Jambo Cafe

The first time I've had Jambo was 14 years ago on my first trip to Santa Fe, I remember having the combination plate then. This was before Yelp days and I didn't get a chance to document my experience but thankfully I still had the photos. We came back for another taste this time visiting Santa Fe. Nice decor! Ooof it is soooo good! We had the oxtail, the mahi mahi, another combo plate and the Kenyan beef kabobs. Everything was so tasty!! My favorite was the oxtail stew! The service was great but I just can't stop thinking about how tender the oxtails were! I have never made African food but I was so intrigued that I went back the next day to buy the cookbook and a packet of the curry spice. Unfortunately for me the chef wasn't there to sign my copy, but that just means I have to come back when he releases the next cookbook later this year.

I had a nice lunch here. All servers are quite attentive and friendly: couldn't ask for better service. Butternut squash soup was pretty delish and I liked their stuffed phyllo app, too. For my combination platter, I chose lamb stew, chickpea stew and chicken curry. Flavoring was spot on but the meats weren't particular too fresh. Also their rose wine was more on the cheaper side of things. Coconut cardamom flan was a nice touch and a fitting way to end my meal.

Jambo Cafe is a FAVORITE in Santa Fe NM who is owned by an incredible chef - Chef Ahmed Obo. I remember when he first started, the small restaurant, seating was sparce! The FOOD was amazing and only increased in mouthwatering (imaginary) dishes, with specials each afternoon/evening. Jambo's was a place I could NOT STAY AWAY FROM.And on my birthday, he set up a delightful celebration at the bar, with all kinds of specially made veggie dishes; Who goes out of their way for a customer when owning a restaurant.AS Chef Ahmed Obo grew, he extended the restaurant next door to the closed beauty shop and STILL STAYED OPEN IN THE ORIGINAL RESTAURANT. Most did not know Ahmed was expanding; and what a delightful surprise, more people more DELICIOUS FOOD.Ahmed started a Food Truck and still to this day, both expanded beautiful decorated with exemplary service are all going strong.Was this enough? NO!! Ahmed opened a shop several doors down in the center in College Plaza Shopping CenterAddress: 2010 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505All African clothing, drums, musical instruments and more. Ahmed's journey is one of Heroism, Valor and daunting courageousness!! Nothing would stop him. Ahmed had some parties to celebrate his 4th to extended years where I met his two children, the most polite well mannered and spoken of children; Ahmed expect superlative not only in his food, work also the highest degree in his family. This emulated in his children as they gleefully smile about their schooling and for coming careers. The next time I will take some more recent photos, for Yelp was not a primary "commenting" venue and knowing Ahmed and his imaginative mind, he has grown exponentially and there will be much more to share in story form, and delicious food.If you perchance are in Sante Fe NM, make Jambo's a MUST GO AND EAT several times while visiting and do walk 50 feet to his African store.Ahmed "might share" his incredible life story with you, who supported his entire family by fishing, and then coming to the USA!!!

This place hit on all levels. Tasty food. Excellent service. Friendly patrons. Ok, it is in a strip mall, and so a bit lacking on ambiance.All three stews that I got had distinct flavors, and all were quite tasty. Our server was there when we needed him, always with a great demeanor. Note, we arrived fairly early on a Wednesday night, and it was already filling up. There was a bit of a line to get seated, but only a couple of minutes. However, I suspect that 6pm on a weekend might result in a wait.We ordered cardamon coconut flan for dessert. Quite good and tasty; definitely some coconut flavor in the custard and some cardamon flavor in the caramel. Our waiter comp'd the flan, because I guess our food was delayed. Still seemed to be fast service to us!If you are looking for something other than Mexican/New Mexican/Fancy, this is a great alternative! Oh, and the roti is simply spectacular!

Did not expect this coming from Los Angeles to New Mexico. Hands down I'm stopping by ANYTIME I'm passing through the town. Wish I could give the chef a kiss on the forehead. Perfect fall off the bone Jerk Chicken wings. Host were amazing aswell and there's a cool gift shop next to them. Thanks for having us

Absolutely wonderful! I love their Kenyan Steak Kabobs. Service is great (and seeing the Chef visiting tables is a plus.) And though Jambo is located in a strip mall, the restaurant is comfortable, and full of beautiful African art. There is also a shop where you can by the Chef's cookbook and spices and gifts. We love it and is our go-to for special evenings and when visitors from out of town are here.

I've heard really good things about Jambo and was very excited for the opportunity to check them out. You'll find them in an unassuming strip mall area, but once you walk in, you're definitely not feeling like you're in Santa Fe anymore. They have a gift shop conjoined with the restaurant. The menu is rather expansive with lots of options and lots of flavor. I started off with the cinnamon dusted plantains, which were amazing. we got some of the jerk chicken, which had some very flavorful beans and rice and also topped with a few plantains. Overall, the food was very good. I would've had room for dessert because they have a couple very interesting options.Service wasn't the best, we never got refills and it felt like we were constantly having to flag people down after long periods of waiting for things.

Tried the lamb burger with the mixed fries basket today for lunch, plus a cup of the soup of the day. Everything was seasoned to perfection!Waitress was sweet and very helpful.We love the atmosphere here.

Man I was so hyped / proud to find an African cuisine spot while researching for my first time visit to NM. This place popped up and so I added it to my itinerary. Walked into the place and the impression that it gave me was "a hole in the wall vibes" type dining. From then on I tried my best to NOT be so critical or judgmental but, from there it kept getting WORSE!I was really indecisive as to what to eat so, I asked the waiter and he suggested the Curry Coconut Chicken. The price for the dish was $19.99 and I thought boy it must be good if it's that much; so I ordered it. When my food came out I was not happy because of the portion for that amount of money.I began tasting and let me tell you it DID NOT taste anything like coconut and nor did it have any flavor! The chicken used was thighs (which had nasty chicken fat attached), the temperature was luke warm, and it was sooo watery!! I was NOT the least bit happy as I felt I got robbed but, instead of being boilsterous I stopped eating the food.I kindly let my waiter know that I wasn't happy with the quality or value and his demeanor was "sucks to be you.". At that moment I paid my bill and left. In summary I think it's shameful that the AFRICAN food quality / portions are being misrepresented in NM. However, I think it's peculiar that this place was featured on triple D?? Maybe this is a complacency issue here and the locals don't know any better. ChopNBlok in Houston,TX puts African cuisine on the map for sure!!!I don't recommend...‍

Amazing service. Restaurant has great atmosphere, prompt attention from waiter. He was attentive, helpful with ideas as well as good suggestions on menu. I had the sampler plate that had goat stew, lamb stew and chicken curry with the roti bread. Everything looked and smelled delicious. No matter what I ate it was full of flavor and the meats were all fall of the bone tender. The portions were great and the price was very good. I will for sure be going back to try other menu items.