine
Bright, modern decor and fresh food make this a favorite Twin Cities lunch spot. In St. Paul, the space is large and welcoming, and the service warm and friendly. There are a few things on Afro Deli’s menu that are not available elsewhere, including the chicken or veggie fantastic, both of which feature a generous portion of vegetables in a creamy sauce, spooned over rice pilaf.
Downtown Saint Paul Restaurants
What do you get when you fuse African, Mediterranean and American food at a vibrant, quick-serve restaurant?. Everyone’s favorite lunch spot (well, a lot of people’s at least). Fun fact: owner Abdirahman Kahin attended former President Barack Obama’s 2016 State of the Union address where Kahin was honored by the U.S.
10 Must-Try Restaurants in St. Paul, MN to Try in 2024
Cuisine Type: Ethiopian RestaurantLocation: 5 7th Pl W, St. Paul, MN 55102Website:Afro Deli & Grill. Afro Deli & Grill offers vibrant flavors of Ethiopian cuisine. Known for its flavorful spices and unique dishes, this restaurant offers a taste of Africa in the heart of Minnesota.
Neighborhood dining guide: Downtown St. Paul has great places to eat
If you're looking for a quick lunch or an early dinner (sans alcohol), you really can't do better than Afro Deli. African specialties, including curries, keke (noodles) and our favorite, the Chicken Fantastic, are served in a quick, counter-service format.
St. Paul Ultimate Dining Guide
A fast, friendly, and affordable place for anything from coffee and tea, to lunch, dinner and dessert. Afro Deli is a social venture that attempts to weave together business with community and culture. All dishes are made fresh and prepared Halal.
Headed downtown for work or play? What's new in dining in Minneapolis and St. Paul
If Abdirahman Kahin didn't have a 10-year lease with an understanding landlord in downtown Minneapolis' Baker Center, his Afro Deli skyway outpost might not have stuck around.
7 must-try spots for cheap eats in the Twin Cities
Afro Deli offers African and Mediterranean fare, with locations in downtown St. Paul, the Minneapolis skyways, and near the University of Minnesota.
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